This trip was incredible! I felt like it was the perfect balance of doing good and seeing the world. I am an undergraduate and was able to learn so much about Speech, Occupational, and ABA Therapy by shadowing the three therapists there. We got to work one-on-one with the kids as well as in group settings. We also got to spend time exploring, eating amazing food, and going on excursions. I felt like the excursions were very unique to Belize, so we got to know and appreciate the culture as well, which was a huge bonus. Overall, this experience was incredible and I'm so happy I got to go!

My experience to Belize was amazing! I am an Occupational Therapist who spent one week serving as one of the volunteers. One of my favorite parts throughout the duration of the trip was learning about and immersing myself into the culture. Everyone we encountered was very friendly. We went on many unique adventures during our time there including zip lining, cave tubing, chocolate making, Mayan ruins, etc which were all fun experiences! We spent 4 days in the clinic working with the kiddos and I was impressed by how positive and open minded the parents/caregivers were when it came to therapy services. They were very appreciative and wanted to learn all that they could about how their kids could receive the services. It was a joy to work with the kids and other volunteers as well. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience or group of volunteers that I was with during this trip! We all got along so well and were able to work as a strong team. I highly recommend Therapy Adventures!

This was such an impactful experience due to the fact that you are serving in a different country and surrounded by individuals who want to make a difference. I traveled to Panama with Therapy Adventures and was able to experience so much ranging from a new beautiful environment to a therapeutic orphanage. I got the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and offer support at an orphanage called Casa Providencia. At Casa Providencia, I was able to interact with the children and work alongside such knowledgable staff.
In addition to the orphanage, I had the opportunity to tour around Panama. Panama is such a beautiful place filled with wild life. Spending time in Panama helped me experience a new culture and perspective.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have traveled with Therapy Adventures. I got the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture, make a meaningful impact on children in need, explore wildlife, and meet many incredible individuals. Visiting Casa Providencia on Panama was life-changing. I was able to collaborate with staff, play with their amazing kiddos, and train staff on promoting communication. If you are on the fence about going, I would say to go for it! It's really a once in a lifetime experience that you will always remember.

Therapy Adventures gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I cannot be more
thankful for. I applied to be a part of the Panama trip in the spring of 2022 and was immediately hooked by the idea of seeing a whole new world while gaining beneficial experience for my future career path in speech-language pathology.
The shift to warm weather from Wisconsin’s freezing temperatures was a wonderful
greeting upon arrival. My group and I were transported to Casa Paraiso, a beautiful base with the most amazing rainforest-like backyard you have ever seen. Our stay was accommodated with any needs we expressed, and we quickly realized how genuine and caring the people of Panama are.
With the most fantastic group of children and staff, Casa Providencia had my heart
instantly. Despite the language barrier, I was able to form the most amazing connections with the happiest group of kiddos you’ve ever seen. Our group leaders were incredible with direction as to how we can help and play and guided us through strategies used in ABA therapy and how we can help the staff apply tools to strengthen their already exceptional methods. My favorite learning experience was being able to work with the Speech-Langauge Pathologist, who focussed primarily on the feeding of the children at Casa Providencia. My group leader was able to translate for me, and I learned the many aspects of feeding and swallowing. As for the staff, I was mesmerized by their care for these children and how strong their connections have grown.
My favorite memory at Casa Providencia was when we were playing outside with the kiddos, and a caregiver asked me if I wanted to play soccer with them. As we included every child that wanted to play in our game, my heart grew warmer with the smiles and laughs, and that is a moment I will never forget.
After our visits to Casa Providencia, we were able to explore the beautiful country of
Panama, I highly suggest looking out the window while in the car! We visited areas such as
Casco Viejo took a boat tour through Gamboa, which included the Panama Canal, and even
spent a day at the beach in the clear Caribean Sea! I must also add that Panamanian food is fantastic; expect lots of chicken and rice, but the Panamanian way!
The trip would not have been possible without our extraordinary leaders, who strived to
teach us while maintaining a balance of fun! I am so thankful to have met these amazing women who have impacted how I view the world and my future.
I am beyond grateful to have been a part of this amazing group, seen amazing sights, and
contributed to an incredible organization called Casa Providencia. Thank you, Therapy
Adventures, for the adventure of a lifetime!