Tips for SLPs Working Abroad

Traveling abroad as a speech-language pathologist is exciting! Whether you’re attending a conference, participating in a study abroad program, collaborating with international colleagues, or exploring opportunities to work overseas, there’s so much to look forward to.

There’s also a lot to think about. What should you pack? How will you get around? What cultural differences should you prepare for? And what happens when things don’t go as planned?

Through my international travels and professional experiences, I’ve learned that no amount of preparation can account for everything. Some of my most memorable experiences have come from the unexpected! Here are a few practical travel tips to help you prepare for your next international adventure.

1. Prepare for the Professional Side of Travel

Before packing your suitcase, make sure you understand the expectations and requirements of your trip. Consider the following:

• Professional requirements: Research local licensing, registration, visa, and work authorization requirements. These may apply even to short-term or unpaid clinical activities.
• Local collaboration: Connect with local SLPs, educators, or organizations to understand their priorities and existing services.
• Cultural and linguistic differences: Learn about the languages spoken, communication expectations, and relevant cultural practices.
• Ethical considerations: Make sure your involvement supports local professionals and communities rather than creating services that cannot be sustained after you leave.

Remember, the goal isn’t simply to bring your knowledge somewhere new. It’s also to learn from the people already doing the work. For more on this topic, read my article on creating an ethical study abroad program in Ghana.

2. Pack for Everyday Comfort (Including Bathrooms!)

One of my favorite travel tips? BYOT—Bring Your Own Toiletries!

Bathrooms can look quite different around the world. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may encounter squat toilets, bidet sprayers, unfamiliar plumbing, or restrooms without toilet paper.

I always recommend carrying:

• Tissues or toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• A few personal toiletries
• Any medications or hygiene products you regularly use

And if you’ve never used a squat toilet, well, there’s a first time for everything! Another consideration? Bathroom doors and locks. I’ve actually gotten stuck in bathrooms while traveling, so I now have a healthy appreciation for working door handles!

3. Dress for the Climate, Culture, and Activities

I’ve experienced hot summers growing up in the southern United States, but the heat and humidity in other parts of the world can feel completely different!

When traveling somewhere warm, I prioritize lightweight, breathable clothing that is easy to wash and dries quickly. A few essentials include:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Insect repellent appropriate for your destination
• A lightweight jacket or rain layer

Research local clothing expectations, especially if you’ll be visiting religious sites, schools, hospitals, or professional settings. And don’t underestimate your shoes! Exploring a new destination may involve long walks, unexpected rain, uneven sidewalks, and plenty of mud.

My advice? Choose comfort over fashion. You can still look professional and feel like yourself without packing your entire closet.

4. Have a Plan for Money

Cash, credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments all have their place when traveling internationally. Payment options vary by destination, so research what’s commonly accepted before arriving.

A few tips:

• Bring more than one payment method.
• Check international ATM and foreign transaction fees.
• Carry some local currency, including smaller denominations.
• Keep a backup card separate from your everyday wallet.
• Set up banking alerts and make sure you can access your accounts abroad.

I also recommend keeping secure copies of important documents, including your passport, insurance information, and emergency contacts. You don’t need to carry everything with you every day. Keep your belongings secure and take only what you need.

5. Learn About the Culture Before You Arrive

This is one of my favorite parts of international travel! Greetings, gestures, eye contact, humor, personal space, and communication styles can vary across cultures and individuals.

As SLPs, we already understand how important communication is. Traveling internationally gives us an opportunity to experience those differences firsthand.

Before arriving, learn about:

• Common greetings and basic phrases
• Cultural expectations in professional settings
• Appropriate clothing and social etiquette
• Languages spoken in the communities you’ll visit
• Local customs surrounding food, celebrations, and daily life

But remember, culture isn’t a checklist. Not everyone within a country or community communicates or behaves the same way.

Be curious, ask respectful questions, and avoid making assumptions. ASHA also offers excellent resources on cultural responsiveness.

6. Learn From Local People

Want to discover places and experiences you might otherwise miss? Talk to the people who live there! Ask local colleagues about their favorite restaurants, neighborhoods, activities, and places to visit. They can often offer insights that travel websites miss.

For SLPs, connecting with local professionals can be even more valuable. Ask about their clinical experiences, available resources, professional challenges, and how speech-language services are delivered in their communities.

Some of my favorite travel experiences have come from these conversations and connections.

7. Prepare Your Phone and Technology

Technology has made international travel much easier!

Before leaving, consider setting up:

• An international phone plan or eSIM
• Offline maps and translation tools
• Messaging and ride share apps commonly used at your destination
• Secure access to banking and important accounts
• Backup authentication methods for essential logins

If you’ll be using public Wi-Fi, connect to legitimate networks and use encrypted websites and apps. A VPN may offer additional privacy in some situations, but it isn’t a substitute for good digital security practices.

For professional travel, remember to protect confidential client information and follow applicable privacy requirements. Be mindful of photographs, recordings, and social media posts, particularly in clinical or educational settings.

And, of course, don’t forget your charger and the correct plug adapter!

8. Plan for Health and Safety

A little preparation can make an enormous difference. Before your trip, check destination-specific travel advisories, recommended vaccinations, and health precautions.

Other important considerations include:

• Travel health insurance and emergency medical coverage
• Prescription medications and a small first-aid kit
• Safe food and drinking water practices
• Transportation and accommodation arrangements
• Emergency contacts and local medical facilities

If you’re a U.S. citizen, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive relevant travel alerts. The CDC Travelers’ Health website is another helpful resource for preparing for international travel.

9. Be Flexible and Keep an Open Mind

Despite all your preparation, something probably won’t go according to plan. Flights get delayed. Transportation can be confusing. Language barriers lead to misunderstandings. And sometimes you end up paying too much for a taxi ride that doesn’t even take you to the right place. Yes, that happened to me in Madrid!

Give yourself (and others) some grace. You’re navigating a new environment, learning different routines, and communicating with people who may not share your language or expectations.

Not everything will feel familiar or comfortable, and that’s okay. Some of the best travel experiences happen when you’re willing to be flexible, laugh at yourself, and try something new.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Experience!

Working, studying, or collaborating abroad can be a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional growth.

You’ll discover new places, meet interesting people, and gain perspectives that can influence how you approach communication and clinical practice long after returning home.

My biggest advice? Prepare well, stay curious, and remain open to learning.

If you’re interested in hearing more about speech-language pathology around the world, explore my interviews with SLPs in Ghana, Senegal, and Dubai.

Have you worked, studied, or volunteered abroad as an SLP? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your favorite travel tip or lesson learned in the comments.

Happy travels! 🌍