This program offers students studying speech-language pathology and audiology along with their faculty on a first-hand opportunity to explore inclusive education, emerging communication strategies, and cultural diversity across Thailand. Through academic exchanges, clinical observations, field work, and cultural engagement, participants will gain firsthand understanding of Thailand’s approach to supporting individuals with disabilities and communication challenges.

The itinerary highlights key experiences such as visits to Ratchasuda College at Mahidol University, the Dulabhatorn Foundation, the Foundation for the Education of Autistic Children, and Kawila Anukul School, where participants will observe and practice Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) interventions in collaboration with Thai therapists, teachers and parents. These experiences are complemented by cultural and community-based learning in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin, offering rich opportunities for exploration across provinces and a holistic look at the Kingdom of Thailand. 

By combining academic engagement, community collaboration, and cultural immersion, this program encourages participants to deepen their understanding of inclusive education in the Thai context — empowering students to connect theory with practice while experiencing the warmth and resilience of Thai communities and partnering organizations. 

This program includes structured observation and volunteer hours across:

• Clinical therapy settings focused on AAC use with children and adults

• Special education schools and community-based programs

• Communication partner training and caregiver coaching

• One-on-one mentorship and debriefs with ASHA-certified SLPs and AAC practitioners

Graduate students will earn clinical hours, while also participating in active, hands-on learning opportunities that prepare you for clinical placements and future fieldwork.

No other program combines group travel, study abroad, and hands-on professional development exclusively for students pursuing Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) with an in-depth look into Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). If you're preparing for a future in SLP or seeking to deepen your expertise in AAC, this is your opportunity for real-world, career-elevating learning in an international setting.

• Build foundational and applied knowledge of AAC across cultures and settings

• Understand evidence-based practice and ethical considerations in global speech-language therapy

• Learn how to collaborate with caregivers, special educators, and allied health professionals

• Gain perspective on how AAC systems differ in international, resource-limited contexts

• Reflect critically on your role as a future clinician in diverse communities

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

Bangkok and Chiang Mai, two of Thailand’s most iconic cities, beautifully represent the country’s rich diversity in history, culture, and lifestyle. Bangkok, the bustling capital, was founded in 1782 by King Rama I as the new seat of the Chakri Dynasty. It is a vibrant mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, reflecting the city’s deep Buddhist roots. The city’s culture thrives in its colorful street life, floating markets, and world-renowned cuisine — from spicy tom yum soup to sweet mango sticky rice.

In contrast, Chiang Mai, founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, offers a more serene and historical atmosphere. Nestled among northern mountains, it is surrounded by lush nature and dotted with hundreds of ancient temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The city’s culture is influenced by traditional crafts, festivals like Yi Peng (the lantern festival), and a slower pace of life. Chiang Mai’s cuisine, including khao soi (a coconut curry noodle soup), reflects the region’s unique blend of Thai and Burmese flavors. Together, Bangkok and Chiang Mai embody Thailand’s balance between tradition and modernity, spirituality and celebration, and urban energy and natural beauty.

You’ll stay in boutique hotel accommodations with communal areas for relaxing, meeting rooms for group discussions, and comfortable rooms for resting. Rooms are shared with one other student, featuring private bathrooms and two beds. You’ll have access to Wifi, fresh drinking water, western-style toilets and showers, and on-site or nearby laundry services.

Meals will include a mix of Thai and Western cuisine—rice, curries, noodles, spicy salads, fried foods, fresh vegetables, and exotic fruits. We guarantee plenty of delicious food and can cater to dietary needs if requested in advance. An amazing place with rich history, great food, and the friendliest people. Thailand’s scenic beauty and the warmth of its people will quickly make you feel at home!

A group flight will be arranged from Chicago to Bangkok (BKK). We will work to find the best flights based on pricing and schedules. Flights within Thailand are also included in your program cost.

In addition to hands-on work, you will have the chance to enjoy a variety of cultural and adventure activities, including hiking and rock climbing, Thai cooking classes, and a visit to an elephant sanctuary. These activities provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture while earning volunteer hours and gaining valuable experience.

