Send Michael Maloney to Dublin, Ireland!

Michael Maloney Start Date: Nov 7, 2014 - End Date: Nov 28, 2014
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Professional Development
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Dublin, Ireland

My Travel Story

by: Michael Maloney Start Date: Nov 7, 2014 - End Date: Nov 28, 2014
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Professional Development
  • Volunteer Trip
*** 11/9 update, THANKS to my contributors!, I appreciate your generosity! I kept the campaign goal low/humble/attainable. 5 months abroad/airfare/Visa/expenses adds up - additional help is much appreciated, thank you all a million times over :-)

I am finishing my 1st year in Northeastern Universities' Doctoral of Physical Therapy Program, which offers a cooperative learning experience in their curriculum, or "co-op", where we stop taking courses and work in our field for a semester. Given our training in the first year, we are skilled to do much hands-on work during Co-op and mine is this spring.

After sending 110 emails to various clinics in Ireland, (yes, 110!) I was accepted at PhysioCentre in Dublin! I will be working with five therapists including an Athletic Trainer/Masseur, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist/Kinesiologist/Craniosacral Therapist and a sports physician. Physiocentre is in the process of an expansion as they will be adding a new therapist onto their staff and building a gym as part of their new clinic to include functional/sports rehab as part of the facility. 

Under the advisement of the Site Manager, Katherine Kavanagh, I will observe and assist with treatments, observe Case Reviews, be introduced to manual techniques, be involved with In Service Training, help devise educational public lectures, maintain the appearance of the clinic, perform clerical work and assist the clinic in a new exercise rehabilitation computer software called PhysioTec. Unfortunately, international Co-ops do not get paid; however, my schedule will be flexible, working 3-4 days a week, allowing time to travel every weekend and spend time with my large, extended family, most of whom I've never met! My father is from Galway and is 1 of 10, so you can imagine how many people there will be for me to finally meet!

I've been saving up every penny. I'm in the process of finding a sublet for my apartment in Boston, but the major expenses from this journey include housing in Dublin, airfare, buses, trains, shows, plays, attractions, etc. In the meanwhile, I'm working as accompanist for a musical this month, as an accompanist during the busy Christmas season at various churches on the North Shore, as a singer for the Figgy Puddin Holiday Carolers, and perform at nursing homes and senior clubs. I'll be bringing my guitar with me to Ireland and am looking to busk on the streets for some Euros and perform at pubs and open mics.

If your contribution qualifies for one of the following rewards, email me at maloney.m@husky.ne.edu and we'll work out the specifics!
Choose one of the following rewards:
$10 - I'll mail you a personal postcard from Ireland!
$15 - Receive a postcard from me in Ireland and signed copy of my Children's album, "Music For Young Ears"
$20 - Receive a postcard from me in Ireland, a signed copy of my Children's album plus my album, "First Step"
$30 - Receive an original song by me ALL ABOUT YOU or anyone you woud like. A perfect gift for the holidays. You'll receive a CD of your song and hand-written lyrics... and a postcard from me from Ireland :-)
$40 - I'll meet with you and help you write and record an original song! You'll receive it on CD with handwritten lyrics, and a postcard from me from Ireland!

This will be a fantastic opportunity for me to meet family, explore my culture, walk through the fields and mountains, and learn who I am and where I come from. I'll be keeping a Blog updating you on what I'm learning at the clinc and my adventures around Ireland. Any sized contribution you can make to assist my trip is much appreciated.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Michael Maloney
  • Dublin, Ireland

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