Dominican Republic: Communication Sciences & Disorders Program With Spanish Language Immersion
About This Trip
This
immersive program in the Dominican Republic combines hands-on learning with cultural and Spanish-language immersion while earning ASHA Guided Observation Hours. Designed for students and recent graduates interested in speech-language pathology, the experience offers meaningful collaboration with local schools, clinics, NGOs, and community partners to support school-age children through culturally responsive therapy. Participants learn directly from ASHA-certified SLPs while engaging in assessments, therapy sessions, school screenings, caregiver training, and therapeutic camps—all counting toward ASHA requirements. With expert guidance and a supportive environment, this customized program supports academic and clinical goals while providing a memorable international experience.
Who Should Join
Undergraduate and graduate students, post-bacc students, and recent graduates in CSD/SLP seeking hands-on experience and Spanish immersion. Beginner-level Spanish or higher is recommended.
Learn more and Enroll HERE!
Participating students will receive focused instruction on Spanish vocabulary and linguistic constructions designed to prepare practitioners for the workplace. Additionally, students will gain hands-on experience seldom found in the classroom including professional observation hours and one-on-one time with SLPs and other professionals.
Program Details
Therapy Abroad students and staff provide essential services such as speech & language screenings, evaluations, and intervention. Students and staff will also take part in a communications learning camp for children with special needs designed around skill-based stations.
Learn more and Enroll HERE!
Observation, Clinical, & Volunteer Hours
This immersive program allows you to earn ASHA Guided Observation Hours—or supervised clinical hours for master’s students—while gaining meaningful, real-world experience abroad. Under the guidance of ASHA-certified SLPs, participants work across diverse clinical and educational settings, including school-based screenings, pediatric evaluations, therapeutic camps, and caregiver training. Through workshops, assessments, group and individual sessions, and hands-on support, every experience contributes directly to your professional development and graduate school preparation.
Learning Outcomes
This program uniquely combines study abroad, group travel, and hands-on professional training for students in CSD, SLP, audiology, PT, OT, music therapy, and related fields. By the end of the program, participants will have:
- Gained insight into Dominican culture, language, and healthcare and education systems
- Understood how culture influences therapy, assessment, and caregiver training
- Explored global and ethical considerations in clinical practice
- Built professional connections with experienced SLPs
- Worked with children with a range of communication needs
- Strengthened Spanish language skills through immersion
This experience is designed to deepen clinical understanding, expand cultural competence, and support long-term career success.
Learn more and Enroll HERE!
Program Life
- Stay in basic western-style accommodation (small hotels & guest houses)
- Access to Wifi, fresh drinking water, western-style toilets and showers, and laundry services
- Home-cooked Dominican and Western cuisines
Benefits For Students Who Participate In This Program Include:
- Hands-on experience
- Spanish language practice for SLP
- Build experience and resumé for graduate school admissions
- Guided observation hours with ASHA licensed SLP
- Cultural responsiveness
- Learn from professionals in small discussion-based groups: Topics include disorder vs difference, oral motor and feeding techniques, applied behavior analysis, working with culturally & linguistically diverse groups and more.
- Practice skills in a multicultural environment
- Learn to compare and contrast speech-language pathology services in developing countries with that in the United States.
- Intercultural exchange in creative learning environment
- Increased skills of intercultural communication
- Experience in research and collaboration
- Greater international understandings of social issues
- Better understanding of global social change
- Greater understanding of inequalities and differences in world systems
- International travel experience
Payments & Fundraising
With the exception of international airfare, your program tuition is fully inclusive—covering housing, meals, activities, materials, and on-site support. There are no hidden fees, optional add-ons, or surprise costs. We understand that study abroad is a significant investment, and our team is committed to supporting you with transparent pricing, quality accommodations, engaging experiences, and a thoughtfully designed program that delivers exceptional value.
Learn more and Enroll HERE!
