• Program for MA-SLP and AuD graduate and advanced SPLH undergraduate students
• Gain hands-on experience working with children and adults across the lifespan with a variety of communication needs
• 2027 location will be San Pedro, Belize
• 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 audiology 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 San Pedro, which is a beachfront town on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in 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 and AuD students will enroll in 3 credits of SPLH 752: Examining Global Perspectives in Speech-Language-Hearing. 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 a couple of times to review client files and plan for the screenings and evaluations.

While abroad, students will participate in supervised evaluations and screenings. Students will receive contact hours toward their ASHA requirement while participating in direct patient-contact activities.

Upon return, students will submit a short reflection paper and any final clinical documentation. 

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 days full or half days of clinical experiences in San Pedro. The clinical experiences may include, but aren't limited to, screenings and evaluations, therapy 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 San Pedro, a guest speaker on Education, Culture, and Healthcare in Belize, and a cooking class where you will learn how to prepare traditional Belizean dishes and listen to live music. Additionally, it's planned the group will go on a guided snorkeling tour on the Belize Barrier Reef to view the coral, fish, rays, and other wildlife. There will also be some free time to visit the beach or explore San Pedro more.

All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more. 

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. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile 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. 

Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program. 

• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students
• Physical and Mental Health Histories
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities 

All students must be graduate students in the KU Speech-Language-Hearing or Audiology program or undergraduate SPLH majors who have completed SPLH 664 and 670. Special exceptions to these requirements may be made on a case-by-base basis with instructor permission. The minimum GPA requirement is a 2.5, though exceptions are considered after submitting a petition.

Program Cost for Graduate Studies in Audiology and Speech Pathology in Belize

Clinical Assistant Professor Kate Greenleaf (kgreenleaf@ku.edu) and Assistant Clinical Professor Anjelica Pearson are leading the program. Professor Greenleaf has previously led study abroad programs to Belize, Bulgaria, Dominica, and Turks and Caicos.

Study Abroad Program Coordinator: Mari Keyser
Have a quick question? Email me at: mkeyser@ku.edu
Looking for more detailed information? Book an appointment.
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Passport and Entry Requirements

All U.S. citizens must have a passport to enter Belize; no tourist visa is required. It’s recommended that the passport is valid for six months beyond the return date. For students who need to apply for an adult passport, please view the processing times and request one soon. KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement has a Passport Center where students can apply for a U.S. passport. You should plan on having your passport by early January.

Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for understanding their entry requirements and must have a valid passport for six months beyond the return date. Please be in touch with the program coordinator to check requirements.