Belize: 10-Day Clinical Connections in CSD & OT

San Ignacio, Belize

TA
Therapy Abroad
  • Email address verified
Aug 3 - 12, 2025
Group size: 1 - 12
Belize: 10-Day Clinical Connections in CSD & OT
San Ignacio, Belize

Therapy Abroad
  • Email address verified

Aug 3 - 12, 2025
Group size: 1 - 12

About this trip

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in beautiful Belize! We’re thrilled to offer you a unique chance to dive into hands-on learning while experiencing a vibrant new culture. This customized program is designed to support your academic and clinical goals while creating lifelong memories. From start to finish, we’ll support you every step of the way. At the heart of this program is collaboration with local government organizations, NGOs, private clinics, and community partners to deliver sustainable, culturally relevant therapy to school-age children. You’ll learn from professional SLPs and OTs as our ASHA-certified therapists guide you through a dynamic, cross-disciplinary, and cross-cultural experience. During your time in Belize, you’ll take part in formal and informal assessments, group therapy (Tykes Camp), individual sessions, school screenings, dynamic assessments, and caregiver training—all while connecting with peers and making a lasting impact in the community.

Observation, Clinic, & Volunteer Hours

Observing and volunteering are crucial for gaining hands-on experience and building your case for graduate school. Our programs offer the perfect opportunity to diversify your experience, earning observation, clinical, and volunteer hours in various settings. With an ASHA-licensed SLP supervising, these hours can also count toward clinical competencies for grad school applicants.


Our programs bring together master’s and bachelor’s students, with master’s students earning supervised clinical hours and bachelor’s students gaining guided observation hours. All SLP and OT supervisors meet rigorous standards.

Learning Outcomes

No other program combines group travel, study abroad, and hands-on professional development exclusively for CSD, SLP, audiology, PT, OT, music therapy, and related fields. If you’re aspiring to work in these careers, this is your chance for real-world learning like never before! You will leave this trip having:

  • Gained insight into Belize’s cultures, languages, and healthcare and education systems.
  • Understood how Belizean culture shapes therapy, assessment, and caregiver training.
  • Explored the differences in Belize’s educational and medical systems.
  • Examined ethics, global issues, and the impact of personal values on therapy.
  • Built career connections with experienced SLPs and OTs.

Relevent Skills

Therapy Abroad programs emphasize hands-on skill development in evaluation and treatment. On this trip you will have the chance to:

  • Master culturally appropriate, sustainable evaluation and treatment methods.
  • Assess and treat diverse individuals, considering Belize’s languages and cultures.
  • Enhance therapeutic skills with expert, real-time feedback.
  • Adapt and implement effective intervention strategies for clients and families.
  • Communicate clearly, respecting cultural and linguistic differences.

About Belize

Known as the "Jewel" of the Caribbean, Belize is a vibrant Central American country rich in history and culture. Formerly British Honduras, it gained independence in 1983 and continues to expand services for its special needs population. Therapy Abroad partners with Belize’s Ministries of Education and Health to support these efforts.


With English as the official language and a diverse mix of languages—including Kriol, Spanish, and Mayan—Belize offers the perfect setting to develop cultural competence and clinical skills. Students will gain hands-on experience while exploring the country’s rich history, unique communities, and stunning natural environment.

Accommodations

Students and faculty will stay in accommodations with communal areas, meeting spaces, and plenty of outdoor areas to relax and explore. Transport will be provided by private bus or van with a dedicated driver. You'll have access to WiFi, fresh drinking water, western-style toilets and showers, and towels and sheets. Accommodations are shared with individual beds and bathrooms, and most rooms have AC, though a few nights may have fans. Meals, prepared by local cooks, will feature a mix of Belizean and Western cuisine. Dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice. The warmth and hospitality of the Belizean people will make you feel right at home!

Belize Program Coordinator

Patricia Angela Dixon Sebastian, born in Belize City, is a dedicated educator with 37 years of experience in the Ministry of Education, where she worked as a teacher and Special Education Officer. She has also taught at the University of Belize and tutored in her community. Ms. Patty holds a Bachelor's in Primary Education from Belize Teachers Training College and a Master's in Special Education from the University of North Florida. Passionate about Special Education, she advocates for students with diverse abilities and collaborates with universities and organizations to provide resources. She is married to Errol Ellis Sebastian and has four children. A woman of faith, she lives by Proverbs 19:17.

Belize Clinical Coordinator

Alejandro Ashe, CCC-SLP, is a bilingual SLP from the U.S. Virgin Islands, originally from a diverse Costa Rican-American family. He graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College in 2018 and completed his CF in skilled nursing before joining the public schools of St. Croix in 2019. Alejandro has worked with a wide range of clients, from bilingual preschool evaluations to dysphagia and aphasia therapy with elderly patients. In 2022, he moved to St. Thomas as the first hospital SLP post-hurricanes. Before grad school, Alejandro held various roles, including youth rehab counselor, cabinet maker, and study abroad administrator. Passionate about cultural awareness and sensitivity, he presented on these topics at the IALP conference in 2018. Outside of work, Alejandro enjoys paddle-boarding, kiteboarding, and fostering puppies!

