When Can I Travel To Puerto Rico
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: To Be Announced Soon.
If these dates do not work with your schedule, please email admissions@therapyabroad.org for details on custom program dates for your University or club. All of our programs offer the same hands-on experience and our award winning curriculum for Speech-Language Pathology students!
Where Am I Going for Spanish Immersion & Speech Language Pathology?
Puerto Rico’s combination of rich history, colorful culture, astonishing scenery, immaculate attractions, warm people, and fascinating cities make this Caribbean gem a world-class destination. Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture derives from a mix of the indigenous Taínos, the Spaniards, and the Africans. This integration is reflected throughout the Island’s colonial architecture, spirited art, robust literature, and dynamic music. The relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico makes national identity complicated. Puerto Ricans maintain United States citizenship while aligning with a uniquely Puerto Rican heritage. This program is designed to bring two uniquely different cultures together to learn, share, and share those differences and similarities within the context of speech-language pathology.
Who Should Sign Up for Puerto Rico Program?
Undergraduate students, graduate students, recent graduates, and post-bacc students. This award-winning Speech Language Pathology Puerto Rico program was designed to give every student interested in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology (speech therapy) the opportunity to gain hands-on experience! 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 For Speech Language Pathology Puerto Rico
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 work with and 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 the above areas, but also gain hands-on experience that’s hard to duplicate in the classroom: professional observation hours, one-on-one time with SLPs, and other professionals in formal and informal settings, direct experience in public and allied health, and a chance to support local children and families with special needs.
Will I Get Observation And Volunteer Hours In the Puerto Rico Program?
Yes! If you are interested in becoming an SLP, observing and volunteering are essential to providing you with first-hand experiences within the profession and helping you build your application for graduate school and beyond. Our Speech Language Pathology Puerto Rico program is a perfect way to diversify your experience working in different settings and gain needed observation, clinical, and volunteer hours. Because you will be completing observation hours and clinical hours with licensed SLPs in all of our programs, these hours may also count towards clinical competencies for students planning to pursue graduate education in speech-language pathology.
What Will I Do? (Spanish Immersion & Speech Language Pathology)
The focus of this program is to collaborate with government organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private clinics, and our local community partner organizations to bring sustainable and culturally relevant therapy services to a variety of populations. Your group will learn from professional SLPs, and participate in a large range of amazing activities. With an intentional focus on cooperative learning and capacity building for both visiting and hosting professionals, our ASHA-certified Speech Therapists will take you through a cross-disciplinary, cross-sectoral and cross-cultural program that will change the way you develop within your field.
Therapy Abroad students and staff provide essential services such as screenings, direct rehabilitation, evaluations, referral and/or care to promote fitness, health and wellness and capacity building in the provision of occupational, physical, and speech therapy to individuals, organizations, and communities. You will learn about diverse approaches to teaching and implement methodologies for designing and evaluating learning experiences used in the education of patients/clients, students, colleagues, and the broader community.
During your time in Puerto Rico, there will also be opportunities for fun, cultural excursions. Places you may visit in Puerto Rico, include exploring Old San Juan, visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro, relaxing on the beach, visiting Loiza, discovering the Museo de Arte y Cultura de Loiza, and swimming in the Catarata Gozalandia.
What Is The Itinerary* For Puerto Rico Tour?
- Day 1: Fly to Puerto Rico either on a group flight (most popular choice) or on your own**;Orientation and welcome dinner.
- Day 2: Old City Tour and Visit to Albizu University Speech Therapy Clinic.
- Day 3: El Yunque National Park Rainforest Adventure.
- Day 4:Planning Day and Meet With Local Speech Therapists/ Students.
- Day 5: Depart to Ceiba / Sail to Vieques Island
- Day 6: Tykes Camp Preparation / Free Time at The Beach
- Day 7-11: Tykes Camp and Clinical Activities.
- Day 12: Bioluminescent Bay Kayaking
- Day 13: Free Day
- Day 14: Return Home
*sample itinerary can vary based on the group, duration, and dates
**students taking their own flight 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 Puerto Rico
You will be staying in a hotel located close to the beach and a short drive from old San Juan. The hotel is a Spanish posada-style inn in a beautiful historic building with a peaceful atmosphere. The accommodation and surrounding area is safe, supported and comfortable. In Viequez, students will stay in a shared house overlooking the ocean. Students will have shared (2 beds per room) rooming and lots of space for fun free time activities and relaxing.
Every day you will have access to Wifi, fresh drinking water, western style toilets and showers. Meals will be a combination of local and Western 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 Puerto Rico’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 Spanish Immersion & Speech Language Pathology Program
- Hands-on experience
- Build experience and resume for graduate school admissions
- Gain clinical hours
- Cultural responsiveness
- Learn from professionals in small discussion
- Practice skills in a multicultural environment
- Learn to compare and contrast speech-language pathology services in developing countries with that in the United States.
- 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
Program price is $3,750 USD including *international airfare.
*Airfare from the Continental US is estimated at $600 -$800.
Therapy Abroad will organize group flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) as soon as airfares have been published.
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. All domestic transport, meals, accommodation, all activities, supervision, and all excursions. 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 Dominica
- Private transport throughout the country
- Experienced facilitators
- Shared, comfortable accommodations
- All meals
- Snacks and drinking water
- Orientation and curriculum
- All necessary equipment, materials and supplies
- All activities listed in the program itinerary
- Materials, tests and diagnostic tools
- Therapy Abroad t-shirt
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.