Looking for a powerful study abroad experience that fits into your winter or mid-year break? Take your interest in speech-language pathology to the next level with this 12-day immersive program in beautiful Belize! Perfectly tailored for students who want to build practical knowledge and earn significant ASHA Guided Observation Hours (GOH), this program combines introductory hands-on experiences, cultural immersion, and professional mentorship in a flexible, focused format.

You’ll work alongside ASHA-certified SLPs and local partners in schools, clinics, and community organizations—engaging in meaningful activities designed to help you connect what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world settings.

Whether you’re exploring grad school, strengthening your resume, or seeking a global perspective on therapy and education, this program provides the perfect balance of structure, clinical exposure, and guided discovery.

Undergraduate students, graduate students, recent graduates, and post-bacc students in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) or Speech-Language Pathology. This award-winning program is designed to offer students in CSD/SLP the unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in a cross-cultural setting.

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 the required 25 hours for grad school applicants and towards the 400 hours for Masters-level students. 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 supervisors meet rigorous standards. Participants will engage in:

• 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

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:

• Earned a majority of your  required 25 ASHA GOH through structured observation and interaction
• Learned how culture, language, and community shape speech-language therapy
• 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 meaningful professional relationships and receive direct mentorship from licensed SLPs
• Worked with children who may have difficulties with articulation, fluency, expressive and receptive language, and social communication.

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

• Build a foundation in culturally responsive therapy practices
• Gain exposure to therapeutic intervention strategies and assessment tools
• Receive clinical observation, documentation, and feedback integration
• Learn communication skills in multilingual and multicultural settings
• Increase confidence in navigating real-world professional environments
• 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.

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!

The total program cost does not include international airfare. Therapy Abroad organizes group flight itineraries from: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Over 95% of students choose the group flight option. Group flights are arranged as a convenience to students and their families. Once you’re accepted to a program, you’ll automatically be added to the group flight list. Therapy Abroad staff will manage your reservation from start to finish, providing peace of mind and logistical support every step of the way. Traveling on the group flight is highly recommended, as it ensures:

• A smooth and coordinated arrival and departure
• Support from Therapy Abroad staff at departure and arrival airports
• The opportunity to meet your fellow participants before the program begins
  Extra assistance in case of flight delays or travel disruptions

If you do not wish to take the group flight, you will have to email us to let us know. We understand that in some cases, students may prefer to arrange their own travel—whether to use frequent flyer miles, access a family discount, or join the program after group seats are full. While we’re happy to assist, we strongly encourage students to fly with the group for convenience and safety. 

If a group flight is available and you opt to book your own flights, a $300 administrative fee applies ($150 each way). This fee covers private transportation to/from the airport and a Therapy Abroad staff member for airport transfers. If, in the rare occurrence, a group flight is not available, we will provide detailed arrival/departure windows and help you select the best available itinerary.

We've got you covered every step of the way! We understand that travel and study abroad is a big investment, and we're fully committed to making sure your experience is nothing short of amazing. From our professional staff to delicious meals, comfortable accommodations, and a carefully planned itinerary filled with diverse activities and great people, we've thought of everything.

With the exception of international airfare, everything is included. There are no surprise costs or "optional activities" trying to upsell you. Your tuition covers all activities, materials, meals, and housing—everything you need for an incredible experience. We want you to focus on learning, exploring, and making the most of your time without ever worrying about extra expenses.

• Non-refundable deposit due at booking
• Remaining balance due 90 days before departure

Refund percentages include the non-refundable deposit. The $1,000 deposit is non-refundable, but it can be transferred to a different program (for the same person only). 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.

• 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.

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.