2023 Program

The 2023 COMD learning abroad program will return to San Ignacio, Belize May 12-22, 2023. This service-learning trip is open to COMD undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and master’s students interested in working with an underserved population in a country with extremely limited access to speech-language pathologists and audiologists. This is real work that makes a difference.

Clinical activities on the trip will include speech, language, and hearing screenings, evaluations (graduate students only), and hosting educational games for children in special education. Recreational activities will include learning about and experiencing Belizean culture, touring ancient Mayan ruins, and spending time at the beach with an optional snorkeling excursion.

Participating students will gain a deeper understanding of the clinical application of academic knowledge. This unique opportunity expands understanding of working in a culturally diverse setting and applying clinical thinking. UH faculty and clinical educators will guide training before and during the trip. This means that a series of at least 5 pre-departure meetings will be required for participants. For more information, please email Dr. Ivey.

Eligibility and Application

Completed application packets are emailed to Dr. Ivey (mlivey@uh.edu) and are due by December 2, 2022.

These are the eligibility standards and requirements:

1. For undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students, a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of Anatomy (COMD 2376), Phonetics (COMD 2338), and Typical Language Development (COMD 2339) with grades of B or better
For master’s students, no outstanding interventions or intervention plans in place.

2. A personal statement describing yourself and your interest in the trip, no longer than 2 pages.

3. A resume.

4. Two endorser forms from individuals who can attest to your maturity, judgement, responsibility, etc. These are sent directly to Dr. Ivey from the person doing endorsing.

Quick Links 

Passports for Coogs: Passport for Coogs - University of Houston (uh.edu)

UH Learning Abroad: https://www.uh.edu/learningabroad/

Learning Abroad Scholarships: International Education Scholarship - University of Houston (uh.edu)