Elevate your SLP career in Belize! This 8 or 12-week clinical externship provides the perfect blend of professional growth and cultural immersion. Develop your expertise in culturally sensitive assessment and intervention, working with varied populations in Belize. You'll gain hands-on experience, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and hone essential skills like adaptability and problem-solving.

This program is your launchpad to becoming a truly global SLP, equipped to excel in any setting. Students will gain practical experience in various settings, including schools and clinics, working with diverse populations. They will address a range of communication disorders, such as difficulties with articulation, fluency, expressive and receptive language, and social communication. The externship emphasizes developing culturally appropriate assessment and treatment techniques, and students will learn to adapt to working in a low-resource environment. Supervision is provided by an ASHA-certified SLP, who also offers cultural resources and insights

Are you an SLP graduate student ready to elevate your clinical expertise and broaden your global perspective? This 8 or 12-week clinical externship is your gateway to an extraordinary professional and personal journey. Immerse yourself in Belizean culture while gaining essential clinical skills and making a meaningful impact. If you're adaptable, resourceful, and passionate about culturally competent care, this is your chance to gain invaluable experience and set yourself apart. Get ready to gain a competitive edge and embark on a journey that will shape your career!

These 8 or 12-week clinical externships are full-time placements designed to meet the participating university's clinical practicum guidelines and provide students with a full-time transition experience between university and professional employment. Given the unique nature of the workplace and international setting, workflow and scheduling will be flexible, with weekly hours and days varying at the discretion of the externship facility, clinical supervisors, and program partners. However, the total number of hours agreed upon with the partnering university will be achieved. Students must receive prior approval from their departments to participate in this experience.

While in Belize, you'll provide speech-language pathology services in a variety of locations, including local schools, our Therapy Abroad clinic in San Ignacio, and other partner organizations. These placements are crucial because the communities we serve act as a central hub for many smaller, underserved villages with limited access to healthcare. You may also travel to other cities (such as Dangriga and Belmopan) to see clients referred by the Ministry of Education’s special needs unit. You'll have access to our full range of treatment materials and resources.

This externship is designed to propel you from the classroom to the professional world, providing a dynamic bridge between university studies and your future career. Over 8 or 12 weeks, you'll gain the confidence and expertise to:

• Master Diverse Clinical Skills: Immerse yourself in varied approaches and philosophies within Speech-Language Pathology, encompassing everything from diagnostic techniques to transformative rehabilitation practices.

• Gain Real-World Experience: Step beyond observation and engage directly in evaluation and treatment, building practical skills that are culturally relevant. 

• Collaborate and Connect: Work alongside seasoned SLPs and other professionals, forging valuable relationships and expanding your interdisciplinary network.

• Become a Global Practitioner: Study abroad and experience the rewards of providing care in a culturally rich and immersive environment, developing a global perspective that's essential in today's world.

• Build a Foundation for Success: Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in your chosen field, setting yourself up for a fulfilling and impactful career.

This externship isn't just about clinical hours; it's about building a robust skillset that will make you a confident and effective practitioner. You'll learn to:

• Collaborate Effectively: Become a valuable member of an interdisciplinary team, working seamlessly with local professionals to achieve shared patient goals.

• Master Documentation: Gain proficiency in essential documentation procedures, including SOAP notes, evaluation reports, and service delivery reports.

• Adapt and Thrive: Develop the resourcefulness and adaptability needed to navigate low-resource environments and unfamiliar circumstances.

• Embrace Cultural Competence: Cultivate a deep understanding of Belize's diverse norms, languages, and cultures, and learn to integrate this awareness into your clinical practice.

• Deliver Culturally Sensitive Care: Learn to identify, assess, and treat individuals from diverse backgrounds, tailoring your approach to respect their unique cultural and linguistic identities.

• Refine Your Therapeutic Approach: Acquire and hone new therapeutic skills, benefiting from personalized feedback that fosters professional and personal growth.

• Design and Implement Interventions: Develop the ability to create and adapt culturally appropriate intervention plans, utilizing a variety of strategies, approaches, materials, and instrumentation to meet the unique needs of each client and their family.

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.

While there are many exciting things to do in Belize, we've included several in your program. We can also provide recommendations for excursions you book on your own such as a trip to Tikal and Flores in Guatemala, Caye Caulker, Placencia, chocolate making, archeological sites, and more!

Included:

Actun tunichil muknal (ATM) Cave Tour - Step into the world of the ancient Maya on a tour of Actun Tunichil Muknal, hiking and wading deep into a series of tunnels, chambers, and passageways. Support from an experienced cave guide ensures a safe trip into—and back out of—the maze-like cave network, where students will find the "Crystal Maiden," the crystallized remains of an ancient ceremonial victim.

Jaguar Paw Adventure - Fly through the jungles of Belize on this zip lining adventure in the morning followed by lunch and cave tubing. Experience the cool caves of Belize on a guided tubing trip. You’ll have life jackets and head lamps on as you enter the cave. There is a short trail walk to the river and caves. This approximately two hour trip will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed!

Cahal Pech Archeological Site Visit - Cahal Pech is an ancient Maya archaeological site located near San Ignacio. Believed to have been occupied as early as 1200 BCE, it served as a ceremonial and residential center for Maya elites. The site features a series of well-preserved plazas, temples, and a palace complex built atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Today, Cahal Pech is a popular destination for visitors interested in history, archaeology, and Maya culture.

Maya Women's Group - Organized to primarily offer a sustainable way to keep their culture alive, this tour will take students to the village of San Antonio in the Cayo district. The Yucatec Maya Village is nestled in the Maya mountains bordering the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Students will learn to prepare traditional food & make pottery.

Students will stay in a shared home or apartments with modern amenities including a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, Wi-Fi, a western style toilet, showers, and communal space to relax and hang out. Laundry services are available. Students will be within walking distance to downtown areas & a plethora of restaurants, shops & local markets. Plus the warmth and hospitality of the people and culture will make everyone feel at home in no time! 

The total program cost includes round-trip international airfare to Belize City. Therapy Abroad staff will assist you with booking your flight from your preferred departure airport. We will contact you to arrange this as your departure date approaches. Transportation from the airport to your accommodations in Belize will be provided.

The total tuition is $6,500 for 8 weeks and $8,200 for 12 weeks:

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

• Remaining balance: split into 2 payments or you can customize this number

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!

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:

• 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