Global Experience in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)

About This Program

Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) is a home for abandoned and disabled children. MSC serves over 400 children, young adults, and families who belong to the most vulnerable groups in Jamaican society. The populations also include adults with disabilities, children affected by HIV, and teen mothers along with their babies. The annual service learning trip experience is aimed at helping the student further their knowledge of global speech-language pathology & audiology, and help them develop their clinical skills. The experience is open to graduate students in the Speech-Language Pathology program or Audiology program who can demonstrate clinical experience. Undergraduate students majoring in speech language pathology who can demonstrate clinical experience are also eligible to apply. Students will participate in a 1 week winter intersession experience that begins on campus with learning about global speech-language pathology & audiology and Jamaican culture. Students and faculty will travel to Jamaica to provide services to individuals with communication disorders and exchange knowledge with local professionals and caregivers. While in Jamaica there will be opportunities to experience Jamaican culture, including trying different cuisines and visiting national landmarks. At the end of the experience students and faculty will be back on campus for a final session to unpack the overall experience. By participating in this course, students will develop global perspectives and comparative knowledge of world-systems that will translate to their practice in the US.