Global Perspectives: A SLP's Journey Working Abroad #3 (Location: Ireland)
Our third week in with the SLP working abroad series, we have Kelly, a SLP from the States that moved to Ireland. Continue reading on learn her take on the differences between the healthcare system between both countries and how “cultural sensitivity spills over into religious sensitivity”.
Thank you Kelly for sharing your experience with us!
What are your name, pronouns, and your job/professional title?
Kelly Martinez / Speech and Language Therapist
Tell me about yourself. Where did you initially move from (before you worked abroad) and what graduate school did you attend? Why did you become a SLP?
I’m a medical SLP currently working in a LTC (Long-Term Care), here in Ireland, while working with my facility to open a neuro rehab unit. Previous to this, my work setting was in California split between subacute rehab, Hospice, and home health. Backing up further I also have been a SLP in the school setting, and acute care.
Both undergrad and graduate education was completed at California State University Fresno. While in grad school, I was kind of freaking out because the program and instructors were prepping students for an either or career path of the school setting or the medical setting. One particular supervisor inspired me and said that I can do both and didn’t need to choose one over the other, so ever since then I’ve been working within the life cycle of care (young to older, stable to unstable medical status).
Unlike most others in the SLP/SLT community, I became a SLP mid life after having taken a different career path. I always wanted to be a SLP since the 3rd grade but didn’t immediately pursue college since I loathed school; although, ended up loving the learning experience with anatomy, neurology and the how-to’s of therapy. Helping others regain or compensate for a life changing event (sometimes a loss), makes my job beyond meaningful.
What city and country do you currently work in, what setting do you work in (e.g., international school, clinic, university, research, etc.), and what age range do you currently work with? How long have you been working abroad?
It’s been 8 months now since I moved abroad to Oranmore (Galway), Ireland. At the moment, the age range is 30s to 90s (most are seniors) since it’s a LTC but the new rehab unit will be age range of 18 to 65.
Where did you apply for this SLP international job and how was the application process?
Applied for this position on Indeed, and had a couple Zoom interviews, and a few on site meetings before accepting and move. The registration process to work in the medical field here in Ireland was long and brutal, taking me 1 1/2 years to secure (yes, totally serious)! But I had read about how difficult it was back in 2015 so started early to get that settled before even starting to look for a position.
Ireland is very behind with most hospitals still using paper files with handwritten notes by physicians, specialists, and clinicians. The facility I work in is automated with digital documentation which was a big plus.
What did the process look like for you to move abroad (e.g., obtaining visas/work permits or sponsorships, finding a place to live, moving, SLP licensure, etc.)?
Long and expensive, My costs so far probably around $15K for permit, visa, and moving expenses (employer did NOT pay any of this). I had to apply for a Critical Skills Work Permit which basically doubles as my visa. This also is important for my husband who piggy backs off my work visa, allowing him to stay on a spousal visa - and he can work in any type of job sector he wants.
There’s a housing crisis here combined with an outdated political system and about 70,000 refugees that are on government support, so we decided to rent a place for at least a year before deciding to stay and invest in a home. Fortunately in our case, the Irish love Americans which made it a bit easier to secure housing. Packing up took about 3 months, moving took 2 1/2 months (shipping containers is a process), and licensure I mentioned was long but I had that completed beforehand.
What motivated you to pursue work opportunities abroad as an SLP?
Every time I traveled back to Ireland (since 2015), islanders would tell me stories of the waiting time to see a speech therapist (yes, we are called speech therapist and not speech pathologist). It was typical for me to hear people were waiting 18 months to 3 years just for an appointment for consultation. Disabilities abound in Ireland, with a healthcare system underfunded and behind. There was a huge need for my skills here, so here I am - out here making a difference.
How does the pay rate, cost of living, and quality of life compare to living in your home country?
Okay, this is where it gets kind of painful lol! I’m making less than half of what I made back home, and very little benefit-wise, other than 10 holidays off for the year plus 20 days vacation.
