Alexa Leads a Study Abroad Trip to Thailand!

Hello family and friends!

Thank you so much for visiting my GoFundMe campaign :)

I am wrapping up my second year of Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) graduate courses (PHEW!) through the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's (UWEC) online program; my program is three years long, so I am over halfway through. In these past two years, I have gotten to learn about communication sciences and disorders clinically and practically through clinical work. A component of my graduate work involves earning clinical hours through face-to-face patient work. I am thrilled to share that this summer I will be earning some of those clinical hours abroad in Thailand as a student leader with Therapy Abroad!

As many of you are aware, this is not my first time going abroad to earn clinical hours. Last summer I was beyond blessed to travel (fully funded through the immense generosity of family and friends) with an interdisciplinary team (i.e. physical therapists, SLPs, and teachers) from around the US to serve in Turks and Caicos. While in Turks and Caicos my desire to serve as an SLP internationally long-term was cemented.

The company I traveled with to Turks and Caicos is called Therapy Abroad and I am delighted to share that I have been working with them these past several months to help build a trip to Thailand. That said, I will be acting as a student leader for a group of 10 undergraduate and graduate students headed to Chiang Mai, Thailand this summer. This is the first group from UWEC to partner with Therapy Abroad and I'm couldn't be more excited to lead it.

While in Thailand, I will help to lead and facilitate an intensive day camp for children who primarily use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as a means of communication. I'll also get to complete assessments on the geriatric ex-pat population and work with Thai university students. Excursions include hiking and visiting an elephant sanctuary. The trip is 10 days long.

Moving towards June, I am prepared to pay UWEC course fees related to the experience; however, I am hoping you will consider partnering with me financially to cover Therapy Abroad’s tuition price. Therapy Abroad has generously offered to cover my flights and provide a discount on pricing in exchange for my work as a student leader; this means my fundraising goal is $3,000 for the entire trip. This price is all-inclusive. It includes airport pick-up in Thailand, safe accommodations, all meals, excursion fees, clinical equipment, and clinical supplies. I am hoping to reach this fundraising goal of $3,000 by May 8th; one month prior to my departure.

If you are interested in learning more about Therapy Abroad please click the link below:

Therapy Abroad CSD Programs

If you are unable to donate online, but are still interested in partnering with me financially, then please feel free to contact me via GoFundMe.

Lastly, please feel free to reach out with any additional questions or concerns.

Thanks in advance for your consideration!

Warmly, Alexa