Graduate Studies in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology in Belize
Graduate Studies in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology in Belize
- Program for MA-SLP and AuD graduate students
- Gain hands-on experience working with diverse children and adults in various areas of audiology and speech-language pathology
- 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 at the University of Kansas who have an interest in working with people with different types of disabilities. Additionally, students will learn about the history and culture of Belize through lectures given by local experts and participate in cultural activities that are emblematic of Belize.
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, though a creole patois, Spanish, and other indigenous languages are also spoken.
The program will take place on the island of Ambergris Caye, in northern Belize. The city where the group will be staying is San Pedro, which is in the southern part of the island. Its sandy streets are lined with wooden houses and seafood restaurants. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a channel in an offshore reef popular for snorkeling and diving.
Two or three hours of academic credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program. MA-SPL students will enroll in 2 credits and AuD students will enroll in 3 credits of SPLH 752: Examining Global Perspectives in Speech-Language-Hearing.
During the Spring semester, the group will meet three or four times (for six to ten hours total) to review client files and plan for the screenings and evaluations.
While abroad, MA-SLP and AuD graduate students will participate in supervised evaluations and screenings, as well as facilitate short-term therapeutic intervention activities. 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 locally-owned guest house in San Pedro. The guest house will include Wi-Fi and air conditioning. While in Belize, all meals will be included.
KU is partnering with Therapy Abroad, a program provider, that works with Belize’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health to help achieve the goals they’ve set forth for their most vulnerable citizens. One of the main goals of Therapy Abroad is sustainability and they work year-round to develop services in Belize.
While in Belize, students will have a few full days of clinical experiences as well as some days that mix clinical experiences with cultural activities. The clinical activities will be mostly focused on school-based screenings and evaluations and may include time working and learning from other health care professionals. Students will also identify and discuss evaluation and treatment techniques that are culturally appropriate and sustainable and work to implement these culturally appropriate intervention plans.
Additionally, students will go on a walking tour of the town of San Pedro and attend a presentation about the education system in Belize. It is planned to visit the Belize Chocolate factory to learn about their chocolate production, go on a sunset sail, and a snorkel excursion. The Belize Barrier reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world and the largest in the western hemisphere. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Belizeans work hard to manage this resource sustainably.
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 or Audiology program. The minimum GPA requirement is a 2.5, though exceptions are considered after submitting a petition.
KU partners with Therapy Abroad to offer this program and Therapy Abroad strongly recommends that all participants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Professors Krysta Green (krystagreen@ku.edu) and Kate DeJarnette (kmdejarnette@ku.edu) are directing the program. Both have previously led study abroad programs to Belize as well as destinations such as Bulgaria, Peru, and Turks and Caicos.