Healthcare students from Florida Southern College have the incredible opportunity to take part in a customized study abroad program in Dominica. No other program offers group travel, study abroad, and professional development experiences designed exclusively for students studying communication sciences and disorders, physical therapy, music therapy, pre-health, psychology and occupational therapy.  This unforgettable experience blends hands-on clinical practice—supervised by either your program faculty or one of our US licensed professionals—with rich cultural immersion, local excursions, meaningful community engagement, and time to explore the natural beauty and history of Dominica. You’ll stay in locally owned guesthouses or hotels in underserved communities where your work can make a real difference.

Through our partnerships with Dominica'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

Participating in Therapy Abroad programs is not just an academic endeavor—it’s a transformative experience that prepares them for successful careers in healthcare. The combination of hands-on learning, cultural immersion, and global exposure makes this program an invaluable educational opportunity that supports professional development. Even more important, students will get the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of our host countries that we have worked with for many years to ensure that they are safe, fun, and welcoming to all of our students and faculty. 

Therapy Abroad program methodology will be based on the principles of cooperative learning with a strong focus on action research and Project-Based Learning (PBL). A Therapy Abroad Facilitator will accompany you throughout your program, providing cultural resources and insights along the way and facilitating the learning and engagement process with each of our unique partners.

Cultural Understanding:

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

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

• Analyze how cultural differences impact clinical practice 

Systemic Awareness:

• Gain knowledge of Dominica'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 students chosen field of study 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 other healthcare disciplines.

Ethical and Global Awareness:

• Analyze ethical considerations and global health issues relevant to your field in the context of Dominica.

• 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 and 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 in Dominica.

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

Dominica is a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Also known as the "Nature Island," due to its lush rainforests, hot springs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Carib people migrated to Dominica from South America in 1493, driving out the Arawak. The first French colonists in 1632 agreed to leave the land to the Caribs. In 1759, the British captured the island and was ceded in 1763. The island finally became fully self-governing under the 1967 constitution.

Therapy Abroad has partnered with Dominica's communities, schools, NGOs, universities and hospitals to help achieve the goals they've set forth for their citizens. In addition to developing critical hands-on skills working with Dominica's population; students can expect to learn about the history, cultural and natural environment of Dominica. There is diversity amongst culture, and language throughout the country. The island is home to a fusion of African, Caribbean, and European culture. The official language of Dominica is English. However, French Creole and Antillean Creole are widely spoken. The majority of the population is religiously affiliated with Roman Catholicism.

Your group will be based in the capital city of Roseau. The accommodations are provided in a locally owned hotel with convenient access to the city’s cultural and coastal offerings. There, you'll stay in private accommodations featuring shared spaces for relaxing, a meeting room for group discussions or presentations, and comfortable bedrooms. Students are in shared rooms with private bathrooms while faculty have single rooms. Amenities include Wi-Fi, fresh drinking water, air conditioning, Western-style toilets and showers, towels, and bedding.

Alternatively, you may spend all or part of your time in Caapi Cottage Retreat. The 3-acre mountain oasis is located above Cochrane, Dominica. Overlooking the Springfield Valley and the Caribbean Sea, their retreat borders the Morne Trois Pitons National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and is within walking distance of the popular Middleham Falls Trail, rivers and waterfalls. They are a 20 minute drive from the Capital town of Roseau. Double occupancy for students and private single rooms are provided for faculty. Enjoy the cooler temperatures in the mountains in deluxe glamping cabins! Enjoy the 40-foot swimming pool, gardens, and other communal spaces.

Transport will be provided by private bus or van with a dedicated driver. Meals, prepared by local cooks, will feature a mix of Dominican and Western cuisine. Dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice. The warmth and hospitality of the people of Dominica will make you feel right at home!

We will work to select a group flight for your program and provide you with more details.

With the exception of international airfare and a few dinners, everything is included in your program tuition! There are no surprise costs 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: $250 (due at booking)

• Remaining balance is split into 3 equal 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.

• 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.

Group Size & Supervisor Benefits

• 10+ students: Includes 2 free supervisor spots (program fees waived, excluding airfare) 

If you choose to cancel, we will hold onto your initial deposit for you to use on a future Therapy Abroad trip. This deposit is not transferable to another person. Refund percentages include the non-refundable deposit:

• 100% refund for cancellations made 90+ days before departure.

• 75% refund for cancellations made 90–60 days before departure.

• 50% refund for cancellations made 59-46 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. Dominica 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 forefront of our mission and a program aspect we hold in the highest regard. In the creation of this program we have taken into account the needs of Dominica as well as goals set forth by their respective ministries. There is a significant amount of time factored in for both hands-on teacher training and modeling as well as professional presentations. These aspects are key to continuing the procedures we’ll put in place for students and our counterparts. What makes Therapy Abroad unique in this context is that we are working year round to develop services in Dominica. It is not enough to simply “meet the need” for services. Our approach requires working with traditional educational institutions and educators, charitable organizations, non-profits and community groups to help them answer the questions they have about speech-language pathology, occupational and physical therapies, community health, and education within the ethos of their own community, and design a strategy that is socially-minded and financially viable.

