Isabelle Snyder
Hello! My name is Isabelle Snyder. I am a senior at PennWest Clarion University located in Pennsylvania. I am currently in a five-year B.S. to M.S. program for Speech and Language Pathology. I first began looking at Therapy Abroad programs to help me get clinical experience as an undergrad student, which can be very difficult to find. I was then drawn to the Bulgaria/Greece program because I found the destinations so interesting, and it exceeded all my expectations!
From the moment we stepped off the plane we were welcomed by the kindest people. We spent the first couple days in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. During this time, we were given a tour of Sofia where we learned its history and saw different monuments, like the breathtaking Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevski.
We then traveled to the Center, which had the most amazing view, and got unpacked and ready for the clinical experiences to begin! We started at a geriatric facility where we learned how to collect a case history while hearing the lovely stories and advice the residents shared. We then moved to working with pediatrics at a daycare center for children and adults with disabilities. We visited the daycare for three days and each time I left with the biggest smile on my face. Even though we spent most of our time playing and doing activities, I gained so much knowledge. We collected case histories, tested communication in individuals who are non-verbal, and created a low-tech AAC device for a man with cerebral palsy. Our last clinical setting was a community clinic where anyone could come in to receive treatment advice. Throughout the experience I was able to meet individuals with cerebral palsy, TBI, autism, multiple sclerosis, and post-stroke aphasia. As an undergraduate student I don’t have much hands-on experience and I loved how much I learned and observed.
While we weren’t doing clinical work, we spent our time seeing the culture and natural beauty of Bulgaria. We spent a day in a cute town named Veliko Tarnovo where we ate, shopped, and toured different ancient monuments. For lunch one day we went to a beautiful town with exhibitions that created a historical town in Bulgaria. My camera roll is filled with Bulgaria’s natural beauty from when we visited a cave, spent the day at a river beach, went on hikes, and hung out by the pool. The food was amazing throughout the entire experience! Many of our meals were at this local restaurant, Superiore, which was delicious (p.s. the bean spread, and toast are to die for). Our last meal included traditional Bulgarian food and a performance of traditional Bulgarian dances and singing. We were even able to learn some of the dances and do them altogether.
As if the trip couldn’t get any better, we then traveled to Greece. We spent the first and last day in Athens where we went on a food tour and toured the Parthenon and other Greek monuments. The other days we were in Santorini which was jaw-dropping. Greece is one of my dream destinations and it did not disappoint. We were able to go shopping, eat delicious food, ride donkeys, and see Mama Mia at sunset. This experience is one I will cherish forever and always. I am so grateful to be a part of such a culturally rich experience where I was able to learn and grow in my profession.
