Step outside the classroom and into a transformative journey with Therapy Abroad’s Communication Sciences & Disorders and Speech Therapy Semester Program in Belize. This immersive, accredited experience combines a semester of courses, hands-on clinical practice and observation hours, and cultural engagement giving students a competitive edge in graduate school and future careers in speech-language pathology.

Led by U.S. university faculty, students receive personalized instruction in small classes while gaining real-world experience at Belize’s only dedicated speech therapy clinic. The semester includes meaningful community outreach and service-learning opportunities that connect academic learning with real impact.

Students can earn 12-14 credits per semester, fully accredited by Drexel University and transferable* to their home institutions. Before departure, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation prepares participants for success—covering cultural norms, clinical expectations, and travel logistics.

Once abroad, you’ll apply classroom learning to guided observation hours and hands-on clinical work, working with licensed SLPs to support diverse clients across school, clinic, and community settings. Clinical experiences may include formal and informal assessments, group therapy camps like Tykes Camp, individualized sessions, caregiver and teacher training, and school-based screenings—all while earning ASHA Guided Observation Hours (GOH).

By the end of your semester, you’ll return home with Drexel credits, professional confidence, and resume-ready experience that will set you apart. More importantly, you’ll develop global cultural competence, a deeper understanding of how communication access transforms lives, and the empathy to lead as a clinician with a global perspective.

This isn’t just a trip—it’s the next step toward becoming the kind of speech-language pathologist who leads with skill, compassion, and cultural understanding.

*Confirm with your home institution

Therapy Abroad’s Drexel-accredited semester in San Ignacio, Belize is a 13 -16 credit immersive Communication Sciences & Disorders program. Course titles and credit amounts are: Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology (1 credit); Language Development (3 credits); Language Disorders (3 credits); Phonetics (3 credits); Speech Sound Disorders (3 credits) with optional courses -Belizean Culture & Inclusive Practices (3 credits); Belizean History (3 credits). All courses are taught in English by U.S. faculty and local clinicians, paired with supervised clinical hours at Belize’s dedicated speech therapy clinic, and are fully accredited and transferable to home institutions.

You can book this 10-week semester program for the following dates:

• May 24, 2026

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!

Therapy Abroad students are more than just travelers—they’re future clinicians, changemakers, and compassionate learners ready to make a difference in the world. Our programs are designed for students who want to take their education beyond the classroom and apply it in real, meaningful ways.

• Globally Curious: You’re excited to experience new cultures, languages, and perspectives. You want to understand how healthcare and education systems work in different parts of the world and how these insights can shape your future career.

• Hands-On Learner: You learn best by doing. You’re eager to practice your skills and classroom knowledge in real clinical environments, working alongside licensed professionals and local communities.

• Aspiring Clinician: You’re an undergraduate or post-bacc student pursuing a career in speech-language pathology —and you want to stand out to graduate schools by gaining international, applied experience.

• Adaptable and Open-Minded: You’re flexible, curious, and ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of living and learning abroad. You thrive in dynamic, cross-cultural environments.

• Career-Focused: You see study abroad as a stepping stone to your professional goals. You’re ready to build your resume, develop clinical and communication skills, and grow into a confident, well-rounded healthcare provider.

• Personal Growth Seeker: You’re looking for more than academic credit—you want an experience that helps you build independence, confidence, empathy, and lifelong connections.

At Therapy Abroad, we welcome students who are ready to learn deeply, serve passionately, and grow globally—all while earning Drexel-accredited credits and gaining experience that will shape both their careers and their lives.

This specialized 10-week program is intended for undergraduate and post-bacc students ages 18 and up who are interested in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology (speech therapy) and learn in a unique environment inside and outside the classroom. You will earn all 25 guided observation hours in school and clinic settings, meeting ASHA's requirements necessary for graduate school.

For $19,000, this comprehensive, all-inclusive structure ensures students can focus on learning and growth without worrying about hidden costs.

• Fully accredited coursework transferable to their home institution

• Hands-on clinical experience with licensed professionals

• Cultural immersion and community engagement

• Professional development and networking opportunities

• Safe, supported housing and on-site program staff

No other program combines group travel, study abroad, and hands-on professional development exclusively for CSD and SLP students. If you’re aspiring to work as a speech-language pathologist, this is your chance for real-world learning like never before! You will leave this program having:

• Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Belize’s cultures, languages, and its healthcare and education systems.

• Therapeutic Awareness: Discover how culture shapes therapy approaches, assessment methods, and caregiver training.

• Educational Exploration: Explore the differences within Belize’s educational and medical systems.

• Ethical Understanding: Examine ethics, global issues, and the impact of personal values on therapy and client interactions.

• Professional Connections: Build lasting career relationships and learn directly from experienced speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

• Hands-On Experience: Work with children who may have difficulties with articulation, fluency, expressive and receptive language, and social communication.

• Career Readiness: Gain practical clinical experience and professional skills that prepare you for your future career.

• Graduate School Preparation: Strengthen your graduate school applications through international, hands-on learning opportunities.

• Real-World Skills: Develop advanced assessment, intervention, and cross-cultural communication skills.

• Global Perspective: Understand how SLP practices differ across international healthcare and educational systems.

• Personal Growth: Build independence, confidence, and lifelong connections while making a meaningful global impact.

On this program you will gain:

• 12-14 credit hours through Drexel University in courses such as Clinical Practicum, Language Development. Language Disorders, Phonetics, and Speech Sound Disorders

• Cultural responsiveness

• Culturally/Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Population Considerations

• Assessments and Report Writing

• Low-Tech AAC Interventions and Resources

• Deeper understanding of neurodiverse practice

• Build experience and resume for graduate school admissions

• Intercultural exchange in a creative learning environment

• Increased skills in intercultural communication

• Letters of Recommendation for graduate school from your SLP supervisor and faculty

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 will stay in shared accommodations such as apartments or a large house in San Ignacio with individual beds and communal areas. You'll have access to WiFi, fresh drinking water, western-style toilets and showers, and towels and sheets. Accommodations include shared bathrooms and kitchen. Bedrooms will have air conditioning.

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!

The total program cost does not include international airfare. Therapy Abroad helps organize flights for students or you can book your own. You can find out more information about flights and how they work here.

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, 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.

Students enrolled in a college or university may be eligible to use federal financial aid, grants, or scholarships toward their Therapy Abroad tuition. Therapy Abroad’s team will assist you through the credit approval and aid process with your home institution.

In many cases, students can apply their home institution’s tuition to the Belize semester, making the cost comparable to a semester on campus.

Funding options include the Gilman Scholarship (up to $5,000, plus an additional $1,000 for STEM majors) and various institutional or private scholarships—with staff available to help identify and apply for these opportunities.

Flexible payment plans are also available to make tuition more manageable.

The total tuition is $19,000:

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

• The remaining balance split into 3 payments

And if you’re worried about payments, we’ve got additional 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.

• 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!

Weekend excursions or specialty trips outside of the standard program: $300–$500

Additional personal travel or extended stays: costs vary

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 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.

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

• Explore TherapyAbroad.org

• Our mission at Therapy Abroad

• Meet our team

• Why travel with us

• Read student and staff reviews

• FAQ