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For many students, a study trip abroad is an exciting academic endeavor. For Mia Deibert 鈥�24, M鈥�25, the recent journey to Vietnam with her classmates and professors was much more鈥攁 deeply transformative experience.

Inspired by hearing two years of stories from Dr. Michelle Scesa, Chair and Associate Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), Deibert decided to join fellow SLP majors, several Physical Therapy (PT) students, Scesa, and Dr. Robin Myers, Clinical Professor of Physical Therapy, for a service trip to Vietnam in January.

鈥淚 have always wanted to be a part of a service trip,鈥� Deibert shared. 鈥淒r. Scesa participated in an educational trip to Vietnam two years ago. When she returned, she spoke highly of the experience and Brittany鈥檚 Hope, which organized the 2023 trip and ours. Hearing about her experience, I knew I wanted to go.

鈥淭his was my last opportunity to travel alongside professors and colleagues. The time commitment was also perfect鈥攋ust two weeks rather than a full semester abroad.鈥� More than anything, she wanted to give back. 鈥淚 strongly believe the most impactful thing I can do is serve others. Getting to immerse myself in a different culture and contribute to something bigger than myself was incredibly meaningful.鈥�

Fellow traveler Matthew Weinstock-Collins 鈥�23, D鈥�25, who will graduate with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in May, agreed about the impact. However, he had a unique perspective, having participated in the College鈥檚 first-ever study abroad program in Poland in 2023, which was led by Dr. Andrew Milosz, Clinical Associate Professor of Exercise Science, and included Athletic Training, Exercise Science, and Physical Therapy majors.

鈥淒espite my previous experience in Poland, I wasn鈥檛 expecting the impact that the service and interaction with the children at each orphanage would have on me,鈥� noted Weinstock-Collins, who played 48 games for the LVC Men鈥檚 Soccer team. 鈥淎t the first orphanage in Ben Tre, I created a strong bond with the teenage soccer players in just three days… creating a relationship with those children was by far the best part of the trip.鈥�

Equally excited about meeting the children, Deibert embarked on the journey with an open mind.

鈥淲e had an itinerary, so we had a rough outline of what we would encounter. I was looking forward to serving the community and interacting with children at the orphanages,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 was also excited to see the beautiful country and try different cuisines.鈥�

What she experienced, however, went far beyond her聽expectations.

鈥淚t was truly the experience of a lifetime. The people there have so little, yet they give so much. While working on service projects, families went out of their way to make us feel comfortable, offering water and seats even when they had so little to spare.鈥�

The time spent with children at orphanages was particularly moving.

鈥淭he relationships we built were meaningful, even in such a brief time. The children greeted us with open arms, full of energy and love. When it was time to leave, many were in tears, not wanting us to go. I cried too because every child I met touched my heart in a special way.鈥�

Early in the trip, the students attended a presentation at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMP) in Ho Chi Minh City.

鈥淪LP is a relatively new field in Vietnam,鈥� noted Deibert. 鈥淭he professors shared that they are actively seeking professionals to expand it. Unlike in the U.S., where SLPs often work in schools, in Vietnam, they are only permitted to practice in medical settings. There are very few certified Speech-Language Pathologists, mostly concentrated in major cities. Rural areas often lack services, leaving many children and adults without proper support.鈥�

While Physical Therapy is more established in urban areas in Vietnam, Weinstock-Collins agreed that PT is often less available in rural areas. He did, however, learn something entirely unexpected.

鈥淭reating Vietnamese children was a great learning opportunity, but I learned much about Speech-Language Pathology,鈥� added Weinstock-Collins. 鈥淢y knowledge and understanding of SLP grew exponentially through collaboration with the SLP students and professors. I learned treatment goals and potential collaborations with PT in various settings I can apply after graduation.鈥�

The students also encountered cultural differences in how communication disorders are viewed.

鈥淭here is still a stigma surrounding disabilities in Vietnam,鈥� Deibert added. 鈥淪ome families hesitate to seek therapy due to fear of social judgment. This experience broadened my understanding of global speech therapy practices. It made me realize the vast differences in resources and accessibility across countries. Despite these challenges, the professionals in Vietnam are doing their best with what they have.鈥�

The trip was a powerful reminder of the universal nature of human connection.

鈥淢any asked how I would communicate with children without speaking Vietnamese. But communication is more than just words鈥攊t鈥檚 a smile or a laugh!鈥