Here are some links to our website that are worth exploring:

• Explore TherapyAbroad.org

• Our mission at Therapy Abroad

• Meet our team

• Why travel with us

• Read student and staff reviews

• FAQ

Christy Morgan, PT, DPT

Assistant Professor

cmorgan@flsouthern.edu

The itinerary on this page is provided as a sample to help guide the next steps in the planning process. Our team at Therapy Abroad will work closely with you to customize an itinerary that aligns with the academic goals and requirements of your institution.

Today, you'll depart the United States for Dominica's Douglas–Charles Airport! Enjoy homemade sandwiches during your private transfer to your accommodations, followed by an orientation to the area. 

During your Therapy Abroad Orientation, you’ll be introduced to our local team who will be with you throughout the program. Use this time to discuss goals and expectations set forth by supervisors and students. 

Then, indulge in a delicious Welcome Dinner all together.

This morning you will head to the Kalinago Territory. There's no better way to connect with the rhythm of tropical life than by visiting the Kalinago Territory, home to the Kalinago. The descendants of the island's original people, the Kalinago, are always eager to treat guests to the joys of living with nothing more than what the land, sea, and sky provide.

Originally known as the Caribs, the Kalinago are believed to have originally come from South America and represent the last remaining tribe of the pre-Columbian Carib Indians, going back to about 3000 B.C.

Take a dip in the cold waters of the Emerald Pool this afternoon to cool off! One of Dominica’s most visited attractions, Emerald Pool, is a small 40-foot waterfall that cascades into a pool that appears green in the leafy, filtered sunlight. Located in the heart of the island, at the northern edge of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Emerald Pool has become rather iconic as a visual representation of Dominica.

After cooling off for an hour or so, you’ll head back to your accommodations to prep for tomorrow and enjoy dinner.

The Dominica Infirmary is the oldest institution in Dominica providing care for senior citizens. The institution was originally set up by the Roman Catholic Church which later formed a partnership with the Government. The Infirmary has 93 patients, 80% of which are geriatric patients. Many of them suffer from mobility issues as well as speech and language issues due to stroke. The D.I. is also a full infirmary that sees patients of all ages with every type of ailment. Students will be able to work directly with patients in all health fields.

This afternoon meet with a local healthcare provider such as a physician, nurse, or local PT. Learn about the healthcare system, resources available, and common conditions in Dominica.

Today the group will divide into two teams for the morning with Yes, We Care. This program provides personal home care for elderly and housebound individuals with disabilities. Yes, We Care sends healthcare professionals into the community to visit approximately 150 homes, providing comprehensive care for patients with diverse needs and diagnoses.

You'll have the opportunity to accompany Yes, We Care staff and work directly with patients in their homes, learning about their experiences and Dominica's culture of health. You're encouraged to offer recommendations for clients and staff based on your field of study. We may also arrange a training for their staff based on their identified needs as it correlates to your field of study. 

This afternoon you’ll go to Mero Beach for some sun, water, and relaxation on this black sand beach. Calm, warm waters make for an incredible swim. The beach has dark sand due to the past volcanic activity on the island.

This morning you'll run an open clinic working with the Ministry of Health to see patients in need of screenings, education, and recommendations for their ailments.

After lunch, you'll have some free time to explore downtown Roseau. Once the day concludes, we’ll head back to the hotel to complete documentation and reflect on the day’s experiences..

Today, we begin our day at the Alpha Center in Roseau, the only school on the island serving K-12 students with disabilities. This vital center provides comprehensive education, aiming to maximize each child's potential for productive adulthood. You will have a chance to participate directly in classroom activities, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

This afternoon go for a hike through the jungles of the Nature Isle. On this guided excursion, you'll hike up and down hills through mountains and a national park. Bring your hiking boots or sneakers, water bottle, and bug spray. There may be a chance to swim in a water fall as well depending on the weather and hike!

Today return back to the Infirmary to work with residents again and follow up on any additional care.

This afternoon we’ll head out for a snorkeling adventure — a great opportunity to relax and explore Dominica’s stunning marine life! For our last day, you’ll end this amazing trip with a snorkel tour of Champagne Reef. Underwater, you will find a wide array of coral reefs and marine life! What makes it special are the hot vents that continually emit volcanic gases, causing a weird ‘champagne’ effect as you snorkel through the water.

We hope you’ve had an incredible time and will stay in touch with us.

Use this time to reflect on your clinical experiences and appreciate the culture you learned about! Don’t forget to leave us a review on GoAbroad.com.