Ecuador: International Experience for Speech-Language Pathologists
Program filled; no longer accepting applications.
Term: Summer
Travel Dates: June 15 – July 26, 2013
Credits: 8 – 10
Faculty: Claudia Meyer, SPHR
This 8-to-10-credit, 6-week program is intended for professional speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and entry-level or current graduate students of Speech-Language Pathology who have proficient (i.e. conversational) Spanish skills. It will provide the opportunity for immersion experience in Ecuador’s culture and language while becoming culturally and linguistically proficient SLPs able to better serve bilingual children and adults with communication disorders in the U.S. The program will include home-stays, seminars and field studies about Latino culture and South American perspectives on education and health care related to communication disorders, daily intensive Spanish classes in the afternoon, and trainings on bilingual SLP practices. Field studies will be to sites where individuals with communication disorders are served, including hospitals, educational settings, and orphanages. Participants will receive continuing education and graduate credit. Interested students may receive clinically supervised hours towards their license or degree (2 additional credits). Participants will receive intensive Spanish language instruction at their language skill level.
Ecuador is one of the most geographically diverse countries of the world. With a diverse population of nearly 1.4 million people, Quito is a vibrant and modern city less than an hour from traditional indigenous communities. Only 22 miles from the equator, the city’s location at 10,000 ft. has given it the reputation of “eternal spring” temperatures throughout the year. Quito is surrounded by natural beauty, by the mountains ringing the city, some volcanic, some with white capped peaks, lushly forested hills and a fertile valley.
Draft Itinerary:
- The academic portion of the program will be as follows:
- Three hours each afternoon Monday through Thursday each week will be spent in intensive language practice.
- Every Tuesday and some Friday mornings will include discussions or field site visits. Topics will familiarize students with Quito, Ecuador, and Ecuadorean culture and about differing views of characteristics, assessments, and treatment of communication disorders.
- A 2-credit graduate course on Speech-Language Pathology for the Bilingual SLP will be taught by the accompanying professor.
- Two mornings per week program participants will observe and volunteer in clinical settings where individuals with communication disorders are served.
- Meals will be spent with the host families, including the main midday meal. Some Friday mornings will be free for students to either volunteer or to travel in Ecuador on their own. Two weekend excursions will be conducted as a group: one to Otavalo and surrounding areas in the northern Andes and one to the eastern jungle region.
Program Focus
Course information:
- SPHR 510: Cultural Considerations for the Speech-Language Pathologist – 6 Credits
- SPHR 541: Bilingual Topics in Communication Disorders – 2 credits
- SPHR 509: Clinical Practica – 2 credits (Optional)
Program costs:
| Credit Option | Tuition | Program Fees | Additional Estimated Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 credits only | $655 – 928 | est. $3,578 – 3986 | est. $2,050 |
| 2 add’l credits | $232 – 464 | est. $141 – 270 | none |
| Total 10 credits | $887 – 1,392 | est $3,719 – 4,256 | est. $2,050 |
Program Faculty
Professor Claudia Meyer, Speech & Hearing Sciences (SPHR), PSU
Claudia Meyer is Clinic Director for the Speech and Hearing Sciences Graduate Program at PSU. She co-developed the Bilingual Concentration, Bilingual Clinic, and Ecuador Study Abroad Program with Dr. Christina Gildersleeve-Neumann. Her clinical expertise includes assessment and treatment of bilingual populations, autism and literacy. She has worked with bilinguals in educational and clinical settings for 10 years and has lived and traveled in many countries.
Program Duration
Relevant Academic Disciplines
Program Provider
Pre-Requisites
- BA/BS in Speech & Hearing Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology, or equivalent
ORcompletion of post-baccalaureate sequence required for entry into graduate school in speech-language pathology - Completion of 2nd year Spanish or the equivalent
- Minimum GPA – 3.25
- The program is also open to individuals practicing speech-language pathologists (those with an MA in speech-language pathology) who wish to receive language and culture training.
- Students with a BA/BS in any field who have completed a post-baccalaureate sequence in SPHR.
Language Skill: 2 years college level