Meet Our Student Ambassador – Ashley Long

Ashley Long, a third-year occupational therapy student from Widener University, recently visited Belize for one week accompanied by Widener University faculty and second year students. Ashley previously joined therapy abroad on a trip to Dominica and returned to Belize after wanting more experience with Therapy Abroad. 

By Ashley Long

This summer, I had the privilege of returning to Therapy Abroad, an organization that offers immersive, hands-on experiences for students in allied health fields. My first experience with Therapy Abroad was as a second-year student on an adult-based occupational therapy trip to Dominica, where I worked closely with older adults in community and clinical settings. That trip left a lasting impression on me and solidified my passion for occupational therapy in global contexts.

This time, however, I had the opportunity to explore a pediatric-focused program in Belize, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With my next clinical rotation taking place in a school-based OT setting, I wanted to challenge myself to grow more comfortable working with the pediatric population, and this trip gave me exactly that.

Experiencing OT in a Different Culture

One of the most powerful aspects of Therapy Abroad’s programs is the opportunity to practice occupational therapy in another culture. It pushes you to step outside the comfort zone of what you’ve learned in U.S.-based classrooms and clinics. You learn to adapt your approach, communicate with limited resources, and truly meet people where they are.

The experience also highlighted just how different the healthcare system is outside the United States. Access to therapy services, equipment, and ongoing care can be incredibly limited, which means every session and every piece of education you provide really matters. It gives you a broader perspective, and a deep appreciation for both the challenges and the resilience present in international communities.

What We Did in Belize

Our primary project in Belize was running a 4-day “Tykes Camp”—a play-based, pediatric therapy camp for local children. Each child was paired one-on-one with a student therapist, and together they rotated through various OT activity stations each day. These stations were thoughtfully designed by us in advance and focused on important developmental skills such as fine motor coordination, sensory processing, and executive functioning, all while keeping the activities fun, engaging, and culturally relevant.

In addition to camp, we also spent time in home health settings, working directly with children and their families. These visits were some of the most meaningful moments of the trip for me.

One child I worked with was an 11-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. Throughout the week, I was able to build a connection with him and his mother. I provided education on the role of OT, discussed strategies to support him in the home environment, and offered tools that could improve his day-to-day routines. It was a hands-on experience in client-centered care, problem-solving, and parent education—and a reminder of the importance of empathy and collaboration in everything we do.

During our free time, we had the chance to explore the charming town of Punta Gorda, wandering through local shops, taking in the stunning views, connecting with the community, zip-lining with breathtaking mountain scenery, and indulging in the delicious cuisine Belize has to offer.

Growth, Insight, and Gratitude

This second Therapy Abroad trip was just as impactful, if not more so, than my first. It deepened my understanding of pediatric OT, gave me confidence ahead of my upcoming school-based rotation, and helped me grow into a more flexible, creative, and culturally aware future clinician.

More than anything, it reminded me of why I chose occupational therapy in the first place: to help people live more meaningful, functional lives, no matter where in the world they are or where they come from.

If you’re a student considering Therapy Abroad, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your scope, these experiences give you real-world skills, unforgettable memories, and a global lens on healthcare that will shape your practice forever.