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Therapy Abroad

Why choose Therapy Abroad?

Therapy Abroad offers short-term study abroad programs for undergraduate and graduate students in the field of communication sciences & disorders, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports & exercise sciences, and other human and health sciences. Therapy Abroad creates an interactive educational environment for students to learn and enhance core competencies in their field, as well as to enjoy the richness and challenges of service-learning and traveling abroad. Working with partner organizations overseas including rehabilitation hospitals and clinics, schools, and home health providers, students are given the opportunity to work directly with clients, receive specialized training, and learn from experts in their field while also contributing to a unique cultural exchange experience. No other student travel program offers award-winning specialized hands-on experiences for students in these fields combined with group adventure travel!

Founded
2015

Reviews

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Sabrina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Take that leap of faith!!

I was super nervous going into my Therapy Abroad trip as I did not know anyone going and had never done 1-on-1 work with kids before — I LOVED it!! This program gave me such a boost of confidence and it was both fun and fulfilling to work with the wonderful people in the town of San Ignacio, as well as the group I travelled with. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, and it was great to collaborate with all of them. Shout out to my supervisors for the trip, Elizabeth and Jen — they are the BEST and had such awesome input and advice to give us. I could not have asked for better people leading this experience. Overall, this was such a fantastic opportunity to dip my toes into the clinical space, and it was so much fun! I would definitely do this again.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would go out and explore the town more!
Pros
  • Fulfilling experience
  • Meeting amazing people around the world
  • Learning about a new culture
Cons
  • Overwhelming at times
  • Tired because it is go go go!
  • Having to go back home after :(
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Kendyl
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime experience!

My Therapy Abroad trip exceeded my expectations. I went into this trip open minded and very, very new to my SLP program. I learned not only so much about speech-language pathology, but so much about myself, why I chose my field and just the world. I learned how to be more patient, more optimistic and more open-minded. Our guides were so good and although at some pointsy surroundings made me a tiny bit nervous with just being in such an unfamiliar area, I always felt safe and relieved whenever I turned and saw my guides. I think this trip is worth every penny—and I fundraised!!! Definitely recommend that as well, if that is what’s holding you back.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
If I am being completely honest, a big part of why I chose this trip was because of Greece, I knew it was going to be beautiful. BUT, I was so shocked at how BEAUTIFUL Bulgaria was and all of the scenery we saw. You stay in the countryside, and it’s amazing. So peaceful and secluded, but safe as well. I was so shocked at the natural beauty and loved when we would pack up to go to the children’s center, because although the ride was a little lengthy, it was so pretty to look at.
Pros
  • Gaining knowledge for your future career
  • Meeting new people
  • Scenery
Cons
  • Food, if you are picky just be prepared! They do the best to accommodate to you, though.
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Reagan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An enriching and fun experience abroad!

This trip exceeded my expectations! As an OT student I was able to learn how to prepare for therapy sessions, perform assessments, identify sustainable practices, practice creativity with minimal resources, and so much more! As a young adult, I was able to gain new perspectives that traveling gives you and have fun while also feeling completely safe the whole trip. Even getting to know other students on the trip and making friends was beautiful. Lastly, I will forever remember our three guides that did the most for us. They cooked countless meals, drove the vans, translated at the clinic, and became our friends. They displayed the kindness of Bulgaria. I could not recommend this program enough.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Your supervisors are there for you, so come with questions and a curiosity about the world of therapy! They have great advice and wisdom to share.
Pros
  • Clinical experience in a new environment
  • Connections with students and therapists
  • Plenty of time to explore Bulgaria & Greece
Cons
  • I would have loved to bring more toys/resources for the clients
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Abby
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Belize therapy abroad trip

I had the most amazing time with therapy abroad! I felt apart of the local community and met so many incredible people. I was really nervous for the experience initially but after the first few hours in Belize I felt so comfortable! I did not want to leave and cried at the airport when I had to say my goodbyes! Highly recommend the program! Now that I have Graduated with my masters I am ready to go back as a supervisor and supervise students that were in my place last year to learn and grow as a future speech therapist.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Do the program sooner!
Pros
  • The Experience
  • A good mix of work and fun
  • Meeting new people and making connections
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Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great professional opportunity!

This trip was so much better than I could have ever imagine. I felt safe every step of the way, the communication from staff and mentors was timely and accurate, and every person made sure the trip was as smooth and fun as possible. The “guides” went above and beyond to explain things to us or make us more comfortable. I left the trip with friends and professional mentors that I still talk to!! I also recommend the trip for resume/skill building. I learned so much about the career and day-to-day of an SLP while on this trip. I was immersed in clinical work and exposed to such a breadth of information in a digestible way.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
In Bulgaria, they have a traditional cold soup that’s made from a liquidy yogurt base and has cucumbers. Very yummy but not like anything I’ve had before!
Pros
  • Communication
  • Safety
  • Comfort
Cons
  • No A/C in housing in Bulgaria

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

The moment I received an email from my post-bac program advisor, I opened it and I was excited to read about a bilingual SLP program in the Dominican Republic! I did my research on Therapy Abroad and applied right away and waited anxiously to hear back. As soon as I was accepted, I started fundraising. I even told a friend about the program and she went too!

