Communication Sciences & Disorders in Belize

This experience was opened my eyes to the provision of therapy services outside of the US, and how culture and background play a role in how we as professionals are to provide care to those in our communities. Therapy Abroad provided an immersive experience in Belize, teaching about the people, the country, and their need for more therapy resources and services. It was a beautiful and memorable trip, and an amazing way to start the rest of my career as an SLP! I got to know 10 other students and 2 professionals with the same goals for providing quality care to others, and gained hands-on and observational experiences!

I am so grateful to have had the experience to volunteer in Belize this past summer. I signed up for this trip not knowing a single person, which was a huge step outside my comfort zone. However, once I arrived at the airport and was greeted by the staff and other students with rice and beans, I was excited for the two weeks ahead.

We received incredible academic instruction and I feel my cultural competency is what developed the most over the course of the trip. The supervisors were really good at sharing their own experiences to teach us what to do (and even admitting their mistakes to teach us what not to do). I had never treated a client before, so it was so helpful to have their feedback at all times throughout the day, while also hearing the perspective of our other supervisors who were from San Ignacio and surrounding areas. Not going to lie, it is hard work and you will be tired at the end of the day, but it is well worth it and I wouldn't trade my experience for the world.

We had lovely buffet-style breakfasts made fresh by the hotel owner. Every day was a different combination of eggs, bread products, fruit, bacon, or other breakfast meat, etc. They made sure to accommodate all food allergies/sensitivities while still giving us a taste of numerous cultural dishes. The watermelon juice was incredible- definitely drink it to stay hydrated. And take your water bottle everywhere you go. It is very hot!

I definitely recommend branching out and trying to get to know almost everyone in the program because each university teaches in a slightly different way and there is a lot we can learn about the field (and about life) from others. Keep a journal and write not just about what you learned, but about how you felt and the progress you and your client made. Do not hold back- say yes to things that scare you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

I can say that the only real complaint I have is that we did not always follow the itinerary and I feel some things were missing due to COVID. We were unable to complete home visits or conduct speech and hearing screenings which were two things I was really looking forward to. It would have been very educational to see what home life is Iike in Belize, but despite the strict laws surrounding covid in Belize, I feel the program directors did an incredible job making sure our experience was worthwhile.

If you are hesitant about committing to Therapy Abroad, don't be. The experience is unlike any other, you are able to gain hands on SLP experience and explore a beautiful new country. I learned so much about Belizean culture, the history and diversity of the country is astounding, and I also was able to apply this new understanding of cultural differences within our therapy sessions. The knowledge I gained while in Belize will definitely help me as I move forward in my career as a speech pathologist. The SLP supervisors are very involved and great mentors, I am so thankful for their help. The other students were also amazing, and made the trip even more fun.

If you are looking for some amazing experience with speech therapy, go on a trip with Therapy Abroad! I have never had the opportunity to actually be the one doing speech therapy until this program. I really felt like the students were entirely in charge of the speech services camp for kids. We planned all the activities for each day and were each given a child to specifically work with. We were responsible for that child and worked on a team to help reach each individual child's goals. I definitely was nervous at first since I had never done speech in action, but the SLPs there were amazing mentors and everything turned out great! I loved being with real clients and helping out in such a grateful community! I also really enjoyed the educational discussions on the culture and therapy strategies.

The adventures were also really fun! I felt like I did not get exactly what I thought I was getting at times because they had to make a few adjustments with COVID the last year, and they did not communicate those changes very well before the trip. However, they made sure to still have amazing experiences that I do not regret! My favorite activities were canoeing through caves and snorkeling at Caye Caulker (We swam with sharks and a manatee!). I really loved the trip and would do it again! (side note: I personally really enjoyed having an entire island to ourselves since there were not many tourists this year due to the pandemic)

My trip to Belize with Therapy Abroad was one I will never forget! Going into this trip, I was unsure if being an SLP was for me. However, the mentor staff and the children I got to work with reaffirmed my passion for this field. I learned so much about how to be a great clinician, I am so thankful for all of the experiences this trip gave me: working one-on-one with a client, ziplining through the jungle, swimming with sharks, and snorkeling! While the beginning of the trip is a bit of a learning curve to prepare for camp, it was all worth it when I got to see improvement in my clients therapy goals! I hope to go back someday to continue work for Therapy Abroad. This trip is SO worth it!!

Traveling with Therapy Abroad and spending two weeks in Belize was amazing! It was super beneficial because we worked very closely with our supervisors, who were all SLP's. We were able to build connections, get advice, ask questions, and gain hands-on experience in the field. The camp was a great learning experience. The food throughout the whole trip was amazing and the staff was so helpful. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in speech therapy.

Therapy Abroad provided me with first-hand clinical experience that I was unable to obtain during the past year or so of undergrad due to the pandemic. It allowed me to further explore my interest in speech-language pathology and learn from amazing SLPs and peers. I met so many amazing women whom I hope to stay in touch with as our futures progress, and I was able to learn a lot about the culture and the people of Belize while I was there. We were truly immersed in their way of living, which is not something that can always be said while visiting other countries on vacations.

Therapy Abroad was an experience of a life time for me! I had an open mind going into this trip and I was not disappointed. This opportunity allowed me to meet all types of people, gain experience in my field, learn about a different cultural and make lifelong memories. I would recommend this trip to any CSD student who is looking to gain more experience in speech therapy, challenge their skills and enjoys traveling! After completing this program, I feel so much more prepared and knowledgeable for graduate school. Thank you, Therapy Abroad!