Belize: Communication Sciences & Disorders - 2 Weeks

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Overview

Belize: Communication Sciences & Disorders - 2 Weeks
Belize
Duration: 15 days
Therapy Abroad image
Therapy Abroad
$3,950
Deposit: $1,000

About this trip

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in beautiful Belize—where your passion for speech-language pathology meets real-world impact and professional growth! This program is your chance to have fun and earn ASHA Guided Observation Hours (GOH) in one exciting, immersive experience. Whether you’re preparing for graduate school or looking to deepen your understanding of the field, this opportunity checks every box: hands-on learning, cultural immersion, and resume-boosting observation hours, all in a stunning, supportive setting. This customized program is designed to support your academic and clinical goals while creating lifelong memories. From start to finish, our team will be with you every step of the way.

At the core of the program is meaningful collaboration with local government agencies, NGOs, private clinics, and community partners to provide sustainable and culturally relevant therapy to school-age children. You’ll learn from ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) through a dynamic, cross-cultural experience. Throughout your time in Belize, you’ll participate in a wide range of impactful activities—including formal and informal assessments, group therapeutic camps (Tykes Camp), individual sessions, school screenings, dynamic assessments, and caregiver training. And yes, every moment counts toward your ASHA GOH requirements—while also allowing you to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Upcoming Programs & How To Book

You can book this 15-day trip for the following dates:

  • June 21, 2026

Please note this does not include travel days en-route. To book your spot, simply find the green "Book Now" button on this page, select the date you wish to travel with us, and put down your deposit. It's as simple as that!

Who Should Join

Undergraduate students, graduate students, recent graduates, and post-bacc students. This award-winning program was designed to give every CSD/SLP student the opportunity to gain hands-on experience! Note: This program is your chance to earn up to 25 ASHA Guided Observation Hours (GOH) in one exciting, immersive experience!

Observation, Clinic, & Volunteer Hours

This program gives you the unique opportunity to have an unforgettable adventure and to complete ASHA Guided Observation Hours (GOH) in one immersive and unforgettable experience! Observation and volunteer hours are essential for building your grad school application and developing real-world skills. Under the supervision of ASHA-certified SLPs, you'll gain valuable experience across diverse clinical settings. Participants will engage in:

  • School based screenings and pediatric evaluations

  • Interactive sessions during our therapeutic camp (Tykes Camp) and inclusive educational settings

  • Hands-on workshops in assessment tools, therapy strategies, and communication techniques

  • Caregiver training, dynamic assessments, and informal screening tools

Bachelor’s students will earn guided observation hours, while master’s students have the chance to complete supervised clinical hours—both under highly qualified professionals. Whether you're observing group therapy, supporting individual sessions, or assisting in caregiver training, every moment contributes to your professional growth and future success.

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 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.

  • Worked with children who may have difficulties with articulation, fluency, expressive and receptive language, and social communication.

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.

  • Understand core SLP roles and responsibilities.

  • Learn about communication and professionalism.

  • Increase cross-cultural awareness in therapeutic and educational contexts.

  • Gain insight into grad school expectations and career development.

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, while most rooms have AC, 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!

Airfare & Chaperoned Flight

The total program cost does not include international airfare. Therapy Abroad organizes a chaperoned flight for students. You can find out more information about flights and how they work here. Most students choose to travel on the chaperoned flight, though we have flexibility for those who cannot or choose not to.

Payments & Fundraising

With the exception of international airfare, everything is included in your program tuition! There are no surprise costs, no hidden “optional activities,” and no upselling. Your tuition covers all activities, materials, meals, and housing so you can focus on learning, exploring, and making the most of your time abroad without worrying about extra expenses. We know study abroad is a big investment for students and their families, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. From professional staff to comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and a full itinerary of meaningful activities, we’ve designed everything to give you the best possible experience.

The total tuition is $4,950:

  • Non-refundable deposit: $1,000 (due at booking)

  • Remaining balance: $3,950 (split into 2 payments of $1,975)

And if you’re worried about payments, we’ve got options to help:

  • Explore our Fundraising Guide with strategies and resources.

  • Use our new built-in Contribution Page feature—just like GoFundMe, but directly linked to your program's tuition balance! So each time someone donates, you automatically owe less on your next payment.

  • Bring a friend! We offer a refer-a-friend discount of $100 each. So help us spread the word while you lower your tuition.

  • To save on extra processing fees, we recommend making your payment by ACH (direct bank transfer).

  • Need more flexibility? We can help customize a payment plan that works for you—just ask!

