Speech therapy students have the incredible opportunity to take part in a customized study abroad program in Belize, created especially for those pursuing careers in Communication Science Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology!

This unforgettable experience blends hands-on clinical practice—supervised by U.S., ASHA -credentialed professionals—with rich cultural immersion, local excursions, meaningful community engagement, and time to explore the natural beauty and history of Belize. You’ll stay in locally owned guesthouses or hotels in underserved communities where your work can make a real difference, and wrap up your journey relaxing on a nearby Belizean island with beachside accommodations.

Through our partnerships with Belize’s Ministry of Education and other local non-profits, you’ll gain first hand exposure to how culture, language, and local systems shape healthcare and education—and return home with stronger clinical skills, a deeper sense of cultural humility, and memories that will last a lifetime.

A note from our Founder: Therapy Abroad aims to provide more than just a study abroad program. Our goal is to support academic excellence and experiential education by offering custom program experiences relevant to students in their chosen field of study, along with opportunities for faculty involvement and research collaborations.    

-Dr. Jessica Brown, PhD., CCC-SLP, MT-BC

Upcoming Programs & How To Book

You can book this 8-day trip for the following departure dates:

• May 8, 2027

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, 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!

While all Therapy Abroad programs focus to a large degree on skill acquisition in the areas of evaluation and treatment, we have designed our program so that master’s and bachelor’s level students from universities can effectively work together on the same program. Students at the master’s level will be able to receive supervised clinical hours while bachelor’s level students receive their guided observation hours.

Cultural Understanding:

• Increase understanding of the norms, languages, and diverse cultures of Belize.

• Identify and discuss the various cultural groups in Belize and how those cultures influence assessment, intervention, tools, communication, and caregiver training.

• Analyze how cultural differences impact clinical practice in speech therapy.

Systemic Awareness:

• Gain knowledge of Belize’s medical systems, including their unique structures and challenges.

• Identify and discuss the differences between these systems and those in your home country.

• Analyze how these systemic differences impact service delivery and patient care in your respective field.

Clinical Skill Development:

• Identify and discuss culturally appropriate and sustainable evaluation and treatment techniques for diverse clients/patients in your field.

• Acquire new therapeutic skills relevant to speech and language pathology and occupational therapy through observation, hands-on experience, and feedback.

• Implement and modify culturally appropriate intervention plans, utilizing appropriate strategies, approaches, materials, and instrumentation to meet the unique needs of clients/patients and their families.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Communicate effectively with clients/patients, families, caregivers, and colleagues, recognizing their needs, values, preferred modes of communication, and cultural/linguistic backgrounds.

• Develop effective collaboration strategies with local professionals and community members, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

• Practice inter-professional collaboration by interacting with students and professionals from your field.

Ethical and Global Awareness:

• Analyze ethical considerations and global health issues relevant to speech-language pathology in the context of Belize.

• Reflect on how your own values, ideologies, philosophies, and knowledge influence your therapeutic approaches and interactions with different cultures.

• Develop a deeper understanding of the challenges & rewards of providing healthcare services in a global context.

Professional Development:

• Develop career-related knowledge and contacts through constant access to highly experienced professional clinicians while in Belize.

• Gain exposure to diverse clinical settings and patient populations, broadening your professional perspective.

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 supervisors will stay in accommodations at Caribbean Villas on the beach with communal areas, a swimming pool, meeting spaces, and plenty of outdoor areas to relax and explore.

You'll have access to WiFi, fresh drinking water, western-style toilets and showers, and towels and sheets. Accommodations are shared with other students. You'll have individual beds and shared bathrooms.

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!

Transport will be provided by private bus or van with a dedicated driver.

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 $2,850:

• Non-refundable deposit (due at booking): $500

• Remaining balance due 90 days before departure. This is split into multiple payments.

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.

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. 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 meet your group at the airport for a private transfer to the water taxi terminal. You'll then take a 1.5 hour boat ride to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye!

After settling in, you’ll meet our team for an orientation of the area and our program. This will include safety information, a review of your itinerary, introductions, and hotel information such as WiFi. 

Enjoy a welcome dinner consisting of traditional Belizean food.

Begin your morning meeting with a guest speaker on Education, Cultural and Healthcare in Belize. Learn about the healthcare and education systems of Belize as well as our partners. Go on a tour of town to familiarize yourself with the area.

Today you'll have time to review information on clients and materials we have for screenings, dynamic assessments, treatment, and Tykes Camp. Once we know the make-up of the students and their levels, we will determine the clinical experiences. All of this information will be shared with you prior to departure via a Google Resource Folder. Client files will be located in there along with speech therapy resources, packing list, final itinerary, and more!

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. 

This morning you’ll you have your first day of Tykes Camp! You’ll work through the stations you designed with your assigned camper. Your supervisors will be there to support you throughout the morning.

This afternoon you’ll complete screenings, assessments or treatment with your faculty. You may also have a chance to complete parent trainings and provide them with resources for their child.

Today will be another morning of Tykes Camp! Make any adjustments needed from yesterday.

This evening, you'll enjoy live music while learning to prepare traditional Belizean dishes for dinner. Discover the local ingredients that shape Belizean cuisine and explore how the island’s culture, history, and traditions influence the foods people eat and share with one another.

Wrap up Tykes Camp this morning! Make sure to leave resources for parents to continue working on goals.

This afternoon you'll 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.

Conduct speech and language screenings this morning during your final clinical time. Learn about difference vs disorder when it comes to multilingual children.

Spend this afternoon shopping, finishing documentation, and relaxing.

Spend today at Secret Beach, one of Ambergris Caye's most popular destinations, known for its crystal-clear, shallow turquoise waters and relaxed island atmosphere. Located on the island's western shore, it offers calm water that's perfect for swimming, floating, paddleboarding, or simply unwinding in the Caribbean sun. Lined with local restaurants, Secret Beach provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy fresh Belizean cuisine, tropical drinks, and breathtaking sunset views while experiencing the laid-back charm of island life.

Reflect on all you have accomplished this week! in town. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner at one of our favorite spots.

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.