ABOUT US AND OTHER FAQ
What is Speech Train?
Speech Train is a customizable exchange program for students and early career SLPs interested in the clinical impacts of bi/multilingualism + bi/multiculturalism.
We connect you with local clinics to complete a practicum placement, give you access to a renowned course on updated methodologies when working with multilingual and multicultural families, and connect you with the local interprofessional community through networking events.
We also provide housing, tourism guidance, and language support as needed. Whether you are a new or experienced traveler, our programs are designed to be customizable and provide you with the structure you need to get started.
MISSION & VALUES
How is this clinically relevant?
At Speech Train, we aim to connect “speechies” from across the globe and increase our field's linguistic and cultural responsiveness one practitioner at a time.
We are a neurodivergent-affirming company that values sustainable travel, lasting local partnerships, and hands-on experience. Travel forces you to reflect on your belief system and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for someone else’s.
Finding opportunities to travel within our field is hard, so we aim to make that possible for you in your journey toward culturally and linguistically sensitive clinical care.
IN THE SPIRIT OF TRANSPARENCY
We’re the program for you if…
We are big advocates of travel in most of its forms. If you are looking for a light, breezy, getaway experience, our programs might not be for you. We love that for you, if a restful getaway experience is currently what you’re looking for, but we want to be clear about who we are and what we aim to accomplish. So, in the spirit of managing expectations, our programs are designed to be hands-on and reflective. There will be some natural discomforts, and we encourage you to explore them (i.e. difficulties of cultural miscommunications, what it feels like to not be able to fully express yourself due to a language barrier, the frustration of not being able to do things that were once simple for you - think - ordering a drink, asking for directions, making a joke, etc). We have processes to help you navigate and reflect on these almost right-of-passage travel experiences, but they are inevitably part of the experience.
HOW DID SPEECH TRAIN GET IT’S NAME?
The name Speech Train came after many repeats of the Cat Stevens song, Peace Train. If improved communication can’t create world peace, we don’t know what can.
In all seriousness, the name Speech Train holds a lot of symbolism. Trains are often used as symbols for slow travel but are also commonly used in many pediatric therapy clinics.
Although difficulty communicating due to a language barrier and a communication disorder are very different, the feelings involved in the experiences are very similar. Travel can help therapists who have never struggled with a communication disorder develop increased empathy for the families they support.
Travel and speech therapy are not typically grouped, but we hope to bridge that gap, as one can teach much about the other.
HOW CAN A PRACTICUM ABROAD SET ME APART AS A THERAPIST?
A practicum abroad gives you a structure to navigate the nuances of working with multilingual and multicultural families so that you can more confidently serve your clients when you return home.
WHAT ARE BY MULTICULTURAL AND MULTILINGUAL PRACTICUM PLACEMENTS?
Our partner clinics are primarily based in metropolitan cities. They work with local and international clients, allowing you to step into multilingual and multicultural interactions with your mentor therapist and their clients.
VIRGINIA D. WORONOFF, BILINGUAL M.S., CCC-SLP
Meet the program founder.
Virginia, Gigi to those who know her, is an ASHA certified speech and language pathologist from North Carolina, USA. She is a native English and fluent Spanish speaker with experience treating students from all over the world in Mexico and the USA with the help of Poncho - a trained service dog specialized in participating in speech and language treatment sessions.
Gigi has always enjoyed travel for its ability to shift perspectives and connect things that are traditionally seen as opposites. Her vision for the Speech Train Exchange Program solidified while working at an elementary school in the first year of the pandemic. The lack of knowledge and resources across professions regarding the clinical implications of multilingual and multicultural students has on service delivery motivated Gigi to create an accessible program to fill this gap for the field of dedicated and passionate speech and language pathologists.
Thinking of a practicum overseas? That’s fabulous!
12 Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad
Download our checklist to look at what you should do before traveling abroad.