We recommend that students bring about $200 as pocket money for souvenirs any extra snacks they want.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

In the event of a cancellation, your deposit will be applied toward any tuition owed. Any remaining balance from the deposit will be held as a credit for a future Therapy Abroad trip. Refund percentages include the non-refundable deposit.

  • 100% refund for cancellations made 90+ days before departure.

  • 75% refund for cancellations made 90–61 days before departure.

  • 50% refund for cancellations made 60–46 days before departure.

  • 0% refund for cancellations made within 45 days of departure.

The deposit is non-refundable, but it can be transferred to a different program (for the same person only) as long as we’re told at least 60 days in advance. 

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.

More Information

Here are some links to our website that are worth exploring:

What's included

Pre-Departure Support

Pre-Departure Materials

Flight Help

Airport Pick-Up/Drop-Off

All Accommodation

Shared rooms

All Meals

Ground Transportation

WiFi Access

Therapy Materials

Material, Test, & Diagnostic Tools

Organized Excursions

Clinical Clock Hours

Overseen by certified supervisors

24-Hour Emergency Phone

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

Airfare

The cost of airfare to and from the host country and all other associated air taxes, ticket fees, and any country departure taxes

Travel Medical 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.

Medical Fees

Any vaccinations or medications (if required by the participant’s physician)

Visa Fees

If necessary

Passport Fees

SAMPLE ITINERARY

SAMPLE ITINERARY  image

Please note...

A finalized and detailed itinerary will be shared with participants approximately one month prior to departure. This is a sample itinerary provided to give you a general idea of the types of activities, excursions, and clinical opportunities that may be included during your trip. Specific schedules may vary based on site availability, local partnerships, and group needs.

Day 1

Day 1 image

Arrive in Belize

Today you’ll fly from the US into Belize City International Airport - Our staff will meet your group at the airport for a private transfer to your accommodation at the Tropical Education Center, where you will spend your first three nights.  After settling in, you’ll meet our team for an orientation on the area and our program. This will include safety information, a review of your itinerary, introductions, and hotel information such as WiFi and things you need to know, like tracking your ASHA observation hour goals, tracking tools, and expectations for the weeks ahead.


Enjoy a welcome dinner consisting of traditional Belizean food.

Day 2

Day 2 image

Cultural Orientation & Swimming Hole

The day begins with a visit to a local resource center for childhood learning, where students observe classroom communication and interact with teachers and children, providing insight into Belize’s educational and linguistic environment.  In the afternoon, the group visits St Hermane's Blue Hole, a natural freshwater cenote nestled in the forest. Students relax and swim in the refreshing turquoise waters, take in the lush surroundings, and enjoy the beauty of Belize.

Day 3

Day 3 image

Academic Foundations & Belize Zoo Night Safari

Today, you will spend the day at the Tropical Education Center preparing for the clinical portion of the program. A classroom session introduces foundational concepts in communication disorders and the ASHA observation framework. This is a chance to get to know more about your supervisors and start planning for Tykes Camp. In the evening, you will set out for a nocturnal safari at the Belize Zoo, experiencing the country’s native wildlife and big cats under the stars.

Day 4

Day 4 image

Transfer to Punta Gorda, Walking Tour & Introductions to Tykes Camp

After breakfast, your group transfers west to San Ignacio, where you will stay for the next ten nights. Upon arrival, students participate in a cultural immersion session led by a Garifuna or Mayan speaker. Later, you will meet to plan the structure of the upcoming Tykes Communication Camp, assign roles, and set therapeutic goals. 


Tykes Camp Preparations

Tykes Camp is a learning camp for children with special needs designed around skill based stations - speaking, listening, learning, sensory, STEM, and fine and gross motor skills. The philosophy of Tykes is simple: Provide evidence-based practice in a group setting for children with a variety of disorders and disabilities. Speech, language, and occupational therapy goals will be targeted in the broader context of play, academic skills, and activities of daily living. 


This philosophy is important for three reasons: 

- Group interventions are effective, fun, and create a social network; 

- Treatment intensity (i.e., frequency and dose) predicts the best outcomes; and 

- Academic readiness and strong behavior regulation leads to high-quality outcomes. 

Day 5

Day 5 image

Tykes Camp Preparation and Planning Day

Tykes Camp is the cornerstone of Therapy Abroad’s clinical immersion experience in Belize—a student-led learning camp for children with a range of special needs and communication challenges. Unlike traditional observation-based models, students in this program will take the lead in planning and facilitating therapy-informed group sessions, working directly with the children to implement skill-building activities. All ASHA observation hours during this portion of the program are earned through hands-on interaction and guided practice, not passive observation.