I loved everything they focused on from hands-on experience with children with speech disorders, to have the opportunity to work alongside certified SLPs. It was the perfect combination of being able to work in a Spanish speaking country and to work with children with speech disorders.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My university did not assist me with any help, I had to do everything on my own but Therapy Abroad was very helpful. Therapy Abroad’s staff was an amazing source of help and always answered my questions via email or phone. The program itself is very well organized and sends you email updates when forms are due.

The only thing I had to organize on my own was my connecting flight from LAX to Miami because the person in charge of booking this flight was not responding. Other than that, Therapy Abroad was a huge help!

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

My advice would be to really take advantage and network out there. You meet so many people from SLP professors, members from your team, team leaders, psychologists, teachers, and DREAM staff members. Everyone out there is so friendly and willing to help. Exchange emails, numbers and build connections. Remember these people are also on the same page to become SLPs or some of them already went through the process. I recently sent my statement of purpose to one of the professors, that was on the team and he is helping me build my statement of purpose.

Another advice would be to take a journal and write what you did each day. Your journal might help you when writing your statement of purpose or it can just be something to look back and see all the amazing things you did out there.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The first few days before camp starts, we were preparing our activities as well as getting to know one another and exploring the town of Cabarete. Once camp started, we would meet after breakfast to do a quick overview, questions, or an ice breaker. We would then head over to the school and had about 30 minutes to set up before the children arrived.

Once the children arrived, we would play with them for about 10 minutes and then gathered outside to sing our welcoming name song. After we would all head over to the first activity, which was literature. Then we had basic concepts, behavior regulation, gross motor, snack time and lastly pretend play. These activities were selected by us and we were paired with another team member interested in the same activity. When the last activity was done, we all gathered outside again and sang a song or two and a good-bye song with their names.

After the children left, we gathered and had lunch at the school and debriefed. We would share our glows and grows of the day. When we were done eating we would then have a break for about 1-3 hours depending on the agenda. Some days we had observations that would only give us about an hour break. We would then come back to the school and observe a speech therapy session done by one of the speech pathologists on the team. The therapy sessions were very interesting and helpful to observe.

After we would have a break until it was time for dinner. We would all go to dinner together in a nice and relaxing place by the beach.

After dinner, we would meet at the hotel to go over our activities for the next day and to make sure everyone was on the same page. Most of the time we were free before 9 pm and had the rest of the night to relax, go for a night swim or prepare for the next day.

It might seem like a long day but you will enjoy every single moment of it!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

The day before my trip to the Dominican Republic, I was very excited but at the same time nervous (like many of us have felt). Many “what ifs” came to my mind. The main one was “what if I get sick?”. I went during the time when it was all over the news that Americans had been dying in the Dominican Republic, so of course, I freaked out. Most of those deaths had happened due to alcohol in certain resorts. As a member of the therapy abroad team, we were not allowed to drink alcohol which was good because then I did not have to worry about getting sick and it was one less thing on my mind to worry about.

It is okay to have these “what ifs” cross your mind; I mean, we are traveling to another country by ourselves. Another thing that helped me was taking a deep breath and just concentrating in the moment instead of worrying about the future. Once you arrive, you really forget about all the “what ifs” prior to arrival. Cabarete is a really beautiful and relaxing place to be.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Bob Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP

Job Title
SLP Supervisor
Bob is the Chair/Program Director and Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Salus University. In addition to his administrative duties, Bob teaches several classes and supervises students in the program on-campus clinic, the Speech-Language Institute.
Two Therapy Abroad volunteers wearing blue company shirts helping two locals

What is your favorite travel memory?

During our last program, we provided services during a walk-in clinic for children and adults experiencing communication difficulties, in an open air room at a local hotel. The community coordinator had sent messages throughout the local villages that we'd be available to provide speech and hearing screenings. When the day ended, we had assessed over 30 people. Many of the clients were children and we were able to provide parent training for home programs.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I feel like I've grown in my understanding in how culture impacts education and health care. Applying cultural humility to mentoring graduate students has deeply impacted my perspective in addressing client care here in the United States. By giving students an opportunity to think creatively and quickly to address a variety of communication disorders, I have had to become a better teacher.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

There are so many - I ask students to be open and take chances during their experience, setting goals to do something outside their personal box! During our wrap-up meeting, I love to hear how they feel like they've grown. I always get one or two students who says that their friends, family and professors would not believe they did this or that - I see that as a student who has taken full advantage of the travel experience!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

There are so many great opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students studying communication sciences and disorders (and other health science professions) that allow them to deeply experience a culture different from their own! I have enjoying several trips to Belize that allow monolingual students and clinicians the opportunity to work in a culture that both reflects common and differing values. It never fails to re-energize me!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I love the transformation that students go through, in such a short time frame. Therapy Abroad's mix of cultural immersion activities and clinical experiences allows even the most novice students an opportunity to learn about themselves as they study their profession. I try to take a picture of the students during their first activity and then again during their last day, so we can document the transformation from shy and nervous travelers to confident student clinicians, collaborating with the supervisors and impacting the communities Therapy Abroad serves.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I think it is a mix of fun and work. Students get pre-service information that prepares them for travel, activities to orient them to the culture before they start their experiences, and a variety of settings and populations which gives them a broad overview of service provision in-country. Therapy Abroad picks excellent clinical supervisors and community collaborators to facilitate the events. Couple that with exciting cultural activities and delicious meals of local cuisine affords students a well-rounded adventure.