Dear Family and Friends,

I am thrilled to share that I have been accepted into the Therapy Abroad program based on my academic achievements, references, and passion for giving back and learning about leadership. This opportunity is a dream come true for me, but I need your support to make it happen.

I will be participating in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program in Belize. Therapy Abroad offers unique, small-group travel programs that allow motivated college students to immerse themselves in other cultures while making a meaningful contribution and learning through real-world problem-solving. This program will be a life-changing experience, helping me develop leadership skills, challenge my perspectives, and discover what it takes to make a positive impact in the world.

Therapy Abroad creates an interactive educational environment for students and professionals to learn and enhance core competencies in their field while gaining valuable clinical hours and enjoying the richness and challenges of service learning and traveling abroad. Their model is built on the idea that “study abroad” and “service learning” can and should have a lasting and sustainable impact on people and communities. Therapy Abroad believes in the power of community-based research and meaningful, sustainable partnerships, fostering collaboration and equality between local partners and the students, universities, and professionals involved.

Therapy Abroad is unique. No other program offers group travel and study abroad with structured, professional experiences designed exclusively for those interested in fields such as speech-language pathology, audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, and other service-oriented disciplines.

During my time in Belize, I will collaborate with government organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private clinics, and local community partners to provide services to children and adults. With a focus on cooperative learning and capacity building for both visiting and local professionals, our ASHA-certified speech therapists will guide an interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and cross-cultural program that will transform the way I grow within my field.

I will participate in a variety of activities, including formal and informal assessments, group therapy (Tykes Camp), individual therapy sessions, school-based screenings and assessments, caregiver training, and time working and learning from other healthcare professionals. Additionally, I will learn about diverse teaching approaches and implement methodologies for designing and evaluating learning experiences used in the education of patients/clients, students, colleagues, and the broader community.

There will also be opportunities for fun and cultural excursions, such as ziplining through the rainforest, cave canoeing, snorkeling in the world’s second-largest barrier reef, exploring a Mayan archaeological site, and more.

Therapy Abroad works closely with local charitable organizations in Belize, collaborating to provide essential services to children with special needs and communication disorders. I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to these meaningful efforts while expanding my knowledge and professional skills.

My graduation is on May 16th, and instead of hosting a graduation party, I would love for you to help me achieve my dream of attending this study abroad course as a special way to celebrate the completion of this chapter in my college journey.

The tuition for the program is $4,637. I have saved $350 through personal savings, family contributions, and previous fundraising efforts, but I still need to raise an additional $4,250. Contributions can be made via cash, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, or through my portal on the evite. Any amount you can contribute will bring me closer to achieving this goal and making this transformative experience a reality.

If you would like to support me, please make checks payable to Therapy Abroad and include my name in the memo line. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity in helping me reach this milestone. Your support means the world to me.

With gratitude,

Paola Guzmán