Get ready for an unforgettable professional and cultural adventure in beautiful Belize—where your passion for speech-language pathology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) meets real-world impact!

In today’s rapidly evolving field of speech-language pathology, a deep understanding of AAC is no longer optional—it’s essential. As more SLPs serve individuals with complex communication needs, graduate programs seek applicants who bring not only academic excellence but also hands-on AAC experience, cultural responsiveness, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Therapy Abroad’s CSD + AAC Program in Belize is designed to give students a transformative, career-elevating experience that goes far beyond the classroom. This program combines direct mentorship from AAC specialists and ASHA-certified SLPs with immersive, community-based engagement across clinical, school, and non-profit settings. Participants will gain valuable exposure into AAC systems including low tech and high tech, partner training, and assistive communication strategies tailored for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

You’ll participate in a wide range of experiences—such as formal and informal assessments, dynamic group therapy camps like Tykes Camp, individualized sessions, and caregiver training — all while earning your ASHA Guided Observation Hours (GOH) for undergrads or Direct Contact Hours for graduate students.

Throughout your time in Belize, you’ll not only deepen your clinical skills and understanding of AAC, but also develop global cultural competence and a broader appreciation for how communication access transforms lives. You’ll return home with observation hours, resume-boosting experience, and a powerful story to share in your graduate school applications and interviews.

This is more than a trip—it’s a step toward becoming the kind of SLP who leads with skill, empathy, and global perspective.

You can book this 15-day trip for the following dates:

• July 12- July 26, 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!

Undergraduate students, graduate 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 and have an in-depth experience with AAC! 

This specialized two-week program is intended for undergraduate students, recent graduates, and post-bacc students ages 18 and up who are interested in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology (speech therapy) and learn from experts about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This program is ideal for:

• Undergraduate, post-bacc students, and graduate students pursuing Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences

• Students interested in AAC, neurodiversity, and inclusive communication practices

• Those preparing for SLP graduate school and looking to strengthen their resume with real-world AAC experience

• Students passionate about working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations

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:

• 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 career connections with experienced 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 gain:

• Cultural responsiveness

• Culturally/Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Population Considerations

• Assessments and Report Writing

• Low-Tech AAC Interventions and Resources

• Deeper understanding and practice with Alternative and Augmentative Communication and clients requiring AAC support

• Communication Partner Training

• 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 supervisors

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, while most rooms have AC, 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 $3,950:

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

• Remaining balance: $2,950 (split into 2 payments of $1,975)

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. 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

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.  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.

The day begins with a visit to a local resource center for childhood learning, where students observe classroom communication and interact with teachers and children, providing insight into Belize’s educational and linguistic environment.  

In the afternoon, the group visits St Hermane's Blue Hole, a natural freshwater cenote nestled in the forest. Students relax and swim in the refreshing turquoise waters, take in the lush surroundings, and enjoy the beauty of Belize.

Today, you will spend the day 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 either San Ignacio or Punta Gorda, 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 is the cornerstone of Therapy Abroad’s clinical immersion experience in Belize—a student-led learning camp for children with a range of special needs and communication challenges. Unlike traditional observation-based models, students in this program take the lead in planning and facilitating therapy-informed group sessions, working directly with the children to implement skill-building activities. All ASHA observation hours during this portion of the program are earned through hands-on interaction and guided practice, not passive observation.

In addition to the clinical and group-based experiences, students will participate in an introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This training provides foundational knowledge of AAC principles and systems—ranging from low-tech communication boards and picture symbols to high-tech speech-generating devices. Students will explore how AAC can enhance participation and communication for children with complex communication needs, and learn how to incorporate AAC strategies into their therapy sessions and group activities throughout camp.

This day is fully dedicated to organizing, designing, and setting up for Tykes Camp. Students sort and evaluate clinical and educational supplies, create visuals and therapeutic materials (including AAC supports), and design themed activities for the camp’s skill-based stations. Each team finalizes its clinical goals and adapts materials to meet the developmental levels and diverse needs of the children they’ll be working with. By day’s end, the entire camp infrastructure—complete with communication supports and activity stations—is in place and ready to launch.

Tykes Camp officially begins, with students taking the lead in running stations and working directly with children. Each station focuses on communication, sensory exploration, STEM-based problem solving, and motor skill development. Under the guidance of licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs), students implement interventions in small groups, learning to adapt their strategies in real time to meet the diverse needs of the children they serve.

Throughout the day, students also integrate Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools and strategies into their activities. This includes using low-tech options such as picture symbols, communication boards, and visual supports, where appropriate. By incorporating AAC, students learn how to enhance engagement, facilitate communication, and support meaningful participation for children with complex communication needs.

In the afternoon, you’ll travel to the Cahal Pech Archaeological Site for a private guided tour exploring the rich history and culture of the Maya civilization. Once a palatial hilltop home for an elite Maya family, Cahal Pech’s major construction dates to the Classic period, with evidence of continuous habitation as far back as 1200 BCE during the Early Middle Formative period—making it one of the oldest known 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.

After several days of intense clinical work and camp leadership, students take a well-earned break for a full-day outdoor adventure. The morning kicks off with a thrilling zipline experience through the lush Belizean jungle canopy, offering adrenaline, panoramic views, and unforgettable group fun. After lunch, the group heads to a nearby beach to relax for the afternoon.

Students return to camp with renewed focus, guiding group interventions with increased confidence and clinical insight.

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. 

The morning is dedicated to participating in a community health outreach event. In the afternoon, students may choose optional observations or enjoy rest and reflection. 

With Tykes Camp and clinical observation complete, students spend Day synthesizing their hands-on experiences into formal case study presentations. Working individually or in small teams, they select a specific client, case type, or therapy session observed or led during the program and prepare a brief, structured presentation highlighting the child’s needs, therapeutic goals, interventions used, outcomes observed, and personal reflections.

Students receive guided support from Therapy Abroad’s licensed SLPs and program staff throughout the day, including one-on-one check-ins, mentorship sessions, and feedback on case selection, analysis, and presentation format.

In the afternoon, the group comes together for a Clinical Wrap-Up Seminar, a reflective and interactive session that allows students to share insights, discuss clinical challenges, and celebrate collective learning.

This day is also an opportunity for informal peer feedback, refining professional communication skills, as well as professional development and graduate school prep. It serves as a bridge between clinical immersion and program closure—reinforcing academic growth, confidence, and clinical decision-making in a supportive, collaborative 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. 

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.