When Can I Travel To Ireland & Scotland
Applications are currently open for Summer 2025. We have a rolling admissions process, which simply means that the window for applications closes when all of the spaces are filled.
Dates: July 27 – August 5, 2025
These dates do NOT include your travel day(s) to fly to Ireland. The program dates are days on the ground in Ireland.
If these dates do not work with your schedule, please email katie@therapyabroad.org for details on developing a custom program for your University or club.
Where Am I Going for Speech 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?
Undergraduate students, graduate students, recent graduates, and post-bacc students. This program was designed to give every student interested in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology (speech therapy) the opportunity to learn about speech therapy services in Ireland and Scotland, engage in discussions with nonprofits working with individuals with disabilities, and immerse yourself in the culture and history of these beautiful countries! There are no prerequisites to join.
- 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 Therapy
More than ever, Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program selection committees are looking for well-rounded students who have a thorough understanding of their respective fields of interest and the ability to work collaboratively across cultures. You will learn from a distinguished group of professional SLPs in a cross-cultural setting.
We created this program specifically to help participants not only grow in their confidence, independence, and cultural humility but to also increase their understanding of norms, languages, and cultures of Ireland & Scotland and its educational and medical system. You will
identify and discuss evaluation and treatment techniques that are culturally appropriate and sustainable. You’ll have discussions to analyze ethics, global issues, and how one’s own values, ideologies, philosophies, and knowledge affect therapeutic approaches and interaction with different cultures. You’ll also develop career-related knowledge and understanding of speech therapy in other countries.
Will I Get Observation And Volunteer Hours In the Program?
This is a program where you will meet with speech 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? (Speech Therapy Program Details)
Each day will have group discussion as well as one-on-one time with your supervisor and other professionals. Students will also be participating in Irish and Scottish cultural immersion activities that will help them build language and cultural skills. As part of our collaboration with local organizations, students will meet with speech 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. Time will be set aside to learn new concepts, meet as a group to prepare for site visits, debrief after site visits, and learn about Irish and Scottish culture and history.
During your time in Ireland and Scotland, there will also be opportunities for fun, cultural excursions. Places you may visit in Ireland and Scotland include visits to local heritage sites, Irish dance lessons, touring cities such as Dublin, Belfast, and Edinburgh, learning about the history of famous castles as you are guided through them, and more!
What Is The Itinerary* For Ireland & Scotland Therapy Program?
- Day 1: Land in Dublin, Airport pick-up, Program Orientation & Explore Dublin on a walking tour.
- Day 2: Academic Experience: Visit at one of Dublin’s distinguished institutions such as ASPIRE Dublin, the National Rehabilitation University or similar. Tour Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kells.
- Day 3: Day trip to Avoca Mill.
- Day 4: Academic Experience: Learn about services provided to children in the schools and the education system in Ireland. Irish dancing lessons this afternoon!.
- Day 5: Sightseeing: Travel to Northern Ireland to visit Giant’s Causeway and sightsee in Belfast.
- Day 6: Belfast & Travel Day: This morning explore Belfast before hopping on a flight to Edinburgh.
- Day 7: Scottish History and Culture: Edinburgh walking tour and Holyrood Palace tour followed by free time to explore in small groups.
- Day 8: Day trip to Stirling: Go on a guided tour of Stirling Castle followed by a group lunch at Birds and Bees. Meet with Talking Mats, a social enterprise whose vision is to improve the lives of people with communication difficulties.
- Day 9: Academic Experience: Visit a local autism organization. After lunch you’ll have time to shop, visit Edinburgh Castle and the Queen’s jewels, walk around town on Diagon Alley, or climb Arthur’s Seat.
- Day 10: Fly home!
*sample itinerary can vary based on the group, duration, and dates
**Students taking their own flight, if a group flight is available, will pay a $300 admin fee to cover the cost of private transportation to/from airports and a Therapy Abroad staff person.
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 Therapy Program:
- Increase understanding of norms, languages, and cultures of Ireland & Scotland and its educational and medical system
- Identify and discuss evaluation and treatment techniques that are culturally appropriate and sustainable
- 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
Non-refundable Deposit: $1000
Remaining balance due 60 days prior to departure: $3,550
Program price: $4,550 USD not including international airfare*
*Airfare from the Continental US is estimated at $800-1,000. Therapy Abroad will organize group flights from JFK as soon as airfares have been published.
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
IMPORTANT NOTE: This program is designed for those interested in the fields of Speech-Language Pathology. There are no prerequisites for this program, and students from any relevant department or major may apply. Spaces for this program are limited and fill up quickly. All applications will be individually evaluated on a rolling basis.