College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5243 USA
(269) 387-7367

Ireland study abroad leads to OT international exchange

Photo of Dr. Patricia McClure, OT Chair Dr. Ben Atchison, Dr. Maureen Mickus, Dean Dr. Earlie Washington, visitor Dr. Mary Hannon-Fletcher.
Clockwise starting at upper left: Visitor Dr. Patricia McClure, OT Chair Dr. Ben Atchison, Dr. Maureen Mickus, Dean Dr. Earlie Washington, visitor Dr. Mary Hannon-Fletcher
Visiting University of Ulster students pause to pose.
Visiting University of Ulster students pause to pose.

In early September, Drs. Mary Hannon-Fletcher, head of school, and Patricia McClure, associate head of school, along with six occupational therapy students from the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, Northern Ireland, spent a week at WMU, visiting College of Health and Human Services classrooms and various clinics. The visit was an extension of a long-standing partnership; over the past eight years Department of Occupational Therapy Associate Professor Dr. Maureen Mickus has coordinated a faculty-led study abroad in Ireland program for over 200 WMU students. As part of this experience, WMU students attend University of Ulster classes and participate in clinical placements throughout greater Belfast. Future plans for the partnership include shared courses between the two occupational therapy programs and continued exchanges.