This 10-day international study abroad program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at Illinois State University to explore global models of communication sciences and disorders through structured clinical observation, academic exchange, and cultural immersion. Traveling through Italy, Slovenia, and Austria, students will engage with universities, special education organizations, and school-based therapy programs to compare service delivery models, professional training pathways, and interdisciplinary practices. The program intentionally integrates clinical learning with cultural and historical context, allowing students to examine how language, hearing, disability, and accessibility are addressed across diverse healthcare and educational systems. Through guided reflection and faculty-led discussion, students will develop cultural competence, professional insight, and a broader understanding of their future roles as clinicians in an increasingly globalized field.

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

Global Communication Sciences & Health Systems

• Compare and contrast international approaches to speech-language pathology, audiology, and special education in Italy, Slovenia, and Austria, with attention to clinical training models and service delivery systems.

• Gain insight into diverse healthcare and educational frameworks supporting individuals with communication, hearing, and developmental disorders.

• Examine how language diversity, healthcare policy, and community resources influence assessment, intervention, and access to services across countries.

Intercultural & Linguistic Competence

• Develop cultural awareness and sensitivity through engagement with international clinicians, educators, and students in academic and clinical settings.

• Analyze how cultural values, beliefs, and traditions shape communication norms, disability perspectives, and therapeutic practices.

• Demonstrate respectful, adaptable communication in multilingual and cross-cultural environments relevant to professional practice in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Cultural & Historical Literacy in Health and Education

• Analyze how historical, political, and social contexts influence public education, healthcare infrastructure, and disability services through site visits in Milan, Venice, Ljubljana, Graz, and Vienna.

• Examine the role of European history, migration, and multilingualism in shaping contemporary approaches to communication, inclusion, and accessibility.

• Reflect on how urban design, architecture, and public spaces impact communication access and participation for individuals with speech, language, and hearing differences.

Personal & Professional Development

• Demonstrate increased professional confidence and independence through international travel, interdisciplinary learning, and collaborative group experiences.

• Strengthen reflective and critical thinking skills through faculty-led discussions, clinical debriefs, and guided reflection activities connecting theory to practice.

• Build global perspectives and professional networks that support future academic study and careers in speech-language pathology, audiology, and related fields.

🇮🇹 Italy, located in Southern Europe and extending into the Mediterranean Sea, has played a central role in Western civilization since ancient times. As the heart of the Roman Empire, Italy profoundly influenced law, language, medicine, architecture, and education across Europe and beyond. During the Renaissance, Italian city-states such as Florence, Milan, and Venice became global centers of art, science, and humanism. Today, Italy has a population of approximately 59 million people. Italian culture is shaped by strong regional identities, family-centered traditions, and a deep appreciation for art, history, and cuisine. Roman Catholicism has historically been the dominant religion, and the Vatican City remains an important spiritual and cultural presence within the country.

🇸🇮 Slovenia, located in Central Europe at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures, has a history shaped by its strategic position between major European regions. For centuries, it was part of larger empires, including the Habsburg Monarchy and later Yugoslavia, before gaining independence in 1991. Slovenia has a population of about 2.1 million people and is known for its strong emphasis on education, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. Slovenian culture blends Central European traditions with Slavic heritage, and multilingualism is common. Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, though Slovenia is largely secular, with cultural values emphasizing inclusivity, community support, and quality of life.

🇦🇹 Austria, located in Central Europe, has a rich imperial history as the former center of the Habsburg Empire, which once governed much of Europe. Vienna served as a political, cultural, and intellectual hub for centuries and remains renowned for its contributions to music, psychology, medicine, and education. Austria has a population of approximately 9 million people. Austrian culture reflects a blend of Germanic traditions and Central European influences, with a strong appreciation for classical music, the arts, and social order. Roman Catholicism has historically been the dominant religion, though modern Austria is increasingly secular, with strong public institutions supporting healthcare, education, and social services.

These countries are amazing places filled with rich history, excellent food and warm generous people. You will stay in hotel accommodations with communal areas to relax and hang out, meeting rooms for group discussions or presentations, and comfortable rooms for getting shut-eye. You will share a room with 1-2 other students and all rooms have private bathrooms and individual beds. Every day you will have access to Wifi, fresh drinking water, western style toilets and showers.

Meals will be a combination of local and Western cuisine. We have a 100% guarantee that you will have plenty of amazing food! We can cater to specific dietary needs as long as you let us know ahead of time. The warmth and hospitality of the people and culture will make you feel at home in no time!

The total program cost includes international airfare. Therapy Abroad organizes a group flight. Your name needs to match your passport when you register.

Here are the flights we are holding:

Fri, 05 Mar - arrives Sat, 06 Mar

Lufthansa · LH431

4:20pm Chicago (ORD) - 7:25am+1 Frankfurt (FRA)

Sat, 06 Mar

Lufthansa · LH248

9:30am Frankfurt (FRA) - 10:45am Milan (MXP)

Sun, 14 Mar

Austrian Airlines · OS211

1:55pm Vienna (VIE) - 3:25pm Frankfurt (FRA)

Lufthansa · LH432

5:25pm Frankfurt (FRA) - 9:05pm Chicago (ORD)

Your trip is fully inclusive with the exception of airfare—there are no hidden costs or optional add-ons. Program fees cover all activities, materials, meals, housing, and transportation during the program, so students can focus on learning and experiencing their trip without worrying about extra expenses. 

The total tuition is $5,500:

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

• Remaining balance is split into 3 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-$300 as pocket money for souvenirs any extra snacks they want.

