Communication Sciences & Disorders in Belize

I honestly was not sure what I was getting myself into, I know my friend was applying and she did her research, but I just kind of followed lead for the experience of learning over seas. It was probably one of the best experiences I could ever have. I will say I was beyond nervous going to Belize by myself and leading a camp definitely brought out my lack of confidence in my own skills, but with my fellow goers and the support of the clinician supervisors, I say it really improved my own confidence in my knowledge and skills as I continue to work on becoming an SLP and the knowledge that working with these kids is why I fell in love with Speech Therapy. Aside form the fun, having more hands on experience enhanced my learning more than a classroom setting could provide. It really helped to with starting graduate school applications to learn about different programs across the state and creating a network for our future careers.

This experience is an excellent way for SLP students to gain experience in the field before entering graduate school. It is challenging and motivating to plan a two-week camp for children with disabilities that is both appropriate for their cognitive abilities and engaging. Students learn about the paperwork and documentation progress as well which is essential for graduate school. The professionals on the trip have different therapy styles and strategies that help the students learn what works and doesn’t work for their personal therapy style. This program created lifelong friends and connections within the program. The girls in my group still talk all the time, and I was able to connect with Kristofer Brock, an SLP on the trip, at ASHA! I highly recommend this program to learn about SLP in an area where there aren’t a lot of services, and gain essential skills for graduate school. Belize is a beautiful country, and a great place for people who haven’t traveled a lot to learn about life outside of the United States. We have a lot of fun on this trip zipling and cavetubing and visiting the Mayan Ruins!

Therapy Abroad was my first chance to volunteer and learn more about Speech Language Pathology in Belize. The staff went above and beyond in terms of preparation. I was very comforted The constant communication and aid made my travels much easier — especially because I was travelling from Vancouver, Canada. Observing the SLPs and leading a communication camp has allowed me to gain real-world experience that I will forever cherish!

My favourite experience was when we observed the SLPs and children during the home visits. It was an eye-opening and humbling experience to be allowed into the children's home and allowed to observe various communication and swallowing disorders.

The cherry on top was the chance to experience Belize through various activities such as snorkelling, ziplining, cave tubing, and more.

For more information about my amazing experience with Therapy Abroad, please take a look at this blog post: https://www.thetravelingtraveler.com/therapy-abroad-program/

This program is so unique because it provides hands on experiences in the field of speech-language pathology that do not present themselves in the United States. It is a program that puts you one step ahead of your peers. I was able to improve my skills in many facets by running the tykes camp, conducting speech and hearing screenings, and observing in-home therapy. I also expanded my knowledge on cultural awareness as it was a main factor while working with citizens of Belize. I learned skills that I will take with me as I continue onto graduate school and my professional career. I also made some of my forever friends in Belize and we all had a blast together. This program is ran by a great group of individuals who only want you to be the best you can be and push for your personal development. I am forever grateful for the experience I had with therapy abroad.

I absolutely loved my experience in the Belize Therapy Abroad Program this past summer! It gave my needed observation hours in a very fun way! Not only was I able to do hands-on work and learn that way, but I also had a ton of fun with my group! We had such a fantastic tour of Belize. We not only saw the communities, but also saw Caye Caulker and did touristy activities as well. It was a fantastic blend of activities over the span of 2 weeks.

It was so fun being able to get to know a group of people from all over the states. I didn't know anybody going into this, but I made so many new friends by the end of this trip! I can not stress that you should do as much as you can during this trip!!! They give so many activity opportunities during a short 2 weeks. Do as much as you can, take as many pictures as you can! This truly is an adventure of a lifetime.

The instructors are there to help you every step of the way. Utilize them during, and even after the trip!

The cohort is very small, so it's easy to get to know your fellow SLP/AUDI-hopefuls and gain insight from each other about the career and how to further your goals. My time in this program had two SLPs on-site with us, guiding us, and having fun with us. This program opens your eyes to the different experience an overseas SLP has compared to back at home, and how SLPs are very needed in a non-first world country. We had clinic observation hours, in-house call visits, and so much to do and see. Belize is a beautiful country. The 'field trips' for both in-house calls to learn from or 'just for fun free time' trips to caves (cave tubing!) or beaches (visit to Caye Caulker) were what made me remember this trip fondly. I also made international friendships here, of like-minded people, that I likely would never have made without this program. I still keep in touch with them, since it's easy with social media these days.

There are not enough words to describe the Therapy Abroad Belize experience. Chad and his family truly go above and beyond to make it a wonderful experience. It's a project that is near and dear to their hearts and you feel it from day one. From personally meeting everyone at the airport to planning tons of activities/lessons, a lot of care and thought is put into every day of the trip. Belize is a beautiful country and you'll get to experience it to the fullest. Beyond learning about and getting hands on experience in the field of Communication Disorders, you'll learn about the wildlife, the locals, and the culture of Belize. It's a truly enriching and one of a kind experience that I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the field of Communication Disorders and travel.

Therapy Abroad provided 2 weeks full of: curriculum planning, supervised screenings / assessments, community based rehab, case conferencing, family fun day activities — not to mention the fun parts: zip lining, amazing jungle hikes, sightseeing, cave tubing, Xunantunich touring, shopping, swimming with sharks, and an amazing weekend at Caye Caulker. What I worried most about before this trip were bugs, housing and food. Looking back, there was no need to worry about housing and food because Monkey Bay provided a great place to sleep + clean restrooms with amazing staffs. The food was also delicious and gave all of us energy to go about our days without feeling hungry or tired. This experience is like no other because it provides such a solid educational insight (+ boost on your resume) while having some fun. The professional SLPs acted as not only supervisors, but also mentors who helped with questions about grad schools, praxis exams, license, etc. Thank you Therapy Abroad for an experience that I will never forget!