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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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 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 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.