Therapy Volunteers International

I had an amazing experience with Therapy Volunteers International in Belize and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in pediatrics or community-based occupational therapy. The experience challenged me to think creatively, problem-solve, and adapt interventions using limited resources. I also loved learning about a different culture and seeing the positive impact our team had on the children and their families. . I left feeling more confident in my clinical skills and even more excited to become an occupational therapist.

Therapy Volunteers International was one of the most meaningful experiences of my occupational therapy education. From day one, the entire team was incredibly welcoming, supportive, and passionate about creating a positive experience for both volunteers and the families we served.

Working with children in Belize challenged me to think creatively, adapt with limited resources, and provide meaningful, occupation-based care. It strengthened my clinical skills, reinforced the importance of cultural humility, and reminded me why I chose occupational therapy.

I left Belize with unforgettable memories and a renewed passion for serving others. I am incredibly grateful to the Therapy Volunteers International team and would wholeheartedly recommend this experience to any healthcare student looking to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact.

This experience was truly eye-opening and reinforced just how valuable occupational therapy can be in a low-resource environment. Throughout the week, our group collaborated professionally, problem-solving each day to make both the children's experience and our own even better. We met daily to reflect, share new ideas, and build on knowledge from our previous fieldwork experiences while learning from one another and our supervisors. One of the most rewarding aspects was working alongside people with different levels of experience. Our supervisors were licensed occupational therapists, the students from the other university were completing their first fieldwork experience, and my group had already completed multiple Level I fieldwork placements, with some of us having finished a Level II rotation. Everyone brought unique perspectives, and together we created an environment where we could learn from one another while providing the best care possible. Although we were only there for four days, I truly believe we made a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we worked with. Beyond the clinical experience, the excursions and accommodations were incredible, and the staff made us feel so welcome. A special thank you to Wilfred, Juan Carlos, and the kitchen staff for their kindness, hospitality, and support throughout the trip. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience that strengthened my clinical skills, reinforced the importance of creativity and collaboration in occupational therapy, and reminded me of the impact our profession can have across cultures and resource settings. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and would totally do it again - 10/10 experience!

My experience volunteering in Belize was truly unforgettable, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn alongside a multidisciplinary team- OT, BCBA, & psychologist. Working with the children strengthened my passion for speech-language pathology.

Throughout the week, I was inspired by the creativity and adaptability of the clinicians, who provided meaningful therapy despite limited resources. It was a great reminder that strong relationships and individualized care make the biggest difference. I left Belize with a broader perspective, new clinical insights, and a deeper appreciation for the power of communication and connection. This experience is one I will carry with me throughout my career.

My experience in Belize was both professionally and personally impactful. Throughout the week, we worked in the Stella Maris Special Education School and pediatric outpatient clinic, where we observed and helped lead OT and speech therapy sessions for children with a wide variety of needs. This experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow tremendously in my confidence, adaptability, and clinical reasoning skills. I learned how meaningful occupational therapy can be even in low-resource settings and how important flexibility and creativity are when working in pediatrics. The children, therapists, and families were incredibly welcoming, and I left Belize with a much deeper appreciation for cultural humility and client-centered care!