After a hiatus in travel due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) students and faculty are back to traveling the globe.
Study abroad provides students with the opportunity to experience other cultures, form stronger relationships with the faculty and fellow students, and connect with individuals around the world. The CSD department offers two trips every year: one during spring break and one during winter break.
Each spring break, the CSD department offers a week-long study abroad trip for graduate and undergraduate students. In the past, the department has traveled to Australia, South Korea, and Greece among other places. For spring break 2024, a group of 39 students, faculty, and community members traveled to Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. The trip was organized by Education First (EF) tours, who guided students in a culturally immersive experience. EF provided a knowledgeable tour guide who fostered meaningful connections between the group and European culture. Throughout the trip, the group learned about the cultures of Venice and Milan through guided tours and received a glass blowing demonstration to learn about the history of Italian art. In Switzerland, the group admired the beauty of the Swiss Alps while taking a train into the majestic mountain range. After experiencing the breathtaking Alps, they ventured to the Lindt Chocolate Factory to engage in a self-guided tour of the history of Swiss chocolate while indulging in the flavors of Luzerne, Switzerland. Through these excursions, the group expanded their horizons and gained an appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures.
The trip additionally included a CSD experience through which the students had the opportunity to meet with Julia Tockstein, an ISU alum and school SLP working in Switzerland. Tockstein highlighted her journey of working as an English-speaking SLP in another country. The students learned about the transition to working abroad, licensure requirements, and different perspectives of speech therapy in Switzerland. Furthermore, the students inquired about working and living as an SLP in Switzerland. This experience allowed the students to compare special education services in the United States and Switzerland and the effects this has on individuals with disabilities. Through this extraordinary opportunity, students had the chance to view speech therapy through the lens of an SLP working abroad.
We are excited to announce that the next spring break CSD study abroad trip will venture to Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey with Therapy Abroad. In addition to exploring various cultural sites in these countries, this trip will include approximately three to four opportunities for guided clinical observation. This will provide students with a glimpse into speech therapy practices in other countries as they become more culturally competent individuals. Stay tuned for more information about this trip to be released soon.
Interested in attending a CSD study abroad trip, but concerned about the expenses? The ISU Study Abroad page provides several scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Some funding opportunities include university-wide scholarships as well as major-specific scholarships. In addition, this year the CSD department raised over $1,000 for students engaging in CSD study abroad through the Birds Give Back fundraiser. For additional questions or concerns regarding funding, feel free to reach out to Amy Yaccuci.