Program Reviews

My time in Belize as an OTD student with Therapy Volunteers International was an incredible learning experience. The team was very welcoming and accommodating, creating a supportive environment that allowed me to grow both clinically and personally. As a student, I appreciated how they encouraged hands-on learning while also providing guidance and mentorship throughout the experience. It was a unique opportunity to apply my skills in a new cultural setting, and I am grateful for the support and flexibility they showed in helping students make the most of the trip.

My week in Belize was an incredible and meaningful experience. Volunteering at Stella Maris Special Education School and the clinic allowed me to use my speech therapy skills, build real relationships, and learn so much from the students and staff. I only wish I had more time there. one week wasn’t enough.
I think the program could benefit from more donation opportunities, such as AAC devices, games, activities, and school supplies to support both clinicians and families including parent resources. More reliable WiFi at the Tropical Education Center would also help future volunteers.
Outside of work, snorkeling at Caye Caulker and cave tubing were unforgettable. Adding an extra day or even a night on one of the islands would make the experience even better. Overall, my time in Belize was genuinely rewarding, and I hope to go back for a longer stay.

In Nov. of 2025, I had the opportunity to go to Belize for my level 1 fieldwork rotation. I can not express enough positivity about this experience. It was the most hands on experience I have had so far. Our fieldwork instructor was amazing, she provided great feedback during and after our session and was very supportive. Therapy volunteers also gave us the opportunity to experience things such as snorkeling, zip lining, and cave tubing. This was amazing and I would recommend this trip to anyone!

Our group’s experience in Belize was nothing short of incredible. From the moment we arrived, the staff welcomed us with genuine warmth and hospitality, making us feel immediately at home. Their friendliness and support helped our group of students feel comfortable and confident as we engaged in a variety of meaningful learning and service opportunities.

We were grateful for the chance to immerse ourselves in the local culture and community. The cultural experiences provided deep insight into Belizean traditions, daily life, and values—offering our students a global perspective that will continue to shape their professional and personal growth.

During our time there, we worked with children through evaluations, individual sessions, and a mini camp. The enthusiasm and engagement of the children made every interaction incredibly rewarding. It was inspiring to witness the positive impact our students were able to make through occupational therapy–based activities and play.

The facilities and space available were ideal for our group’s needs, allowing us to carry out each component of our program with ease and creativity.

Overall, this was a truly memorable and impactful experience—for both our students and the individuals we served. We left Belize with full hearts, new friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose in the work we do.

I traveled to Belize for my Level I-B fieldwork with my cohort from the Presbyterian College Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program, where I am working toward becoming a licensed Occupational Therapist. My experience with Therapy Adventures exceeded all expectations. I truly enjoyed every moment spent with the children and staff—their warmth and kindness made the experience unforgettable. The food was incredible, and the community was so welcoming. I would return in a heartbeat! If you ever have the opportunity to volunteer with Therapy Adventures, I highly encourage you to GO—it’s an experience you won’t regret.

This experience was amazing! I really enjoyed the people I worked with! Each day we learned more and more about the culture. Working with Jamie and the program increased my skill set as a future occupational therapist. My favorite part was not only working with the children but also their families and creating a home exercise program (HEP). Knowing that the will have a couple more resources that they didn't have prior to us coming, makes me feel that I am impacting them in a positive way, and that's because of this program.

Our recent trip to Belize was an extraordinary and transformative experience! I had the privilege of supervising an incredible group of students who immersed themselves fully in both the therapeutic and cultural aspects of the experience. Throughout the week, students led hands-on evaluations, individual therapy sessions, and group camp activities demonstrating growing confidence, creativity, and compassion in every interaction.

Beyond the clinical learning, we were welcomed into the vibrant culture of Belize, gaining deeper appreciation for the community’s warmth, resilience, and strong sense of connection. Students learned how to adapt therapeutic approaches to different cultural contexts, embracing flexibility and cultural humility as essential components of effective practice.

This experience not only strengthened their professional skills but also fostered lasting memories, meaningful relationships, and a renewed passion for occupational therapy. It was truly a trip that blended service, learning, and heart creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Our experience with This Therapy Adventures was absolutely amazing! From start to finish, the trip exceeded all expectations and left a lasting impact on our entire team. The blend of adventure, reflection, and personal growth created an environment that was both energizing and healing.

What made this trip truly stand out was how thoughtfully everything was planned. Each activity had a clear purpose and was rooted in therapeutic intention, yet never felt forced or overly clinical. The facilitators were compassionate, knowledgeable, and deeply attuned to our needs. They created a safe and supportive space that allowed everyone to open up, connect, and grow—both individually and as a team.

This wasn’t just a retreat; it was a journey that brought us closer together, helped us work through challenges, and inspired us to return to our daily lives with a renewed sense of purpose and connection.

I genuinely cannot overstate how incredible and impactful this experience was. We’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with them!

Highly recommended for any team or group seeking meaningful transformation, connection, and unforgettable memories.

I came here for occupational therapy fieldwork, but I left with so much more. I’m incredibly grateful for the kids, the community, the adventures, and the growth. Their resilience and joy inspired me daily, and I left feeling more grateful than ever for the chance to serve and grow. Getting to explore the beautiful country of Belize, swim in the bluest water, and soak up adventures I’ll remember forever was a plus. Thank you Therapy Volunteers International for giving us this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Overall, this was an amazing experience I hope more people get to enjoy and participate in. This created a unique opportunity experience cultural diversity while also providing therapeutic practice to children in need, allowing me to be a better student and future clinician. I hope this program continues to grow and continues to provide needed services to locations of need. Something that might be beneficial is the incorporation of standardized assessments within the practice to help with carry over and progress for new/changing practitioners and caregiver notes.