Southeast Missouri State University communication disorders students are gaining hands-on, global experience while changing lives. From May 11–18, 13 SEMO students traveled to Belize City, Belize, to provide essential speech-language and audiological services to children with special needs as part of a faculty-led study abroad course.
Students enrolled in CD570: The Practice of Speech-Language Pathology Abroad worked at two sites: Therapy Volunteer International Clinic and Stella Maris School—the only school in Belize dedicated exclusively to students with disabilities. The SEMO team served children with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments and other communication challenges. Students conducted speech-language evaluations and therapy, performed hearing screenings and even checked and maintained hearing aids.
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“This was more than a class. It was a chance for students to make a real difference in the lives of children who otherwise may not receive these services,” said Dr. Samantha Washington, assistant professor in the Department of Communication Disorders. “It’s eye-opening for students and gives them a unique clinical experience that expands their professional skills while building cultural humility and personal growth.”
Nine graduate students, four undergraduate students and one SEMO alumna were led on the trip by Dr. Washington and Dr. Susan Fulton, an audiologist and chair of SEMO’s Department of Communication Disorders. While SEMO has offered international service trips in the past, this was the first time clinical services in Belize City were delivered as part of a formal course offering.
“Access to speech and hearing services is extremely limited in Belize, where there is only one native speech-language pathologist in the entire country,” said Washington. “This year, we also introduced audiological services for the first time, making the trip even more impactful.”
The course is part of SEMO’s robust study abroad program, which offers students across disciplines the chance to gain global perspective while earning credit. Students in this course received both academic and clinical hours for their participation.
“SEMO provides students with real-world experiences that go beyond the classroom,” said Washington. “Working internationally challenges students to adapt to unfamiliar settings, navigate cross-cultural communication, and witness how social factors impact access to care. These are invaluable lessons for any future clinician.”
Paige Kehlenbrink, a communication disorders graduate student, agreed that working internationally strengthened her skills in the clinical setting.
“I am more familiar with a very structured environment and clinical setting,” said Kehlenbrink. “This experience allowed me to challenge my abilities as I am studying speech-language pathology. This trip shifted my perspective on how necessary our services truly are. I am motivated to visit and support other countries lacking access to healthcare.”
Study abroad experiences like this are made possible through SEMO’s commitment to high-impact learning and global engagement. To learn more about study abroad programs at SEMO, visit semo.edu/academics/study-abroad.