Everything is included in your program cost! There are no surprise costs, no hidden “optional activities,” and no upselling. Your program fees covers all flights, 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 $5,450:

• Non-refundable deposit (due at booking): $250

• Remaining balance 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) at booking.

• 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 Thailand’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:

• 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.

Fly to Thailand - You'll depart December 26, 2026 to arrive December 28, 2026 for the start of your program in Chiang Mai!

Participants arrive in Chiang Mai today and are welcomed with a smooth hotel check-in. The group gathers for a welcome dinner. Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance to explore the area prior to dinner.

Begin your morning with breakfast followed by the program orientation led by your Program Facilitator. Afterwards, head to Ban Pon Community for cultural immersion with a local community, including hands-on traditional activities and learn about the local lifestyle. This will help prepare you for understanding and working with clients.

Today you'll attend an Introduction to AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) session led by a clinical specialist. This is a great opportunity to learn about low tech and high tech that is available, ask questions about funding and resources, and dive deeper in the speech therapy world.

This evening you'll visit a local market, shop for fresh ingredients, then learn how to cook traditional Thai food. This is such a fun evening - it's sure to be a highlight for you! You'll take home a recipe book and a full stomach!

Spend your day with a visit to the Dulabhatorn Foundation, where you’ll observe their innovative programs supporting persons with disabilities and participate in interdisciplinary, play-based group therapy sessions. The foundation’s mission is to provide access to quality education, training and therapy for children and young people—especially those with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities—who might otherwise “fall through the cracks” of the standard system in Northern Thailand. DBF works through partnerships with local schools, NGOs and community programmes, offering early-intervention services, specialised therapies (such as hydrotherapy, occupational therapy and hippotherapy), and supporting inclusive pathways into further education and vocational opportunities. You'll work directly with children with complex needs and their caregivers.

This afternoon you'll be culturally immersed with the Ban Pong Community. Here you will engage with local traditions and reflect on community-based living and support systems.

Welcome the new year on an outdoor adventure focused on teamwork, confidence-building, and personal challenge through rock climbing and zipline activities! Crazy Horse Buttress is the jewel of northern Thailand climbing. The area is beautifully nestled in the forests near Chiang Mai. Enjoy the nature on this team bonding day!

In the morning, prepare and conduct your AAC intervention practice sessions, focusing on practical implementation and teacher collaboration based on yesterday.

Later, enjoy an elephant experience at Chang Land, where you’ll learn about conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices in Thailand. Chang Land is an ethical elephant sanctuary in northern Thailand that offers interactive yet respectful experiences such as feeding elephants with bananas or sugar cane, making medicinal herb balls, walking alongside them on nature trails, and bathing them in the river. The sanctuary prioritizes elephant welfare by prohibiting riding or performances, reflecting the region’s growing commitment to responsible tourism.

Set amid lush greenery, rice paddies, and fresh mountain air, Chang Land’s solar-powered facilities provide a serene, eco-friendly environment where visitors can even see the Milky Way at night. Beyond caring for elephants, the sanctuary also supports local hill-tribe communities through cultural exchange and employment opportunities, promoting harmony between conservation, culture, and community.

Begin the morning at the Rajanagarinda Institute for Child Development (RICD), which is a key institution in Chiang Mai focusing on children with disabilities and special needs, often collaborating with local partners like Baan Sanook. The institute, sometimes listed as RICD, has historically worked with international organizations on therapeutic workshops.

In the afternoon, attend a Monk Chat at a local temple, where you’ll learn about Buddhism, Thai culture, and perspectives on disability through open conversation. Alternatively you may go to a Muay Thai Kickboxing class.

Start your day by visiting the Anusarnsunthorn School for the Deaf in Chiang Mai, Thailand, which is a government-run special education school serving children and youth who are deaf or hard of hearing. Established in 1981 under the Ministry of Education, it provides academic, vocational, and life-skills training from kindergarten through secondary levels, using Thai Sign Language as the main mode of communication. The school emphasizes inclusion and independence, offering programs like Café De Sot, where students gain hands-on work experience. It serves as a key support hub for the deaf community in northern Thailand, promoting accessibility, education, and social participation.

