Study Abroad in Belize with Therapy Abroad and discover a country that blends adventure, culture, and purpose. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the lush rainforests of Central America, Belize offers a living classroom for students of speech-language pathology (SLP), occupational therapy (OT), nursing, and physical therapy (PT). Through Therapy Abroad’s academic service-learning programs, students gain real-world experience, contribute to sustainable community health initiatives, and even earn college credit abroad.
Belize is a small but vibrant nation known for its inclusive approach to education and community care. The Ministry of Education has been a leader in promoting inclusive practices, yet barriers remain – limited access to rehabilitation professionals, rural isolation, and persistent stigma toward disabilities. That’s where Therapy Abroad comes in. Partnering directly with the Ministry and local schools, Therapy Abroad strengthens interprofessional education (IPE) and community-based rehabilitation (CBR) while empowering local caregivers and families with the knowledge and strategies to help their children.
During your program, you’ll join licensed professionals and other students in providing developmental screenings, individual and group therapy, and caregiver education in both urban and rural settings. These experiences are designed to meet ASHA and AOTA standards for cultural humility, evidence-based practice, and global clinical competence – core skills for today’s allied health professionals. You can also strengthen those skills by taking one of our pre-departure 3-credit academic courses. This ensures that you have foundational knowledge of the country and the culture to “hit the ground running” upon arrival.
But Belize is more than a clinical site; it is a cultural journey. Beyond its turquoise waters and lush tropical forests, Belize is a nation of extraordinary diversity and warmth. Its people represent a vibrant mosaic of Creole, Garifuna, Maya, East Indian, and Mestizo communities, each contributing to a living tapestry of languages, traditions, and values that make every interaction an opportunity for discovery.
For students of SLP, OT, PT and nursing, Belize offers more than observation; it offers immersion. You will hear Creole and Spanish blending in schoolyards, Garifuna drumming echoing across coastal villages, and Maya elders sharing stories that trace back centuries. These moments illuminate how language diversity, cultural identity, and social context influence communication, health, and learning.
From exploring Mayan ruins and swimming in crystal-clear rivers to collaborating with teachers in local classrooms, Therapy Abroad Belize is a journey of discovery, empowerment, and growth. You’ll leave with a broader worldview, lasting friendships, and the satisfaction of knowing your work helped shape a more inclusive future for children and families.
Learn. Empower. Grow.
Join the next cohort of Therapy Abroad Belize and earn college credit while transforming your education into real-world impact.
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