Baylor University Creates Mission Trip Opportunity for Online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders Program

Baylor University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) celebrated a new first—a Baylor Missions trip designed specifically for students enrolled in the online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. 

Clinical Assistant Professor Melissa Garcia, EdD, CCC-SLP, designed and led the inaugural trip. Garcia often heard from her online CSD graduate students that they wished they had the opportunity to connect in-person at some point before graduation—this sparked her interest in creating a mission trip that could provide increased bonding, educational, and spiritual experiences. 

“It was important to me that we offer our online students an international service-learning program that was designed specifically for them,” Garcia said. “This trip gave our speech-language pathology students an opportunity to work with culturally and linguistically diverse populations, along with my guidance and supervision. Plus, they each walked away with a renewed sense of being a part of the Baylor CSD family.”

After extensive brainstorming, the Department felt Belize was the right country to visit due to limited speech-language pathology services available for its citizens and relatively inexpensive travel costs due to its proximity to the United States. Garcia believed the online graduate students could gain invaluable hands-on experience while assessing, treating, and educating individuals in Belize. Alongside Sarah Walker, Senior Coordinator for Service in Baylor’s Office of Spiritual Life, Garcia and 11 online graduate students travelled to Belize in late April 2024.  

During the trip, Baylor CSD students collaborated with local administrators and educators to design service-learning activities through which they provided speech and language services to children. They created culturally appropriate activities, led training for parents, and collaborated with teachers to implement classroom lessons at three schools. Also, they donated classroom resources and more than 200 books to a new library at the Trial Farm Government School.

“Dr. Garcia and Ms. Walker are amazing—they are prime examples of great leadership and guidance,” online graduate student Lina Cisneros, said. “I feel so blessed, and I hope we initiated a ripple effect with the students, teachers, and parents in Belize. Overall, this was a humbling, one-of-a-kind, unbelievable experience.” 

Baylor CSD students experienced a country rich in diverse culture as they explored Belize City, Orange Walk, Placencia, Punta Gorda, and San Ignacio. At the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve—once a major city of the Maya civilization, dating to 1500 B.C.—students explored and learned about the culture of the Maya and the biological diversity of the surrounding tropical rainforest. At the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve—a subterranean network of 19 limestone caves at the foothills of the Maya Mountains—students snorkeled in the crystal blue waters, ziplined through the jungle, and sampled local cuisines.

“This opportunity was life changing. I am so grateful to have had the chance to travel to Belize and rediscover myself,” Cisneros said. “I left Belize with so many close friendships—people who will remain in my life from here on out—and I don’t think that I would have created these tight-knit friendships if it wasn’t for Belize. It was great to go zip-lining, see the Mayan ruins, experience snorkeling, go cave tubing, and visit the zoo together.”

The Department considers its inaugural Baylor Missions trip for online graduate students a success, and participating students say they feel a strengthened connection with the Baylor CSD family. Not only did the trip allow them a chance to interact in person, but it also provided perspective into Belize’s educational and health systems. 

“My hope is that each student walks away with a new perspective on community, civility, and service to others and God,” Garcia said. “It was an honor to witness the personal, clinical, cultural, and spiritual growth in our students.”

For more information on upcoming Baylor Missions trips please click here.