Ireland & Scotland Speech and OccupationalTherapy Study Tour
What You Need to Know
This program is ideal for undergraduate and post-bacc students interested in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, or Occupational Therapy who are eager to explore their field through a global lens. Whether you’re early in your academic journey or considering graduate study, this experience offers an engaging, real-world look at therapeutic practice across different cultures and systems.
Designed as an educational and cultural immersion, the tour includes guided site visits, expert-led workshops, and meaningful conversations with professionals in the Scotland and Ireland. Students will gain exposure to both speech-language pathology and occupational therapy services, observing how interdisciplinary teams collaborate to support clients in diverse clinical and community settings.No prior clinical or travel experience is needed—just curiosity, openness, and a passion for understanding communication, function, and human participation in all their forms.
Custom faculty-Led Programs for SLP/OT
Where Am I Going for Speech and Occupational Therapy Study Tour?
Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is a lush and captivating country located in the North Atlantic, famous for its verdant landscapes, rolling hills, and rugged coastline. It is characterized by a rich cultural heritage, with a tapestry of folklore, music, and more. The capital, Dublin, boasts a vibrant atmosphere blending historical sites, such as Dublin Castle and Trinity College, with modern amenities. The island is divided into the Republic of Ireland, a sovereign nation, and Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom. Finish your journey by traveling to the country of Scotland. As you will find stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Scotland boasts a unique heritage, characterized by its ancient castles, kilts, and traditional music, particularly the captivating sound of bagpipes. The capital, Edinburgh, is famous for its historic and architectural landmarks, including the Edinburgh Castle. Both these countries are well known for their hospitality as you will be welcomed with open arms throughout your stay!
Who Should Sign Up for this Program?
This program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Education, Special Education, and related fields who are eager to combine academic enrichment with immersive cultural experiences. Ideal participants are curious, adaptable, and motivated to expand their global perspective on communication and rehabilitation support services. Whether you’re preparing for graduate studies, seeking hands-on exposure to inclusive education and therapeutic practices, or simply passionate about working with diverse populations, this program offers meaningful professional development through academic site visits, cultural excursions, and peer learning in an international setting. No prior international travel experience is necessary—just an open mind and a desire to learn beyond the classroom.
- 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 Ireland & Scotland for Speech or OCcupational Therapy?
More than ever, Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Occupational Therapy (OT) program selection committees are looking for well-rounded students who have a thorough understanding of their respective fields and the ability to work collaboratively across cultures. You will learn from a distinguished group of professional SLPs and OTs in a cross-cultural setting.
We created this speech and occupational therapy study program in Ireland and Scotland specifically to help participants not only grow in their confidence, independence, and cultural humility, but also deepen their understanding of the norms, languages, and cultures of Ireland and Scotland and their educational and medical systems. You will learn to identify and discuss evaluation and treatment techniques that are culturally appropriate and sustainable for both communication and rehabilitation needs.
You’ll participate in discussions that analyze ethics, global issues, and how one’s own values, ideologies, philosophies, and knowledge affect therapeutic approaches and interactions with different cultures. You’ll also develop career-related knowledge and a broader understanding of how speech therapy and occupational therapy are practiced in other countries.
Will I Get Observation And Volunteer Hours In speech or Occupational therapy study Ireland Program?
This is a program where you will meet with speech and occupational therapists and other professionals related to the field of speech and language pathology. You’ll learn about the similarities and differences between the countries. You will also visit different clinical and academic sites as well as places who provide support services such as Autism Initiatives. You will NOT be doing direct observation or hands-on clinical work
What Will I Do? (Program Details)
Each day will include group discussions as well as one-on-one time with your supervisor and other professionals. Students will also participate in Irish and Scottish cultural immersion activities that help build communication, functional, and cultural skills. As part of our collaboration with local organizations, students will meet with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals working in education, healthcare, and community-based settings. You’ll learn about the similarities and differences in service delivery, clinical roles, and interdisciplinary collaboration across both countries.
You will visit a variety of clinical, academic, and community sites, including programs that provide support services such as Autism Initiatives. These visits will highlight both communication and occupational participation needs across the lifespan. Time will be set aside to learn new concepts, prepare for site visits as a group, debrief and reflect afterward, and deepen your understanding of Irish and Scottish culture, history, and healthcare systems.
During your time in Ireland and Scotland, there will also be opportunities for fun cultural excursions. Examples may include visits to local heritage sites, Irish dance lessons, tours of cities such as Dublin, Belfast, and Edinburgh, and guided visits through historic castles—as well as many additional enriching experiences.
Where Will I Stay in Ireland & Scotland? (Program Life)
You will be staying at locally hand-picked accommodations such as Premier Inn locations that excel in cleanliness, safety, and comfort standards. You will begin your program in Dublin for the first few nights, then to Belfast, and finally the last few nights will be spent in Edinburgh. Rooms will typically be shared with two to three students and a private bathroom. Students have their own bed on all of our programs.
Every day you will have access to Wifi, fresh drinking water, and western style toilets and showers. Meals will be a combination of Irish and Scottish cuisine. We have a 100% guarantee that you will have plenty of amazing food! We can cater to specific dietary needs as long as you let us know ahead of time. In addition to Ireland and Scotland’s many scenic charms, the warmth and hospitality of the people and culture will make you feel at home in no time!
Benefits For Students Who Participate In Speech and Occupational Therapy Program:
- Increase understanding of norms, languages, and cultures of Ireland & Scotland and its educational and medical system
- Enhance your resume for graduate school admissions and future employment
- Broaden understanding of socio-cultural stigmas and enigmas
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills
- Learn about public health services in other countries
- Analyze ethics, global issues, and how one’s own values, ideologies, philosophies, and knowledge affect therapeutic approaches and interaction with different cultures
- Identify and discuss the various cultures in Ireland & Scotland, and how those cultures define our intervention, assessment, tools, prompt/cues, and caregiver training
- Identify and discuss the educational and medical systems in Ireland & Scotland, and how those systems are different
- Analyze ethics, global issues, and how one’s own values, ideologies, philosophies, and knowledge affect therapeutic approaches and interaction with different cultures
- Develop career-related knowledge and understanding of speech therapy in other countries
Travel and study abroad are 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.
All domestic transportation, some meals, accommodation, all activities, supervision, and all excursions are included. 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:
- Pre-departure support
- Group flight booking assistance
- Flights team support staff
- Professional and licensed staff (practitioners and academics)
- 24-hour emergency support staff and in-country support
- Airport pick-up in Ireland
- Private transportation throughout the country
- Experienced facilitators
- Shared, comfortable accommodations
- All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners
- Snacks and drinking water
- Orientation and curriculum
- All activities listed in the program itinerary
- Therapy Abroad t-shirt
- Flight from Ireland to Scotland
