Dominica: Pre-Health, Nursing & Rehabilitation Sciences Programs
Discover Dominica — the Nature Island of the Caribbean — through Therapy Abroad’s immersive programs for students in pre-health, nursing, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other allied health disciplines.
Our programs are built for those who want to learn by doing, combining clinical observation, hands-on practice, and meaningful service. Students gain practical experience working alongside local and U.S.-licensed professionals while exploring the island’s culture, natural beauty, and healthcare systems.
Through formal partnerships with Dominica’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and local NGOs, participants engage with diverse populations of children and adults, developing cultural humility, professional confidence, and a global perspective on healthcare delivery.
Dominica Destination Details
Dominica is a breathtaking volcanic island located between Guadeloupe and Martinique, known for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, rejuvenating hot springs, and warm, welcoming communities. Often called “The Nature Island” of the Caribbean, it offers an environment that is both inspiring and deeply connected to community health and sustainability.
Unlike traditional study abroad programs, Therapy Abroad provides students with structured access to real-world healthcare and educational settings through established partnerships with Dominica’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and local NGOs. Participants contribute to sustainable initiatives in public health, rehabilitation, and education, gaining firsthand experience in how culture, language, and systemic context shape healthcare delivery.
A key advantage of studying in Dominica is that English is the official national language, making communication seamless for students and faculty. This allows participants to focus on building clinical and interpersonal skills without a language barrier, while still experiencing a multilingual environment where French Creole and Antillean Creole are commonly spoken. Students learn how linguistic diversity impacts communication and care—an essential component of cultural competence in global health practice.
Dominica’s rich blend of African, Caribbean, and European heritage, combined with its emphasis on community, collaboration, and cultural preservation, creates an ideal setting for holistic, person-centered learning that bridges classroom knowledge with meaningful real-world experience.
Eligibility Criteria for Dominica Program
Therapy Abroad programs in Dominica are open to:
Undergraduate and graduate students in healthcare, rehabilitation sciences, nursing, public health, and pre-professional programs.
Recent graduates seeking observation or fieldwork hours.
University faculty seeking a custom global health experience for their cohort.
No prior international experience is required. Each program is faculty-led and supervised by Therapy Abroad clinicians and Dominican healthcare professionals, ensuring every participant’s experience is educational, safe, and impactful.
- May 4 -May 17 (Program Full)
- May 18 -May 31 (Program Full)
- June 1 -June 14 (Program Full)
- June 15 -June 28 (Program Full)
- June 29 -July 12
- July 13 -July 26
- July 27 -August 9
- August 10 -August 23
2020 -2021 Winter Program Dates (Now Accepting Applications)
- December 7 -December 19
- December 28 -January 9
- January 11 -January 23
Why Should I Travel with Therapy Abroad to Dominica?
Therapy Abroad’s programs go beyond observation—they’re built around collaboration, community, and cultural exchange.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Work across multiple health disciplines, understanding how nursing, therapy, and pre-health fields intersect in practice.
Government Partnerships: Access to hospitals, schools, and community programs through official agreements with Dominica’s Ministries of Health and Education.
Hands-On Experience: Apply what you’ve learned in class to real clinical and community environments.
Comprehensive Support: Full-service logistics, safety protocols, and 24/7 in-country staff.
Transformative Growth: Develop leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication skills that set you apart in graduate school and beyond.
“Our goal is to provide more than just a study abroad program — we support academic excellence and experiential learning that helps shape the next generation of global healthcare professionals.”
— Dr. Jessica Brown, PhD., CCC-SLP, MT-BC, Therapy Abroad Founder
What Will I Do in Dominica
Each day in Dominica offers a blend of clinical practice, cultural exchange, and adventure. Students from different health backgrounds collaborate in a variety of settings, including:
Hospitals & Clinics: Observe and assist at the Dominica–Chinese Friendship Hospital and community health centers.
Schools & Early Intervention Programs: Work with teachers and students at The Alpha Center — Dominica’s only school for children with disabilities.
Community Health Outreach: Participate in the “Yes, We Care” initiative providing home-based support for elderly and housebound individuals.
Geriatric & Rehabilitation Centers: Engage with residents at PHARCS and the Dominica Infirmary to support cognitive, mobility, and communication needs.
Public Health Projects: Collaborate on education, wellness, and preventative care initiatives alongside local partners.
Whether you’re a pre-health student exploring different disciplines or a graduate student honing advanced skills, your work contributes directly to Dominica’s long-term health goals.
Dominica Program Accommodation
Participants stay in locally owned guesthouses in Roseau or at the Caapi Cottage Retreat, a serene mountain eco-lodge near Morne Trois Pitons National Park.
Shared double rooms for students and private rooms for faculty.
Modern amenities: Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private baths, fresh drinking water, and communal meeting spaces.
All meals are included, prepared by local cooks featuring Dominican and Western cuisine.
Private group transportation and dedicated drivers ensure safe, reliable travel throughout the island.
Free Time Cultural and Adventure Activities in Dominica
Dominica is as rich in adventure as it is in learning. Between professional activities, you’ll have opportunities to explore:
Kalinago Territory: Meet members of Dominica’s Indigenous community and learn about traditional healing and sustainable living.
Emerald Pool & Trafalgar Falls: Swim beneath waterfalls and experience UNESCO-listed natural beauty.
Layou River & Hot Springs: Enjoy relaxation after service days in natural pools and mineral springs.
Snorkeling at Champagne Reef: Explore coral reefs and volcanic vents in one of the Caribbean’s most unique dive spots.
Roseau Market & Waterfront: Discover local art, music, and cuisine while connecting with Dominican culture firsthand.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes for Students Include
- Hands-on experience
- Build experience and resume for graduate school admissions
- 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
- Strengthen clinical reasoning and communication across multidisciplinary teams.
- 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
What’s Included in Your Program
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:
Included:
Lodging and all meals
Ground transportation and excursions
Clinical and community placements
Materials, supervision, and group facilitation
Pre-departure orientation and ongoing mentorship
24-hour in-country support
Program t-shirt and certificate of participation
Not Included:
Airfare (group flight options available)
Passport, visa, or vaccination costs
Optional travel medical insurance
ready to Make a Difference?
Join Therapy Abroad in Dominica and be part of an interdisciplinary team changing lives through compassionate, hands-on care.
Whether your path leads to speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, or another allied health field, this program offers the opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally in one of the world’s most inspiring destinations.