Quality of life is just amazing. On my drive to/from work, I drive by farms with sheep and other animals roaming around green fields. My facility is literally across the street from the ocean, and at lunch I sometimes sit on benches overlooking the bay - if it’s not pouring rain since that is what Ireland is known for! Most people are very kind, and friendly. It’s a very slow pace of life, literally no one is ever in a hurry, except maybe me. Cost wise things are pretty much the same price for groceries. Gas is more by almost double, clothing is a little higher in price with 1980s fashions still in stores, furniture is astronomically high for lower quality and selection than the US, and finally rentals of apartments and houses are California prices (fairly high).
What specific challenges do you face working abroad as a SLP?
This country operates very much with the medical model, where the GP is always right and don’t you dare question or state otherwise. Yes, I’ve been told by more than one GP that if I didn’t like their decision that I can go back home to America! Getting an instrumental takes an act of God as hospitals are old (units are called wards with large rooms of many beds and not many private rooms) and staffing is limited.
The SLTs in Ireland are basically reduced to speech, and swallow with few clinicians in the field of working with Trach patients or cognitive impairments. There are literally no respiratory therapists here so suctioning, secretion management and Trach care is a job split between nursing and physical therapists (physiotherapists), with my facility fortunately allowing me to take a bigger role in this arena. Occupational therapists are the ones, so I’ve been advised, that assess and treat cognitive impairments, not SLTs. So bizarre! I’ve found to appreciate ASHA and the work and quick responses they had provided to me in the past when I reached out to them for clinical practice advice. Because in Ireland, the SLT association takes weeks to respond, and when they do respond they have no answer or tell me to contact a colleague for advice. Other SLTs here pretty much keep to themselves and do not share advice, or suggestions even after I ask. They are friendly, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve gotten the vibe that they do a lot of comparing (me versus you) and don’t want someone knowing more or having an edge up to them. That doesn’t stop me though, and I will keep working to change that type of thinking! Life in general and growth in our field of work doesn’t / shouldn’t have a spot for this!
What are your favorite things about working abroad as a SLP?
Love working with a different culture of people. At my facility there are staff from 29 different countries which creates an amazing dynamic workplace.
What are the most significant differences between practicing as a SLP in your home country versus abroad?
Less resources, less opportunities for local workshops and trainings for CEUs, and a difference in opinion for importance on oral hygiene. I’m big on promoting oral hygiene (bacteria prevention, aspiration potential) but it’s not at all addressed here.
How does your experience working abroad influence your perspectives on diversity and cultural sensitivity in speech-language pathology?
Grown up and worked in California which has got to be one of the most diverse areas anywhere. I am already used to multilingual and multicultural patients as well as work colleagues (including myself).
Cultural sensitivity spills over into religious sensitivity here, with many religious events incorporated as “Activities”. For instance, Rosary is 2 to 3 times a week, Mass is once a week, and Communion is also once a week - held at our facility so we have to consistently work therapy times around this. Had issues with the Communion wafer being placed in patients mouths who were not able to chew or swallow. Once I found out this was happening, I scheduled a meeting with the local priest and we discussed options (and immediately implemented them) which were religiously acceptable by the church, and safe for the patient.
What advice would you give to other SLPs who are considering working abroad for the first time?
Expand your horizons and experience life in other portions of the world. It’s very rewarding, and adds to your experience as a clinician.
How do you handle homesickness or any potential challenges related to being far away from family and friends?
What’s App, Facebook Messenger / Video, Zoom. We are always on the phone talking or video calling friends and family, that consistent contact is important. Have made lots of new friends and stay pretty social. I think it’s important to visit home a couple times the first year (has helped me) plus it’s fun when friends come to visit.
Which other cities/countries have you worked in as an SLP? Tell us about those experiences (for those that have worked in multiple locations).
Besides Ireland, and California - none.
Can SLPs contact you for more information? How can they contact you?
Of course SLPs can contact me!
Email: KellyMartinezslp@gmail.com
Instagram: @kellym559
Facebook: Kellym559
