Dominican Republic: Communication Sciences & Disorders Program with Spanish Language Immersion
When Can I Travel?
We currently do not have any programs scheduled for Summer 2025.
herapy Abroad offers two summer sessions each year in the Dominican Republic:
10-Day Program: Ideal for students seeking a deeper immersion and more clinical observation hours.
7-Day Program: Perfect for those with limited travel availability or shorter university breaks.
Programs typically run from late May through early August, aligning with most academic calendars. Early enrollment is encouraged as spaces fill quickly.
Where Am I Going?
This program is located in the Dominican Republic! The DR has it all! It is the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country and is well known for its amazing hospitality, warm people, diverse cuisine, adventure activities, and some of the world’s most well-known beaches.
Students will spend their trip in the mountain town of Jarabacoa, known as the city of eternal spring. Surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and lush countryside, this location offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and comfort. Therapy Abroad partners with local schools, therapy centers, and community organizations that serve children and adults with communication and developmental differences.
Who Should Sign Up for this CSD Experience in the Dominican Republic?
This program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students studying:
Speech-Language Pathology (CSD)
Linguistics, Education, or Pre-Health
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Public Health
No prior Spanish proficiency is required — just a willingness to learn and engage. Students can expect a collaborative environment with bilingual clinicians and language instructors supporting every step.
Why Should I Travel with Therapy Abroad?
Therapy Abroad is the only study abroad provider focused exclusively on health and human sciences. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning, cultural humility, and community impact, combining structured academic experiences with adventure and reflection.
Supervised by licensed SLPs and bilingual professionals
Opportunities to earn observation hours recognized by ASHA
Daily Spanish language classes tailored for healthcare communication
24/7 support from Therapy Abroad staff and local partners
Proven safety protocols and exceptional housing and logistics
2021 Winter Program Dates (Now Accepting Applications)
- January 4 – January 16
2021 Summer Program Dates (Now Accepting Applications)
- May 31 -June 12
What Will I Do While I'm in the Dominican Republic
You’ll engage in meaningful service-learning and cultural exchange experiences such as:
Participating in language exchange sessions with Dominican peers
Assisting local therapists in speech-language and hearing clinics
Leading educational workshops for parents, teachers, and caregivers
Visiting schools and community centers to deliver therapy-based activities
Exploring waterfalls, mountain trails, and cultural landmarks on excursions
This blend of academic enrichment and cultural adventure helps you develop practical skills while giving back to the local community.
What Is The Itinerary*?
Each trip includes a mix of cultural orientation, clinic days, and excursions.
Sample 10-Day Itinerary Highlights:Day 1–2: Arrival, orientation, and Spanish immersion workshops
Day 3–5: Clinical observation and community service projects
Day 6–7: Language immersion and cultural exchange activities
Day 8–9: Mountain excursions and reflection sessions
Day 10: Departure and farewell ceremony
The 7-day program follows the same structure in a shorter format, focusing on language and cultural immersion while maintaining clinical relevance.
Where Will I Stay in the Dominican Republic
Students stay in comfortable, group-style accommodations in Jarabacoa, with:
Shared rooms and private bathrooms
On-site dining with daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Wi-Fi access and laundry services
Safe, staff-supervised environment with gated grounds
Accommodations are vetted by Therapy Abroad’s in-country management team to meet safety and cultural standards
Therapy Abroad 1-3-1
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Free Time
es! Free time is built into the schedule for:
Exploring local markets and cafés
Swimming in nearby waterfalls
Optional cultural workshops (merengue dance, cooking, or crafts)
Students often describe these moments as some of the most memorable parts of their experience — a time to bond, reflect, and enjoy the Dominican way of life.
Benefits for Students Who Participate In This Program
Earn clinical observation hours for ASHA or graduate school prerequisites
Gain Spanish healthcare vocabulary through guided lessons
Develop cultural competence and global health awareness
Build leadership and teamwork skills in an international setting
Strengthen graduate school and professional applications
What’s Included?
We got you covered: Travel and study abroad is a big investment and our commitment to you is that we will work hard every day to make sure you are going to have the most amazing experience: professional staff, tasty meals and comfortable accommodations, and overall, a well-crafted itinerary full of diverse activities and good people.
With the exception of international airfare, our trips are all-inclusive. We won’t try to upsell you on any “additional activities” or “additional optional activities” that aren’t advertised as part of the program. More specifically, your program includes:
Your program tuition covers everything you need for a seamless experience:
✅ Round-trip airport transfers in the Dominican Republic
✅ Safe and comfortable housing
✅ All meals and purified drinking water
✅ All program activities, excursions, and cultural events
✅ 24/7 in-country support staff
✅ Pre-departure orientation and travel medical insurance guidance
WeTravel Portal / Information t…
Not included: international airfare, passport fees, and personal spending money.
