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Music and Speech-Language Therapy in Bulgaria : Reviews (Akrotiri)

The following program review responses have been selected for publication by Study Abroad & Global Engagement
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Summer 2024 Participant
My favorite part of this program was getting to build community with my peers and have a strong support system as we learned about cultural and clinical experiences together.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
My favorite part of this program was the clinical days we got to experience. I got to experience first hand therapy experiences with multiple populations of people, while collaborating with peers.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
There are no words to describe how amazing this study abroad experience was. The interdisciplinary opportunity I gained from speech and music therapy was incredibly invaluable to my professional and personal life. The opportunity to be a clinician in children and adult homes in Bulgaria provided cultural insight that I know no doubt will utilize in my career.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
My favorite part of this program was getting to work with real clients who wanted us present. Every center we went to and clients we worked with knew our guides personally and it helped build a lot of trust very quickly.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
This trip was a perfect balance of clinical work, cultural exploration, and fun! My favorite part of the trip was being able to work with real people in two different populations: children and adults with various needs. I felt like everything I learned in my two years of school helped prepare me for working with both groups and it was very validating!

 

Summer 2024 Participant
My favorite part of the program was practicing my professional skills within the different culture of Bulgaria. Additionally, experiencing Bulgaria's beauty and the genuine friendliness and warmth of its people, especially our guide, made the entire trip memorable and welcoming. It was a special gift in my life along with a unique practice experience.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
Meeting so many new people inside and outside of my major and connecting with my professors were my favorite parts. We also had three amazing tour guides who made the experience so special and fun.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
I found the connections that I made on this trip most rewarding. I now have relationships with peers both in my major and outside of it that are inspiring.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
The most rewarding was working with the music and speech team in Bulgarian children's day home and elder home. The opportunity to interact with clients in these centers too also moved me because I can see how engaged and happy the music made them feel.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
The most rewarding elements of the program were the clinical experiences and the collaborative efforts with local professionals. Conducting therapy sessions in elderly homes and daycare centers for children with special needs provided practical, hands-on experience. Working with a supportive team and adapting therapeutic techniques to different clients' needs was invaluable. The genuine care and cooperation from local workers greatly contributed to the success of our sessions.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
I learned very quickly how underrated and incredible Bulgaria is. My favorite city by far was Sofia, Bulgaria. Not only was it beautiful and rich with history, the people were so kind and willing to help us. It didn't feel "touristy" like Greece does and it really made it feel like a home. But all of Bulgaria was nothing like I expected. It was beautiful, serene, and breathtaking and I'd go back in a heartbeat.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
This program taught me the importance of flexibility and adaptability in clinical settings, as well as the value of building rapport with clients through both verbal and non-verbal communication. Future students should be aware of the potential for culture shock and understand that these differences are natural. Preparing with tools like Google Translate and learning basic local phrases will help enrich interactions with locals. Finally, understanding and respecting cultural differences, such as Bulgaria's rich history and traditions, can enhance the overall experience and foster better interactions with local individuals.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
I learned to be flexible and keep an open mind. I came into this trip with no predispositions, and I think it made it that much more rewarding and exciting.