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. 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.

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

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.

Your journey begins with an international flight from Chicago to Milan, marking the start of an unforgettable adventure across three remarkable countries. As you soar toward Europe, prepare to immerse yourself in a dynamic blend of cultural discovery, historical exploration, and therapeutic education.

This program offers more than just travel—it invites you to engage deeply with local communities, learn from international health and education institutions, and broaden your global perspective. Each destination promises to inspire, challenge, and enrich your professional and personal growth.

Students arrive in Milan and transfer to the hotel for program orientation and rest. Faculty may introduce the academic goals of the program, with emphasis on comparing international models of speech-language pathology and audiology practice. This first day allows students to acclimate to the time zone and prepare for upcoming clinical and academic engagement. Depending on your arrival time, a walk to stretch your legs or other activity may be included.

The day centers on an academic visit to the University of Milan’s Speech and Language Therapy Department, one of Italy’s leading institutions for health sciences education. Faculty and students are introduced to the Italian model of SLP training, including undergraduate-to-graduate pathways, clinical practica, and licensure requirements. Discussions highlight multilingual assessment, neurogenic communication disorders, dysphagia management, and the role of SLPs within Italy’s public healthcare system. Students gain insight into how speech-language therapy is integrated into hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community-based services. In the afternoon, students participate in a guided cultural walk through Milan, providing historical and social context for healthcare access and education.

Students travel by private coach to Venice, a city shaped by history, tourism, and preservation. A guided visit to St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica provides an opportunity to explore the intersection of architecture, acoustics, and communication.

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the heart of Venice, renowned for its, opulent, Byzantine-style basilica, the historic Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile bell tower. The Basilica is famous as the "Church of Gold," featuring stunning mosaics,, the Pala d'Oro altar, and, housing the relics of Saint Mark, reflecting centuries of, Venetian power and Eastern influence. 

Faculty-led discussion focuses on how large public spaces, background noise, and reverberation affect speech intelligibility and hearing accessibility—particularly relevant for individuals with hearing loss or auditory processing difficulties. Students also consider public health communication and accessibility in heavily visited cultural sites.

The group travels to Ljubljana, Slovenia, a vibrant capital known for its strong emphasis on education, social services, and quality of life. A guided walking tour of Ljubljana’s Old Town introduces students to the country’s approach to healthcare and disability services within a smaller European nation.

Faculty discussions compare Slovenian and U.S. systems of speech, language, and hearing services, with attention to early intervention, public funding, and inclusive education. A visit to Ljubljana Castle offers historical perspective on cultural attitudes toward disability and social care.

Students visit the Special Education Association of Slovenia, an organization supporting individuals with developmental, cognitive, and communication disabilities across the lifespan. The Slovenian Special Education Association (DSRPS), in collaboration with other organizations, facilitates inclusive education, professional development, and conferences focused on special needs in Slovenia. It works alongside the National Education Institute (NEIS) to support, educate, and integrate children with special needs. 

The visit emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration among speech-language therapists, educators, psychologists, and healthcare professionals. Students learn about service delivery in school-based and community settings, family-centered care, and inclusive educational practices. This visit is particularly relevant for both SLP and audiology students interested in pediatric services and special education systems.

The afternoon excursion to Lake Bled provides time for reflection and discussion on provider wellness and work–life balance in helping professions.

Travel to Vienna includes a stop in Graz, Austria, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for blending historic preservation with modern accessibility. During a guided walk through the Old Town, students consider how urban design impacts individuals with mobility, sensory, and communication challenges. Graz is the capital of Styria and Austria's second-largest city. Located on the Mur River, it is known as a "City of Design" and a culinary hub, featuring the iconic Schlossberg hill, the futuristic Kunsthaus, and a Mediterranean-influenced atmosphere. 

Faculty may facilitate discussion on healthcare and educational services in mid-sized cities compared to large metropolitan areas, highlighting implications for access to speech-language and audiology care.

The group visits the Karl Schubert School, a well-established Austrian special education school serving students with complex developmental and communication needs. Students observe speech-language therapy within an inclusive, interdisciplinary educational model, with emphasis on individualized support, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and collaboration with families and educators.

Discussion highlights differences between U.S. and European approaches to special education, inclusion, and therapeutic service delivery.

The afternoon cultural visit to Schönbrunn Palace reinforces historical and cultural context while continuing discussions on accessibility in public spaces.

Today allows students to further engage with Vienna’s rich cultural heritage while synthesizing academic and clinical learning from the program. One option includes a visit to the Pratermuseum, part of the Wien Museum network, which explores the cultural, social, and historical significance of Vienna’s famous Prater park through interactive and engaging exhibits. The museum setting also provides opportunities to discuss public space, leisure, accessibility, and community engagement.

Alternatively, because Vienna is widely regarded as the world capital of classical music, students may choose to attend a live classical music performance (e.g., orchestra, chamber music, or recital), depending on the performance calendar during the program dates. This option highlights the role of music, acoustics, and auditory experience—particularly relevant for audiology students—while reinforcing Vienna’s historical influence on the arts.

Enjoy a final breakfast in the heart of Vienna before transferring to the airport for your return flight to Chicago. As you prepare to head home, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed—spanning three countries, multiple languages, and a wealth of cultural experiences.

This program has not only offered academic enrichment through visits to esteemed institutions but also fostered personal and professional growth through immersive, firsthand learning. Return home inspired, enriched, and empowered by the connections you've made and the stories you'll carry forward.