Therapy Volunteers International

Therapy Volunteers International

Why choose Therapy Volunteers International?

We are Therapy Volunteers International, a nonprofit organization bringing pediatric therapy services to Latin America. We offer short-term therapy experience trips (1 week) to countries such as Ecuador, Panama, and Belize. We seek students who would like to volunteer as a way to make a difference and improve their experiences, strengthening their application when it comes time to apply for graduate school.

Reviews

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Leah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Belize - OT Level I Fieldwork Experience

Having a level II fieldwork placement in Belize was truly unforgettable! From immersing in a new culture to taking part in meaningful excursions and providing care at both a local school and clinic, every experience was impactful. Amy, our CI, was incredible in guiding us through the unique structure of services there, which is different from what we are used to in the States. She does remarkable work, and the staff and students at the school were just as inspiring. We also got the opportunity to shadow Tammy, the SLP, who was so insightful and fun to be around.

What was your funniest moment?
About halfway through our stay at the Tropical Education Center (TEC), we were moved from air-conditioned rooms to dorms without A/C or private bathrooms. As a group, we were nervous about the heat and using outhouses. But, we ended up freezing the first couple of nights! The bathroom situation was always an adventure, we couldn’t stop laughing about it..especially when we had to share the space with frogs, lizards, and spiders.
Pros
  • Hands-on experience
  • Exploring and learning about a new culture
  • Exposure to different educational systems and perspective on various diagnoses
Default avatar
Madison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

MSU Occupational Therapy (OT) Level 1 Fieldwork in Belize

This was such an amazing experience! I had the opportunity to spend a day in Caye Caulker to snorkel and explore the island. On another excursion, I went cave tubing and ziplined through the jungle. The most invaluable part of this experience was working with the students at Stella Maris and the kids in the clinic. Amy, an occupational therapist, and Tammy, a speech therapist, were amazing educators who would answer all of our questions, explain their reasoning for interventions, and overall enriched our learning. I loved leading an OT activity that really helped me to apply what I have been learning in my OT program. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I would recommend to anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone, improve their therapy-related skills, and make an impact on the children and families in Belize! Thank you, Therapy Adventures International, for this trip!

Default avatar
Maci
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

OT Fieldwork Rotation

Had an amazing experience in Belize with Therapy Volunteer International! I valued the opportunity to work in both school and clinic settings, gaining insight into the local culture and the importance of therapy services. It was inspiring to see the creativity and dedication of therapists working with limited resources. This experience deepened my understanding of global healthcare and strengthened my passion for pediatric occupational therapy. I’m grateful for the connections made and the lessons learned along the way.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Journal daily: Reflecting on what you’ve seen can deepen your learning and help process emotional moments.

Be ready for limited resources: You might see creative, low-cost therapy methods that inspire you.

Stay connected: If possible, build ongoing relationships or look for ways to support the organization after your visit.

Understand the community context: Kids may face challenges beyond their disabilities (e.g., poverty, limited access to care). Empathy is essential.

Learn about local conditions: Familiarize yourself with common diagnoses or developmental concerns in the region.
Pros
  • Beautiful location
  • Positive attitudes
  • Exploring the country
Default avatar
Aubrey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Level 1 OT Fieldwork in Belize

I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Belize with a group of five, and it was truly one of the best experiences of my life. The entire process—from planning to arriving back home—went smoothly, and the trip was both meaningful and exciting from start to finish.

While there, I worked closely with two incredible professionals: Amy, an Occupational Therapist, and Tammy, a Speech Therapist. They were both so knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate about their work. I learned a great deal from observing and collaborating with them, especially in a hands-on, real-world setting.

Even though we were only there for a week, we packed in so much. We had the chance to snorkel with nurse sharks and manta rays, go cave tubing through ancient river systems, and zipline through the jungle. These adventures helped us experience the natural beauty of Belize in such a memorable way.

One of the most impactful parts of the trip was working with students at a special needs school. We provided occupational therapy services and had the chance to interact directly with the children, which was incredibly rewarding. It really opened my eyes to the importance of therapy in underserved areas.

We also spent time learning about Belizean culture and came to understand just how valuable therapy services are to the people there. The entire experience was both professionally enriching and personally meaningful, and it’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The Tropical Education Center (TEC) provided almost every meal for us. It was amazing every time. I am a very picky eater and it was perfectly balanced between unfamiliarity and comfortable food. I ate every meal and I was so thankful for the staff there!
Pros
  • Emersing yourself into the Belizian Culture
  • Hands-on experience in a school/clinic setting
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Ethan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

MSU OT Belize Trip!

There are not enough words to describe the experience that I had down in Belize working with Therapy Volunteers. This was my second time in Belize and I still can't get over how beautiful the country is. From spending the day at Caye Caulker, to tubing through the jungle, the excursions were such an amazing experience. But, my favorite part of the trip was working with the amazing staff kiddos. Amy and Tammy both fostered fantastic learning environments, answering any questions and explaining their intervention process for each kid that we saw. We were very fortunate to have such an amazing staff down there to help us learn during our Level I experience. This was such an amazing experience and I would recommend this trip, and any other trip, to anyone. Thank you again!

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