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.

You can book this 12-day trip for the following dates:

• December 29, 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!

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 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.

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 $4,150:

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

• Remaining balance due: $3,150 (split into 2 payments of $1,575)

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) at booking.

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

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 $1,000 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. 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:

• More about this specific trip

• Explore TherapyAbroad.org

• Our mission at Therapy Abroad

• Meet our team

• Why travel with us

• Read student and staff reviews

• FAQ

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.

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.

 Your day begins with a half-day visit to Ms. Emily’s Resource Center, a locally run initiative that supports children with diverse learning and developmental needs. You’ll spend the morning interacting with staff, learning about the challenges and triumphs of inclusive education in Belize, and getting a firsthand look at how local caregivers and educators work with limited resources to make a meaningful impact. It’s a powerful introduction to the social and educational context of your clinical work.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Hermit’s Blue Hole, a serene freshwater cenote tucked in the forest. You’ll have time to swim, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading back to the Tropical Education Center. The day blends heart, perspective, and nature—giving you a grounded start to your journey in Belize.

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. 

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. 

 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.

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. 

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.

Today you’ll head to Jaguar Paw for an adventure. You’ll first fly through the jungle while zip lining! It’s a beautiful, thrilling experience. You’ll have harnesses and helmets to wear and be guided throughout the trip by professionals. 

After lunch, you’ll cool off in the river while going cave tubing. You’ll have life jackets, helmets, and head lamps. It can get a little dark inside! Don’t worry though, our guides take good care of everyone.

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.  

 Today, you’ll head to a local school where you’ll take part in language and hearing screenings for Belizean students. Working in small teams under the guidance of Therapy Abroad staff and licensed professionals, you’ll help conduct basic screenings designed to identify potential speech, language, and auditory needs. You’ll gain valuable experience using screening tools in a cross-cultural setting and interacting with children in a supportive, educational environment. 

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. 

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. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner at one of our favorite spots on the island.

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.