Program Reviews

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!

This trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity to serve the children of Belize and work alongside AMAZING therapy volunteers! I gained a new perspective of the need for OT around the world and learned so much about the culture of Belize. This trip was well organized and truly a 10/10 experience. I would highly recommend that OT students take this opportunity if at all possible! The trip was an amazing learning opportunity and a great chance to gain clinical experience. Beyond that, we were able to build connections with Belizean people all along the way.

This trip was SO rewarding and fulfilling!!

The week in Belize is life changing in so many ways. There are so many opportunities to love and serve others in their community. There is a general plan for the daily schedule, but flexibility is key! We worked with the school and clinic each day. Stella Maris is the only school within Belize that provides services to children with Special Needs. Being immersed in the culture is an enlightening experience that allows you to provide hands-on therapy sessions with many students each day within a classroom setting and one-on-one student sessions. The students are so eager to learn. I loved seeing the culture within the school of teaching the older students life skills and encouraging a community of assisting with the younger students. The hands-on experience that we gained as a Level 1A fieldwork is unmatched I'm forever grateful for this experience!

From the second we touched down, everything was set for us to start our incredible experience in Belize! Our schedule was filled with quality time with the children both in school and in the clinic as well as enriching activities that highlighted the beauty of the local culture and landscape. It was eye-opening to learn how access to special education has developed in Belize and to be on the forefront of the push to make education more accessible for all children. Anyone coming to this location will surely have the all-around experience of a lifetime!

This experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not only was Belize absolutely beautiful, but Therapy Volunteers gave us the connections to see the true beauty behind the tourist attractions. Being connected to a school for children with special needs this early in my education was invaluable. Connecting with a different culture and education system was by far the highlight of our trip. I could not imagine a better place to have my first clinical rotation. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone!

My experience in Belize was absolutely incredible. I was able to provide Occupational Therapy services for children that desperately needed the support and opportunities. Throughout my experience provided by this program I was enlightened culturally, economically, and socially. The children I worked alongside with gave me a different outlook on life and the way I live my day to day experiences. I also took away critical academic and life skills that I'll further implement in my graduate studies.