Tuesdays Abroad: ‘I Truly Felt Fulfilled’

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communication Director

From the very beginning, Raelyn Amon wanted to help the people of San Ignacio, Belize — and through an education abroad program in the College of Health Sciences, she did just that.

“When I applied for this program, my top priority was to serve the San Ignacio community,” said Raelyn, a 22-year-old Stanford, Ky., native. “My ultimate goal was to integrate the knowledge and skills I acquired at the University of Kentucky, where I majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The chance to gain new experiences in diverse cultures and hone my expertise in speech-language pathology is an opportunity that cannot be overlooked.”

A recent graduate who is now pursuing a Speech Language Pathology graduate degree, Raelyn was able to travel to Belize, with her CSD 588 – 701 class. It proved to be a life-changing experience.

“This program has been instrumental in broadening my horizons and preparing me for a successful career as a clinician,” she said. “Through my education abroad experience, I gained newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of the importance of utilizing resources and collaborating with peers to make a positive impact in underserved communities.

“This opportunity also provided me with a fresh perspective on the field of speech-language pathology, reinforcing my passion and commitment to pursuing this profession,” she continued. “Witnessing the various disorders that I had previously only read about was truly remarkable, and my education abroad experience also highlighted the significance of understanding multicultural considerations in linguistic diversity.”

Raelyn said students get so much out of learning overseas.

“Studying abroad provides an excellent opportunity to develop highly-valued skills in intercultural communication while gaining exposure to a new environment,” she said. “As I contemplated this experience, I approached it with an open mind, eager to appreciate other cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the world. I am thrilled to serve and immerse myself in an environment that is vastly different from my own, as everyone deserves the chance to communicate effectively.”

This fall, the College of Health Sciences is featuring stories from students or faculty members who have had educational experiences overseas. We’re calling it Tuesdays Abroad — and we’re using this space to show just how influential these voyages can be.

Over the past year, the College has put an increased focus on Education Abroad, launching a CHS Global Initiatives website and emphasizing the benefits that an experience to a foreign country can add to one’s overall college experience. Studies show that students who participate reduce their time to degree, earn a higher GPA at degree, and are more likely to graduate in both four and six years.   

“As a first-generation college student from a small town, education abroad was not something I had ever considered feasible,” Raelyn said. “However, I was fortunate enough to have a strong support system in my family, as well as the guidance of Mrs. Aimee Sayre and Ms. Mary Beth Allen. While the prospect of studying abroad may be daunting, I am grateful for the opportunity to broaden my perspective and appreciate the world from a new vantage point.”

Of the many memories she was able to create, one stands out.

“As I reflect on my time studying abroad in Belize, one memory stands out as my favorite,” she said. “It was during my work with the children in speech therapy that I truly felt fulfilled. Despite the challenges posed by the lack of resources and linguistic differences, I was determined to help these children achieve their goals and objectives in a fun and exciting way. Our team created various stations that focused on developing fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and STEM, all while keeping our ultimate goal in mind. However, what mattered most was the lasting impact we left on the lives of those we met, even though our time there was brief. This trip provided me with invaluable insight into the rewarding nature of the speech-language pathology profession and I will always cherish the memories.”

And for those students thinking of joining an education abroad experience, she has one bit of advice — do it.

“Whether I'm studying American Sign Language, expanding my knowledge of different cultures, or collaborating with diverse peers, I approach each interaction with an open mind and convey that representation is important,” she said. “As a future clinician, I am dedicated to promoting inclusivity and education to ensure equal access to care for individuals in Kentucky and worldwide. I have proactively sought out opportunities to learn about different modalities and environmental factors, which has enabled me to foster a culturally diverse community and approach every interaction with confidence and humility.”