Public Policy Volunteering in Dominica

WOW! What an experience. I am so grateful to have been provided this experience. My instructors and Crystal were uplifting and incredible. LOVED every minute of it! I enjoyed getting to go to the Infirmary the most!

I genuinely had one of the most unforgettable experiences here with therapy abroad in Dominica! The excursions planned were so fun and engaging to the culture here on the island. While the excursions were fun, the experience working with local residents is by far the best thing on the trip. I am taking back words of wisdom and love I will never forget!

I am a two time Therapy Abroad student traveler and I absolutely love Therapy Abroad! I went on the Belize trip about a year ago and absolutely knew I wanted to go on another one. I was excited to go again with Therapy Abroad to Thailand! This program was absolutely amazing and stretched me in ways that I would not have gotten in the university setting in the US. The observation opportunities and clinical experiences that were provided throughout the program were so incredible and helped enhance my clinical skills regarding cultural competency, AAC treatment, and modeling. This also was an interdisciplinary trip with 1 group being CSD and the other being PT/OT. I really enjoyed practicing interdisciplinary collaboration and communication. This experience not only provided me with amazing clinical and educational opportunities, but also allowed me to meet new lifetime friends and colleagues both in the states and in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Also the itinerary was organized and outlined perfectly by my amazing program facilitator from Chiang Mai (loved P’Pann so much!) and she was willing to answer all questions related to Thailand and Thai culture. There was a perfect blend of clinical and cultural experiences to better appreciate and learn the culture and clinical populations of Chiang Mai. If you ever consider going on a Therapy Abroad, specifically for Thailand, I would highly recommend you do so because it will change your life and perspective on clinical work.

Dominica was a country I haven’t heard about prior to coming here, but I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. I got to immerse myself in the culture here and experience the beauty of this island. I also got to get clinical experience that I probably wouldn’t have been able to get in the United States.

I feel that I have learned a lot through all the clinical work that I was able to do with my peers. I enjoyed getting to learn about the people of Dominica while also being able to share the knowledge that I have learned over the years studying speech pathology.

This was truly once of a lifetime experience. It was filled with knowledge, culture, love, fun and memories to last a lifetime. I couldn’t feel more grateful to have been apart of this experience. I suggest it for everyone!

I loved my experience abroad! I feel like I learned so much, made so many new connections, and grew so much as a person! The excursions and workload were perfectly balanced. I loved the whale watching!!

My time in Dominica was nothing short of incredible! The opportunity to engage with the community, embrace the vibrant culture, and apply the skills we’ve been honing was both professionally enriching and personally transformative. I learned so much, including that coconuts are not as easy to open as they look. This trip left a lasting mark on me, both personally and professionally. If the opportunity ever comes around again, my suitcase will be packed before you can say ‘Dominica!’. This has been a once in a lifetime opportunity I am so glad I didn’t miss!

Overall, the experience was wonderful. It was amazing to learn about the culture before interacting with clients. The excursions added an extra layer of appreciation for the beautiful country. I would definitely recommend therapy abroad to other students.

A life changing experience that opened my eyes to a different cultures way of living. I felt welcomed, safe, and respected the entire trip not only by the locals but the members of Therapy Abroad. We had all of our needs or concerns met. Being able to provide services for the community of Dominica is something I will never forget, and I hope we had as large an impact on them as they have on me.

This trip was very eye opening to how different life is in Dominica compared to the US. Everyone on the island was so friendly and welcoming. Every clinical site we visited was unique and I learned so much more than I ever thought I would.

Traveling abroad in Dominica was a DREAM! Being immersed into a culture was so beautiful and something I am forever grateful to be apart of! I feel like I was able to make a true impact on so many lives! Having Jayme lead us all week was awesome! Her motivation to be intentional and full of gratitude all week allowed me to fully step out of my comfort zone and give it my all! This trip is a core memory for me!

Everyone was so friendly, the food was great, and I learned a lot! Cultural immersion is so important and this program did an amazing job of doing so. The excursions outside of our volunteer work were all amazing!

This was my 2nd time participating in a therapy abroad organized study abroad experience through my university and was just as impressed as the 1st time. Therapy abroad has a great team that thinks through all scenarios and is prepared for any and everything! I learned SO much and was so humbled by the opportunity to explore Dominica, learn about the culture, while also engage with clients and students and improving my clinical knowledge and experience. The excursions were fun-filled and memorable! Absolutely unforgettable experience -as to wrap up and solidify our time there whales, dolphins, and sea turtles came out to say farewell! Such a great time! Thank you to the therapy abroad team for putting together such a well thought-out itinerary.

This experience has been truly incredible! There is no describing how beautiful Dominica and its people are. The opportunity to bond with an amazing group of students & to interact with incredible people everywhere we went. As a graduate student, I’ve had the opportunity to gain clinical hours as well as clinical experience in the field. Truly a once in a lifetime experience that I am so grateful for. I look forward to returning to the island again someday!

This truly was the most incredible experience! There are no words to describe how beautiful the island of Dominica is and how blessed I was to immerse myself in the culture here. Being able to go into schools and facilities for the elderly and provide therapy was such an amazing opportunity. Not only did I gain clinical hours that I need to graduate, but I also gained so much real life experience in the field.

This truly was the most incredible experience! There are no words to describe how beautiful the island of Dominica is and how blessed I was to immerse myself in the culture here. Being able to go into schools and facilities for the elderly and provide therapy was such an amazing opportunity. Not only did I gain clinical hours that I need to graduate, but I also gained so much real life experience in the field.

This truly was the most incredible experience! There are no words to describe how beautiful the island of Dominica is and how blessed I was to immerse myself in the culture here. Being able to go into schools and facilities for the elderly and provide therapy was such an amazing opportunity. Not only did I gain clinical hours that I need to graduate, but I also gained so much real life experience in the field.

Going to Dominica for a study abroad trip was the most life-changing experience of my life. Before this trip, I had never left the U.S., so everything felt completely new and exciting. From the moment I landed, I was surrounded by beautiful mountains l, crystal-clear water, and the friendliest people I’ve ever met. The island had a totally different vibe- slower, more peaceful, and way more connected to nature. This trip changed me in so many ways. It made me more independent, open-minded, and excited to travel again. I left Dominica feeling like a new person, with memories and friendships that will stay with me forever.

The trip was amazing. It was such a great learning opportunity. It was nice to be immersed into a culture that was different than my own. I loved the layout of this trip. The first 2 days of the trip focused on getting settled in and more fun activities. Then, we worked in the morning and had excursions in the afternoon (or flextime). The last 2 days were fun activities. It was nice to have the best of both worlds. At first, I was nervous, but Katie, Jaime, and the locals were so welcoming. I instantly felt like a part of the family. Katie and Jaime were always available to talk when/if I needed them. I talked to both a couple times, and they both took the time to talk with me and gave me advice. They are both kind, compassionate, and supportive. They are both amazing and could not have imagined this trip without them and their guid. They made it very enjoyable. Through this experience, I did not imagine myself growing as much as I did.