Kingston, Jamaica
Year 2 Placement

Fresh Perspectives and Deeper Understandings

Written by: Havane Emik

My 12-day placement in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of the SLP program, was an incredible opportunity to conduct speech, language, and hearing assessments with preschool children for the Jamaican-Creole Language Project. This experience not only broadened my perspective on the field but also deepened my understanding of how cultural and linguistic differences can shape speech and language development.

This experience provided a fresh perspective on the field that I likely wouldn’t have gained through practice alone. Working with bilingual children from a shared cultural and linguistic background allowed me to notice patterns I might have missed in Toronto, where the diversity of backgrounds can make it difficult to identify common trends. For example, I observed the use of culturally specific terms like "seti" for couch and "maka" for thorns, along with specific response patterns when children were asked the following standardized question: "Which one of these is different and not like the others?"

Through discussions with the Jamaica Education Abroad Team, we learned that such prompts are rarely used in Jamaican Creole, which can impact a child’s performance on formal assessments. This experience highlighted the importance of supplementing standardized assessments with informal measures to gain a more accurate, culturally informed understanding of a child’s abilities.  

Immersing myself in this beautiful, vibrant culture was an enriching experience. The staff at the school were incredibly welcoming, and the children were affectionate and joyful, making the trip even more rewarding. I am deeply thankful to Dr. Karla Washington and Nicole Bazzocchi for their unwavering guidance and support throughout this placement. And last but not least, I am so grateful for the friendships I made on this trip. Jamaica will always be remembered as an unforgettable experience!

Meaningful Assessments for Caribbean Populations

Written by: Renee Daniella Milli-Anne Boney

Completing a placement in Jamaica was truly an experience I will never forget. We were fortunate to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conduct language assessments with children at a Jamaican preschool, as part of the Jamaican Creole Language Project in collaboration with the University of the West Indies.

Upon arriving at the school, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and students. These might have been the most affectionate, joyful children I have ever met! Their energy and kindness instantly made us feel at home. One of our clinical educators is Jamaican herself, and through her, we were fully immersed in Jamaican culture — from the food, to the language, to the traditions and values. It was an unforgettable experience that opened my eyes to the beauty and richness of the culture.

Being part of a project dedicated to developing speech-language pathology assessments that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for Caribbean populations was incredibly meaningful, especially as someone who is also of Caribbean descent. It was inspiring to contribute to an initiative that helps distinguish between language differences and language disorders — a crucial step in providing more culturally responsive care.

Throughout this placement, we gained invaluable hands-on experience in the research process, assessment methods, and strategies for working with young children. I also learned so much about myself — my resilience, my adaptability, and my passion for making a difference.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Karla Washington and Nicole Bazzocchi for their dedication to creating positive change in the field of speech-language pathology, and for allowing us to be part of such important and impactful work.

SLP Assessments that Provide a Unique Perspective on Cultural and Linguistic Variations

Written by: Samantha Sergi

Stepping into the Jamaica Education Abroad Program was more than just an academic pursuit—it was the start of a transformative journey that reshaped how I view the field of Speech-Language Pathology. In March 2025, I had the privilege of joining this unique initiative, conducting speech, language, and hearing assessments as part of the Jamaican-Creole Language Project. Immersing myself in a new cultural and linguistic environment provided invaluable insights into the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in supporting the diverse individuals we serve.

On our first day at the school, as we walked through the hallways, we were joyfully surrounded by children who welcomed us with open arms and treated us like family. Their warmth and enthusiasm set the tone for an unforgettable journey. The excitement we felt was mutual, and we were just as thrilled to work with them as they were to meet us.

Completing the speech and language assessments provided a unique perspective on cultural and linguistic variations. This experience shed light on the need for more accurate and culturally informed standardized assessments to ensure a child's performance is not hindered by cultural differences. The fast-paced nature of the program challenged me to adapt quickly, and I was able to immediately apply these skills to my clinical practice. Working alongside fellow students experiencing the same growth was equally impactful, as we supported and learned from one another throughout the entire journey. 

This placement exceeded all my expectations and provided me with invaluable growth. As a student, I gained insights into fieldwork, data collection, and research methodologies. As a future clinician, I refined my skills in administering and scoring standardized assessments, empowering children, managing challenging behaviours, and understanding SLP administrative roles, among other essential areas. But beyond professional development, this experience shaped me personally—I developed a profound appreciation and love for every aspect of Jamaica, from its vibrant language and culture to its food, people, and community.

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Karla Washington and Nicole Bazzocchi for their unwavering guidance and support throughout this journey. Their leadership allowed us to be part of something much larger than ourselves, and their mentorship has left a lasting impact. I will always be thankful for their efforts in making this experience possible, and I am eternally appreciative of the opportunity to have been a part of it. This experience will remain a cherished milestone in my academic, professional, and personal growth.