Graduate Studies in Speech-Language Pathology
Graduate Studies in Speech-Language Pathology
- Program for MA-SLP graduate and advanced SPLH undergraduate students
- Gain hands-on experience working with children and adults across the lifespan with a variety of communication needs
- Participate in cultural activities to learn about the history and culture of Belize
This program is designed for graduate students in speech-language pathology and advanced undergraduate SPLH majors at the University of Kansas who have an interest in working with people with different types of disabilities. The group will work with government ministries to offer the local communities services. Clients will be of any age, from children to adults. In addition to clinical experiences, students will learn more about Belizean history and culture through speakers and activities.
Belize is located in Central America, between Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea and south of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Belize was previously known as British Honduras, before gaining its independence from Great Britain in 1981. English is the official language of Belize, through Spanish, a creole patois, and other indigenous languages are also spoken.
The program will take place in Belmopan and Caye Caulker. Belmopan is the capital, located in central Belize. Caye Caulker is an island off the eastern coast of Belize. It is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Two or three hours of academic credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program. MA-SLP students will enroll in 2 credits of SPLH 752: Examining Global Perspectives in Speech-Language-Hearing and undergraduate SPLH students will enroll in 3 credits of SPLH 352: Examining Global Perspective in Speech-Language-Hearing.
During the Spring semester, the group will meet 1-2 times (for 2-3 hours total) to review client files and plan for the screenings and evaluations.
While abroad, students will participate in supervised evaluations and screenings, as well as facilitate short-term therapeutic intervention activities including caregiver trainings and education sessions. Students will receive contact hours toward their ASHA requirement while participating in direct patient-contact activities.
Students will be housed in double or triple occupancy rooms in a hotel or guest house. The housing will include Wi-Fi. All meals while in Belize will be included.
KU partners with Therapy Abroad, a program provider who partners with Belize's Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health to provide services to its citizens. Therapy Abroad values sustainability and they work year-round in Belize to develop services there.
While in Belize, it's planned that there will be several full days of clinical experiences in or around Belmopan and on Caye Caulker as well as days that include both clinical experiences and cultural activities. The clinical experiences may include, but aren't limited to, screenings and evaluations across the lifespan, parent and caregiver coaching sessions, and parent, caregiver, and teacher education sessions regarding implementation and intervention strategies. Students will also identify and discuss evaluation and treatment techniques that are culturally appropriate and sustainable and work to implement these culturally appropriate plans.
Some of the planned cultural activities may include a tour of Belmopan, a visit to a market, and a guest speaker on Education and Culture in Belize. Additionally, it's planned that the group will visit Helping Hands Resource Center, an organization that provides students with academic and literacy interventions and supports, offers activities and programs to help develop well-rounded, culturally engaged citizens, and offers training activities for teachers, parents, and caregivers.
Additionally, it's planned the group will visit St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, which is over 500 acres and contains two cave systems, various natural trails, and a jungle pool for swimming. On Caye Caulker, the group will go on a guided snorkeling tour on the Belize Barrier Reef to view the coral, fish, rays, and other wildlife.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Considerations for Belize
The U.S. Department of State has indicated that LGBTQIA+ people may face discrimination while in Belize. Read more in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section of the Belize country information. Therapy Abroad has not received reports of incidents of this type with any of their students. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the program coordinator.
Additional Resources
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
All students must be graduate students in the KU Speech-Language-Hearing program or undergraduate SPLH majors who have completed clinical practicum (SPLH 672). The minimum GPA requirement is a 2.5, though exceptions are considered after submitting a petition.
Professor Kate DeJarnette (kmdejarnette@ku.edu) is directing the program. Professor DeJarnette has previously led study abroad programs to Belize, Bulgaria, Dominica, and Turks and Caicos.