Spending three weeks this summer in London was a transformative experience in every way: academically, professionally, and personally. I had a lot of personal interest before this program, as I had been studying speech language pathology (SLP) for two years. The experiences that I had gained on this program were phenomenal and were an amazing complement to my studies at MSU. Every lecture and clinical experience, from speech therapists in hospitals to professionals working in the youth justice system, expanded my idea of what an SLP can be and do within the field.

I am currently working in a pediatric stuttering research lab, and I was excited to visit renowned stuttering treatment institutions like the Michael Palin Centre. Learning about their work and approaches, such as Palin Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, helped me understand different ideas about intervention from other countries. I gained new tools and insights from that experience; such as the comfort/stretch/panic zone model and reflective questioning techniques, that I will be utilizing in my research and future clinical work.

This study abroad experience also solidified my career goal of working with post-stroke patients with aphasia. A highlight was connecting with individuals through Aphasia Re-Connect, which was eye-opening and incredibly moving. Hearing their stories firsthand made me even more passionate about advocating for aphasia awareness and ensuring patients get the support they need.

On a personal level, this program was equally impactful for me. Whether it was planning a spontaneous weekend in Wales or navigating Paris independently, I learned to trust myself more. I’ve always been a very rigid planner, but this program in London has taught me that sometimes the best experiences come from saying yes to more things. From a cultural standpoint, I learned to see the world beyond the USA. Through instances such as watching the Changing of the Guard or learning how the UK structures speech therapy within its healthcare system, I gained an appreciation for how other parts of the world operate. Additionally, though English was the primary language spoken, the exposure to different accents, expressions and local dialects improved my listening and communication skills.

I used to think that studying abroad was only for students studying another language or that were world travelers. I have since learned it is for everyone, as I’m not fluent in another language, and I had barely left the U.S. before this program, but it was one of the most impactful experiences of my life so far. The opportunities I have had made me feel challenged academically, and inspired professionally, all of which provided me with a clearer sense of who I am and where I’m headed.

To any student that is thinking of studying abroad, I can’t recommend it enough. It changed my viewpoint on the world, the way I think about my career path, my field, and even myself. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity with knowledge and memories you will look back on fondly for the rest of your life.

Name: Caroline Crago
Status: Junior
Major: Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Hometown: South Lyon, Michigan
Program: Communication Disorders in the UK