The CSD department strives to offer a short-term international experience at least once per year as an additional opportunity for self-discovery, personal growth, and learning. Through travel, students can learn about themselves, other cultures, and clinical practices in a different cultural setting.
- Read about our CSD study abroad experience that occured during the 2024 Spring Break.
- Julia Tockstein created a YouTube video
highlighting memorable events from a Graduate international clinical experience to Seoul.
Upcoming CSD study abroad experiences:
Open to: All CSD graduate students in SLP and AUD and CSD undergraduate seniors
Ready to take your clinical skills beyond the classroom, and across the world?
Join the Illinois State University CSD Program for an unforgettable Winter Break Therapy Abroad experience in Thailand, where adventure, culture, and hands-on speech-language pathology training come together. This immersive program offers students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore global approaches to communication, AAC, and inclusive education—all while earning valuable clinical and observation hours. While geared to speech-language pathology, there will also be some audiology opportunities.
What Makes This Experience Unmatched?
You won’t just observe; you’ll engage, collaborate, and grow as a clinician.
- Work alongside Thai therapists, educators, and families in real-world clinical and educational settings
- Gain hands-on experience with AAC interventions, communication partner training, and caregiver coaching
- Earn clinical clock hours with ISU CSD Faculty
- Visit leading organizations, including Mahidol University, Dulabhatorn Foundation, and inclusive schools
- Build culturally responsive skills and deepen your understanding of global speech-language pathology practice
Beyond the Clinic: Immerse Yourself in Thailand
This program blends professional growth with unforgettable cultural experiences:
- Explore vibrant cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai
- Cook authentic Thai cuisine, visit local markets, and engage with communities
- Experience a responsible elephant sanctuary, hiking, and cultural excursions
- Reflect, connect, and build lifelong friendships with your cohort
- From bustling temples to mountain landscapes, Thailand offers the perfect backdrop for both personal and professional transformation.
Why This Matters for Your Future
This program is designed specifically for students pursuing speech-language pathology and AAC-focused careers. You will:
- Strengthen your clinical confidence and intercultural competence
- Apply evidence-based practices in diverse, real-world contexts
- Enhance your resume and prepare for externships and future placements
- Gain a global perspective that sets you apart as a clinician
- As highlighted in the program overview, this is a rare opportunity to connect theory to practice in an international setting while focusing deeply on AAC and inclusive communication.
Program Details at a Glance
- Dates: December 26, 2026 – January 9, 2027
- Location: Thailand (Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and surrounding regions)
- Group Size: Up to 25 students
- All-Inclusive Cost: $5,450 (includes flights, housing, meals, activities, and clinical experiences)
- Payment Plans & Fundraising Support Available
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
Step out of your comfort zone. Expand your clinical lens. Experience speech-language pathology in a global context.
Complete the two steps below to participate in Winter Break 2026/2027:
1. Complete this form to reserve your spot with CSD.
2. Spots are limited, secure your place and start your journey today.
Open to: All CSD undergraduate and graduate students
Ready to take your CSD experience global?
Join the Illinois State University CSD Program for an unforgettable 10-day Therapy Abroad journey across Italy, Slovenia, and Austria (March 5–14, 2027)—where clinical learning, cultural immersion, and international travel come together in one incredible experience.
Learn Beyond the Classroom
This program is designed specifically for undergraduate and graduate students in speech-language pathology and audiology who want to expand their clinical perspective on a global scale. You’ll:
- Visit universities, clinics, and special education programs across three countries
- Explore how different healthcare and education systems support individuals with communication and hearing needs
- Compare international service delivery models, training pathways, and interdisciplinary practices
- Engage in faculty-led discussions and guided reflections that connect real-world experiences to your future career
Build Skills That Set You Apart
Through hands-on learning and immersive experiences, you’ll develop:
- Cultural and linguistic competence in diverse settings
- A deeper understanding of global approaches to communication, disability, and accessibility
- Professional confidence and critical thinking skills
- A broader perspective of your role as a future clinician in a globalized field
Travel. Explore. Experience.
From the canals of Venice to the mountains of Slovenia and the historic streets of Vienna, this trip blends academic learning with unforgettable cultural experiences:
- Walk through iconic cities like Milan, Venice, Ljubljana, Graz, and Vienna
- Experience world-renowned art, architecture, and history
- Reflect on how the environment, culture, and public spaces influence communication and access
- Build lasting friendships with your cohort while exploring Europe
Program Details
- Dates: March 5 – March 14, 2027
- Locations: Italy, Slovenia, Austria
- Group Size 10-40 students
- Cost: $5,500 (program fee; airfare INCLUDED!)
- Includes: Housing, meals, transportation, excursions, and academic/clinical site visits
Why You Should Go
This isn’t just a trip; it’s a career-enhancing, perspective-shifting experience that will help you stand out in graduate school, clinical placements, and beyond.
Step outside your comfort zone. See the world. Become a better clinician.
Complete the two steps below to participate in Spring Break 2027:
1. Complete this form to reserve your spot with CSD
2. Spots are limited, start your journey today!
For more information, contact Dr. Amy Yacucci at ayacucc@ilstu.edu.
