Nine Southeast Missouri State University communication disorders students are gaining hands-on global experience while changing lives.
From May 11 through 18, 13 SEMO students—including Perryville’s own Maddie Robinson— traveled to Belize City as part of the faculty-led study abroad course CD 570: The Practice of Speech-Language Pathology Abroad.
This marked the first time the university offered clinical services in Belize City as part of a formal course, a significant step in expanding its global health footprint. Students worked at Therapy Volunteers International Clinic, a nonprofit offering free pediatric therapy in partnership with Belizean institutions, and Stella Maris School, the only school in Belize exclusively serving children with disabilities.
There, they provided speech-language evaluations and therapy, hearing screenings, and hearing aid maintenance for children with conditions such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and hearing impairments.
“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 of Communication Disorders.
To learn more about SEMO’s study abroad programs, visit semo.edu/academics/ study-abroad.