Today is fully dedicated to organizing, designing, and setting up for Tykes Camp. Students sort and evaluate clinical and educational supplies, create visuals and therapeutic materials, and design themed activities for the camp’s skill-based stations. Each team finalizes its clinical goals and adapts materials to meet the developmental levels and diverse needs of the children they’ll be working with. By day’s end, the entire camp infrastructure is in place, ready to launch. 


Day 6

Day 6 image

Tykes Camp Day 1 & Mayan Archeological Site

Tykes Camp officially begins, with students taking the lead in running stations and working directly with children. Stations focus on communication, sensory activities, STEM-based problem solving, and motor skill development. Under the guidance of licensed SLPs and OTs, students implement interventions in a group setting, learning to adapt in real time. 


This afternoon you'll head up to visit Cahal Pech Archeological Site. You’ll have a private, guided tour to learn all about the history and culture of the Maya people. The site was a palatial, hilltop home for an elite Maya family, and though the most major construction dates to the Classic period, evidence of continuous habitation has been dated to as far back as 1200 BCE during the Early Middle Formative period (Early Middle Preclassic), making Cahal Pech one of the oldest recognizably Maya sites in Western Belize.

Day 7

Day 7 image

Tykes camp Day 2 & Free Time

Camp continues with students adjusting their strategies and building rapport with campers. In the afternoon, you will debrief with your supervisors, write up your notes, and enjoy a free afternoon by the pool or exploring San Ignacio.

Day 8

Day 8 image

Outdoor Adventure Day!

After several days of intense clinical work and camp leadership, students take a well-earned break for a full-day outdoor adventure. The morning kicks off with a thrilling zipline experience through the lush Belizean jungle canopy, offering adrenaline, panoramic views, and unforgettable group fun. After lunch, the group heads to a nearby beach to relax for the afternoon.



Day 9

Day 9 image

Tykes Camp Day 3

Students return to camp with renewed focus, guiding group interventions with increased confidence and clinical insight.

Day 10

Day 10 image

Tykes Camp Day 4 & Chocolate Making

On the final day of Tykes Camp, students facilitate closing activities and reflect on the week’s clinical progress. That evening, they participate in a traditional chocolate-making workshop, engaging in hands-on cultural learning. 

Day 11

Day 11 image

Community Health & Flex Time

The morning is dedicated to participating in a community health outreach event. In the afternoon, students may choose optional observations or enjoy rest and reflection. 

Day 12

Day 12 image

Case Study Preparation, Feedback & Clinical Wrap-Up Seminar

With Tykes Camp and clinical observation complete, students spend Day synthesizing their hands-on experiences into formal case study presentations. Working individually or in small teams, they select a specific client, case type, or therapy session observed or led during the program and prepare a brief, structured presentation highlighting the child’s needs, therapeutic goals, interventions used, outcomes observed, and personal reflections.


Students receive guided support from Therapy Abroad’s licensed SLPs and program staff throughout the day, including one-on-one check-ins, mentorship sessions, and feedback on case selection, analysis, and presentation format. In the afternoon, the group comes together for a Clinical Wrap-Up Seminar, a reflective and interactive session that allows students to share insights, discuss clinical challenges, and celebrate collective learning.


This day is also an opportunity for informal peer feedback, refining professional communication skills, as well as professional development and graduate school prep. It serves as a bridge between clinical immersion and program closure—reinforcing academic growth, confidence, and clinical decision-making in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Day 13

Day 13 image

Transfer to Caye Caulker or San Pedro

Take the Belize Water Taxi to Caye Caulker or San Pedro today. Settle into your new accommodations. We will provide a brief orientation to the island and review safety information.


Spend the afternoon relaxing in the sun, swimming, shopping, or exploring the island. There is a beautiful sunset spot our staff will show you. 

Day 14

Day 14 image

Snorkel Trip

Head out on a boat excursion today for guided snorkeling to see nurse sharks, rays, and many beautiful fish and coral! The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world, and the largest in the western hemisphere. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Belizeans work hard to manage this resource sustainably. Our snorkel provider will provide snorkel equipment and life jackets we require all students to wear during the snorkel trip.


Spend your final afternoon relaxing in the sun, swimming, shopping, or exploring the island. 

Day 15

Day 15 image

Travel Home

Take the water taxi back to Belize City to catch your flight home! Exchange information with new friends to stay connected! Please reflect back on all of the amazing things you did on your trip.


Share your experience with family, friends, peers and professors! Please be sure to tag us in your social media posts and leave us a review on GoOverseas.com

About your organizer

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.

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