Ireland: Sports Medicine and Culture (Spring Break)

Location
Dublin, Ireland
Program Description
This graduate program is designed for students enrolled in the MSAT program at JMU.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about the unique role sport plays in the Irish culture. With Gaelic sports being a unique part of the culture, students will also have the opportunity to learn about the rules of these sports, the skills required to play these sports and injuries common in these sports. Further discussion will focus around the prevention and management of injuries not only in Gaelic sports but also in rugby.
Location Description
Dublin is the capitol of Ireland and provides a great central location for day trips (Cliffs of Moher) as well as close proximity to our learning partners. Within Dublin, there is much to see and do. Highlights often include the Dublin Castle, Guiness Warehouse tour, Kilmainham Jail, and Temple Bar district.
Ireland is one of two countries that has a reciprocity agreement with the US based National Athletic Trainers' Association agreement which allows students graduating from our programs to sit for board certification in Ireland.
Director
Connie Peterson | peterscl@jmu.edu | Health Professions
Accommodations
Accomodations will be in a hostel with 4-6 students per room and only with students enrolled in the study abroad program. The hostel has private bathrooms in each room. Housing accomodations are within walking distance of city center, public transportation and many shopping and restaurant options.
Breakfast will be provided daily through the hostel. 3 dinners and one lunch will be provided and students should plan to spend their own money each day for lunch, snacks and remaining dinners. The hostel will allow students to purchase food and prepare meals on their own rather than eating all meals out at restaurants. Grocery stores are located near the hostel with many grab and go options also available.
Additional Items to Consider
COVID travel protocols are subject to change. Students are highly encouraged to be fully vaccinated to minimize travel difficulties. Proof of vaccine may be required.
Tentative Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival, tour Croake Park (4thlargest stadium in Europe), learn about Gaelic Sports, walking orientation to area, dinner as a group
Day 2: Na Fianna sport club, Experience Gaelic Games, Case study lecture on Hurling Injuries, Attend sporting event (TBA)
Day 3: Hop on/Off Dublin Bus Tour – on own, guided tour of Dublin, sight seeing day
Day 4: University College Dublin (UCD) – lectures and learning day
Day 5: Sport Physio Ireland (private physiotherapy practice) for interactive learning experience and Leinster Professional Rugby Club presentations on coordinated care and common injuries.
Day 6: Day Trip to Cliffs of Moher – lunch included
Day 7: Dublin City University – lectures and learning day, historical walking tour OR clinical observation experience
Day 8: Day Trip, Celtic Tour to the Boyne Valley
Day 9: Free day, Irish Nights Dinner and Traditional Dance Show
Day 10: - DEPARTURE day
*Students enrolled at JMU full-time during current Spring semester will pay no additional tuition to participate in a spring break program. The program fee will be the total required cost.
COVID-19 Location Information:
Each country has different requirements upon entry with regard to COVID-19. Please check this website for the most up-to-date information on what is required for the country (or countries) that are part of this program. Please note that this changes often, so we encourage you to check back frequently.
Applicant Criteria
Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0
Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in the MSAT program or similar graduate level health profession (PA, KIN) with a background in athletic training/sports medicine.
Graduate students only.
Application Process
This list serves as an application preview. To apply, students will need to complete the following:
- Study Abroad Online Application ($40 fee)
- Short Essay
- Interview with Program Director may be required
- Official transcript required for non-JMU students
Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in.
Applications Closed.
Application Deadline
Dates
All dates are tentative and subject to change
Courses
ATEP 632: Clinical II - Exercise and Nutrition
ATEP 664: Clinical IV - Transition to Practice
Courses listed here are to be used as a general guideline for program curriculum. *All courses are considered pending until approved by the Academic Department, Program, and/or College.