Staff Interview with Katie Kirkland

Get to know Therapy Abroad Inc.'s staff!

What inspired you to work for Therapy Abroad?

I've always been passionate about learning from new cultures, connecting with people around the globe, and exploring different places. Traveling has broadened my perspective, and I firmly believe that stepping outside of our comfort zones allows us to truly embrace all that life has to offer.

I’ve always had a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on others, and I’ve found great purpose in working with students in the study abroad field. It allows me to combine my commitment to service and hands-on learning with my love for travel, meeting new people, and working to support areas with limited resources. I believe cultural humility is something everyone should strive for, as it encourages growth and empathy.

When I decided to pursue a career in speech therapy, I did so with the goal of helping others find their voice. Growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome, I have a unique perspective that has deeply influenced my path. He has been a constant inspiration as I pursued a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, and he was at the heart of my decision to return to school and make a difference in others’ lives.

Therapy Abroad provides the perfect combination for me to partner with universities, collaborate with our partners in different countries, provide clinical services, and lead programs that will impact so many lives. I truly believe in the mission and vision of the company as well as the pillars it was founded on. For all of these reasons and more, I was inspired to work for Therapy Abroad.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I am passionate about collaborating with universities and in-country partners to create exceptional experiential learning opportunities for students. The most rewarding part of this work is running these programs and witnessing firsthand the positive impact we have on Therapy Abroad students, families we provide services for, as well as the teachers, community leaders, and individuals we engage with in other countries.

What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?

Stay open-minded, embrace the unfamiliar, remain flexible, and fully savor each moment. I’d remind myself to slow down, listen to the stories of those I encounter along the way, share meaningful experiences, and don't overpack! Choose the longer path, the one that may be winding and unpredictable, but offers far greater rewards and opportunities for growth for having traveled it.

Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?

We are a close-knit, dedicated team that brings a personal touch to everything we do. Flexibility is at the core of our approach, and we deeply value the partnerships we build with our students, universities, non-profits, and government ministries. Our ability to tailor programs to meet the specific learning objectives of universities sets us apart.

Over the years, we've earned numerous Community Choice awards for safety, fun, support, and academics, all based on student feedback. Founded on the vision of providing sustainable services, we prioritize continuity of care, listen to the needs of the communities we serve, offer training for caregivers and educators, and hire locally to strengthen the communities where we operate.

What is Therapy Abroad’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?

Our mission is to foster an interactive educational environment where students and professionals can deepen their core competencies, gain valuable clinical experience, and immerse themselves in the richness and challenges of service learning while traveling abroad.

We are continuously expanding our impact by offering more programs in diverse countries and broadening our program types, from short-term two-week experiences to longer-term opportunities of 12+ weeks. Additionally, we have expanded our services across various fields, including, but not limited to, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, and more.

What do you hope participants take away from your programs?

At Therapy Abroad, we hope participants walk away with a deeper sense of cultural humility, personal growth, and a broadened perspective on both their professional and personal lives. We aim for them to gain hands-on, meaningful clinical experience in diverse international settings, while also immersing themselves in the richness of different cultures and communities.

Beyond skills and knowledge, we want them to develop a lasting appreciation for service learning and the impact of their work on the lives of others. We hope they return home with a stronger sense of purpose, increased adaptability, and a renewed passion for their field, knowing they’ve made a tangible difference in the lives of students, families, and communities abroad.

Ultimately, we want them to carry with them the confidence to embrace new challenges, the empathy to understand diverse perspectives, and the inspiration to continue their work with a global mindset.

Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?

Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is important for several reasons. First, it broadens our perspectives, helping us to see the world beyond our familiar environments and understand diverse ways of life. This fosters empathy and a deeper appreciation for others, breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions.

It also challenges us to step outside of our comfort zones, encouraging personal growth and adaptability. Navigating unfamiliar places and customs builds resilience, problem-solving skills, and a sense of independence.

Moreover, exposure to different cultures helps develop open-mindedness, cultural humility, and a more global outlook, all of which are essential in today’s interconnected world. On top of that, it often sparks creativity and inspiration, as encountering new ideas, art, food, and traditions can profoundly impact our own thinking.

In short, traveling abroad enriches our lives, cultivates deeper connections with others, and opens doors to new opportunities, both personally and professionally.

What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?

For anyone considering going abroad, my advice is to embrace the journey with an open mind and heart. Be prepared for challenges, but understand that they’re often the moments that lead to the most growth. Step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and be flexible—things won’t always go as planned, and that's part of the adventure.

Take the time to truly listen and learn from the people you meet along the way. Every person you encounter has a unique story that can enrich your experience and broaden your perspective. Also, be respectful of local customs, traditions, and cultures—approach everything with curiosity and cultural humility.

Lastly, remember to savor the small moments. Whether it's a conversation, a beautiful view, or a simple shared meal, these are often the things you’ll remember most. Keep an open heart, be patient with yourself, and trust that the experience will change you in ways you never imagined.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel, to me, goes beyond just visiting new places or checking destinations off a list. It’s about truly connecting with the culture, the people, and the communities you encounter. It’s an opportunity to step into someone else’s world, gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, and find ways to contribute positively.

Meaningful travel involves engaging in experiences that challenge your perspectives, foster personal growth, and create lasting connections. It’s not just about sightseeing, but about learning, sharing, and immersing yourself in something bigger than yourself.

Whether through service, education, or simply spending time with locals, it’s about making the journey purposeful, both for yourself and for those you interact with. It’s travel that leaves you transformed, with a broader understanding of the world and a deeper appreciation for the richness of human diversity.

What hopes do you have for the future of international education?

I’d love to see continued growth in experiential learning opportunities that combine academics with real-world service, giving students the chance to not only learn but also contribute meaningfully to the communities they engage with. Ultimately, I hope that international education becomes an accessible and transformative experience for all. I believe that the future of international education should focus on enriching students’ perspectives while fostering a sense of responsibility towards making a positive impact in the world.