The Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department recently offered their students the opportunity to travel to Belize for a firsthand clinical opportunity. This experience is offered through a partnership with Therapy Abroad, a company that focuses on delivering services to countries and communities in need, offering sustainable resources, and developing cultural competencies for CSD students.
Twenty students and four CSD faculty—Amy Yacucci, Trish Larkin, Kim Adelman, and Lindsay Diekhoff—traveled to Belize, visiting San Ignacio, Belmopan, and Caye Caulker. While in the country, students engaged in clinical experiences under the direct supervision of their licensed speech-language pathology faculty.
Students gained experience by providing speech and language screenings and evaluations for children at Mt. Carmel Primary and Santa Elena Primary. They also visited the Octavia Waight Nursing Home to offer cognitive and swallow evaluations to residents. Specific therapy sessions for all ages were scheduled throughout the week and took place in San Ignacio. In their free time, the group participated in outdoor excursions and cultural experiences.
“This experience was truly the best experience of my life,” said Hannah Rudkin, a CSD graduate student. “I would have never done anything like this if it weren’t for therapy abroad. I have traveled out of the country before, but this was different in the best way. The number of activities and excursions they plan for you with your time there is incredible.
“We did so much in 10 days I felt like I was gone for a month. I knew we would see different cultures and learn about them, but we were very embedded into the culture there from food, to music, to presentations, and more. I loved learning about this and now I can bring this knowledge into my clinic back at school. The clients I have connected with are people I will never forget. Making a difference in their lives in just a few shorts days is incredible. I will never stop thinking about this trip and I recommend everyone to go!”