Spend the afternoon at Kawila Anukul School, observing classrooms that integrate AAC strategies for students with communication needs and learning about Thailand’s inclusive education practices. Kawila Anukul School, under the Office of the Special Education Administration of Thailand’s Ministry of Education, is a dedicated institution serving learners with intellectual disabilities. It provides co-educational instruction for both residential and day-school students, spanning from early childhood through upper secondary (Grade 12). The school stands as a strong model of inclusive education in the Thai context, particularly for students with communication and cognitive challenges. It offers an ideal environment to observe how Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies are embedded into classroom practices, how support systems are designed for students with special needs, and how collaboration between teachers and therapists is implemented.

For visiting students, Kawila Anukul provides a valuable opportunity to experience inclusive education firsthand—observing real-world AAC applications, engaging in discussions on intervention design, and working alongside educators to develop and implement tailored AAC-based activities that enhance communication and learning outcomes. In the afternoon, collaborate with local teachers and specialists to design AAC-based intervention activities tailored to the students’ individual needs.

This morning you will have a session with the complex needs group, including parent coaching and family engagement back at DBT. After lunch there will be free time to prepare for the upcoming days in Bangkok and places you'll visit.

Tonight you'll transfer to the Railway Station and board your overnight train to Bangkok, traveling in a comfortable second-class sleeper cabin with air conditioning.

Today you will visit Ratchasuda College at Mahidol University, an institution dedicated to expanding higher education for persons with disabilities. Ratchasuda College, established under the patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, reflects her long-standing commitment to supporting persons with disabilities and expanding educational opportunities beyond the secondary level. Located within Mahidol University—one of Thailand’s leading research institutions—the College is dedicated to providing higher education and academic services for individuals with disabilities. Its mission focuses on maximizing life potential, promoting equality, and breaking down social discrimination through research, academic collaboration, and community engagement. As a model of inclusive higher education in Thailand, Ratchasuda College plays a pivotal role in advancing disability and special needs education.

For visiting students, the College offers valuable insight into how inclusive curricula are developed, how students with disabilities are supported at the university level, and how partnerships are built to strengthen inclusive practices. Its focus on “breaking barriers of social discrimination towards disability” provides a meaningful framework for understanding awareness, therapy, and intervention planning in the Thai context—especially in relation to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and inclusive education. Students will observe audiology and speech therapy services during their visit.

Visit the Rainbow Room Foundation, a neurodiversity awareness center supporting families of children with special needs, and participate in a caregiver empowerment program. The Rainbow Room Foundation is a non-profit organization in Bangkok that supports families of children and individuals with developmental and behavioral differences, including autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. Operating on a “Parent-to-Parent” model, the foundation’s programs and support groups are largely led by parents of children with special needs, fostering shared understanding and community empowerment. Its mission is to promote independence, confidence, and pride in individual differences while encouraging social awareness, acceptance, and equality for people of all abilities.

Today you'll visit Steps (Steps Community) is a social enterprise based in Bangkok providing vocational training and education for young adults (11+) with neurodiversity, such as autism. They offer specialized training in cafes and business service centers aimed at building skills for employment. Steps operates as a UK-accredited center. This will be a unique experience.

This afternoon you'll have free time and time for reflection and debriefing. We'll all gather for a farewell dinner on your last night in Thailand!

Enjoy breakfast before your transfer to Suvarnabhumi International Airport for your flight back to the USA, marking the conclusion of an enriching and unforgettable journey through Thailand. Final goodbyes are exchanged, and students depart with new skills, cultural insight, and professional inspiration.

Learning outcomes:

• Conclude the experience with a sense of purpose and reflection
  

• Maintain professional relationships and networks
  

• Leave with tools for lifelong learning and cultural humility