Payments

With the exception of international airfare, our trips are fully inclusive—there are no hidden costs or optional add-ons. Tuition covers all activities, materials, meals, housing, and transportation during the program, so students can focus on learning and experiencing their trip without worrying about extra expenses. 


Total Program Cost: $3,250 USD (excluding international airfare)

  • Non-Refundable Deposit (due at booking): $1,000
  • Remaining Balance Due (60 days before departure): $2,250

Cancellation & Refund Policy

If you choose to cancel, we will hold onto your initial deposit for you to use on a future Therapy Abroad trip. This deposit is not transferable to another person.

  • 89-60 days before departure: 75% refund
  • 59-30 days before departure: 50% refund
  • Less than 30 days before departure: No refund
  • Initial deposit is non-refundable

Safety & Risk Management

Safety is our top priority, and we take a hands-on approach to ensure every aspect of your experience is secure. Every location, accommodation, and activity is personally vetted by Therapy Abroad directors. Belize is a safe destination with strong infrastructure, and we work closely with the Ministries of Education and Health to organize every detail of your trip.

From departure to return, we provide a seamless, worry-free experience. You’ll always be part of a group led by experienced facilitators—never outsourced staff. Our team ensures access to medical care, clean food and water, and reliable communication at all times.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of our mission. Our programs are designed with Belize’s needs in mind, incorporating hands-on teacher training, modeling, and professional presentations to ensure lasting impact. What sets Therapy Abroad apart is our year-round commitment to building services—not just meeting immediate needs. We collaborate with educators, nonprofits, and community groups to create sustainable, culturally relevant solutions in speech-language pathology, education, and community health.

What’s included

  • Pre-Departure Support
  • Pre-Departure Materials
  • Same-Day Flight Help
    & Coordination
  • Airport Pick-Up/Drop-Off
  • All Accommodation
    Shared rooms
  • All Meals
    All of them
  • Ground Transportion
    All of it
  • WiFi Access
  • Therapy Materials
    Material, Test, & Diagnostic Tools
  • Organized Excursions
  • Clinical Clock Hours
    Overseen by certified supervisors
  • Emergency Phone
    24-Hour
  • In-Country Support
    24-Hour
  • Therapy Abroad Staff
  • Program Facilitators
    Locals who can provide valuable in-country perspectives and nuanced mentoring
  • Custom T-Shirts

What’s not included

  • International Airfare
    The cost of Airfare to and from the host country and all other associated air taxes, ticket fees, and any country departure taxes.
  • Passport/Visa/Medic Fees
    Passports (required), travel visas (where necessary), and any vaccinations or medications (if required by the participant’s physician).
  • Travel Medical Insurance
    Medical and travel/trip cancellation insurance (required). Should cost about $20-30 for the trip.
  • Course Credit Fees
    Any costs associated with receiving academic credit. This must be purchased as an add-on.

Available Packages

CSD Student Spot
Deposit: $1,000
Available until June 6, 2025

 This 10-day program is perfect for undergraduate students interested in both speech-language pathology and occupational therapy, especially those who are still exploring their future career path or want exposure to multiple allied health disciplines. Blending clinical observation with hands-on group activities, the program offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach to supporting children with diverse needs in a global setting. Students will participate in collaborative therapy sessions, school and community-based screenings, and skill-based stations that integrate speech, language, motor, and sensory development. While shorter than our 17-day intensive, this program offers a robust introduction to fieldwork with just the right mix of professional learning, cultural engagement, and adventure in one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in the Caribbean. 

$3,250
Deposit: $1,000
OT Student Spot
Deposit: $1,000
Available until June 6, 2025

This spot is for a student who wants to learn about Occupational Therapy on this trip to Belize.

$3,250
Deposit: $1,000

Available Add-Ons

College Credit (3 Undergraduate Hours)
$550

Enhance your study abroad experience this summer by earning academic credit through Salus at Drexel University (soon fully merged with Drexel). For $550, you can deepen your learning, boost your resume, and earn transferable credit—all with no exams, just hands-on education!



Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Belize

Today you’ll fly from the US into Belize City International Airport - Our staff meet your group at the airport for a private transfer to your accommodation in San Ignacio in western Belize (approximately 2 hours).


Depending on your flight arrival time, lunch will be on the road during your drive or upon arrival at your local accommodation. After settling, you’ll meet our team for an orientation of the area and our program. This will include safety information, a review of your itinerary, introductions, and hotel information such as WiFi. 


Enjoy a welcome dinner consisting of traditional Belizean food.

Your Organizer


TA
Therapy Abroad
Therapy Abroad was created to provide a valuable, relevant, and hands-on experience for undergraduate students, post-bacc and graduate students and professionals who are ready to step out of the classroom and gain real world experience in their fields of study. All of our award winning programs are designed by clinicians, university professors, and public health professionals. Each of our programs offer the best opportunity for students and professionals to make an impact and bring home skills and memories that will last a lifetime.