completing a summer externship with out of state/non-affiliated institution

[bkjo21]

I know this is a question I'm best off asking my advisor.  I have my meeting with her in a week and half, so I'll wait to ask her then.  But before even entertaining the idea to her, I wanted to see if anyone else has/had a similar experience.

 

I go to grad school in a different state than my hometown (over 4 hours away).  I start clinic practicum on campus next semester (spring).  We also have to complete externship hours over the summer.  It would be ideal if I could spend the majority of the summer at home/closer to home.  I looked at the list of affiliated institutions in our guidebook and they are all near the location of my school.  Is it possible to apply to an institution that is not affiliated with your grad school and complete hours there?  I know there is probably a process to go about this?  Has anyone else in a similar experience, I would appreciate your thoughts!  Thank you!

[lisa19]

Yes - I've heard that some schools will allow this but you're right in that you'll need to talk to your advisor about it. I imagine it's more difficult to get an externship with no affiliation, but at the same time maybe it's easier if where you live has no grad schools for speech and the locations near you could use the extra hand. Also when it comes to schools allowing it, maybe you need to present a good argument as to why you want a different location (ex: working with a specific population that they don't have affiliations with)

[GandalfTheGrey]

Some hospitals advertise the procedure for applying for an SLP externship on their websites. It's not at all uncommon, at least in large hospitals (and other specialized facilities, such as residential schools for children with severe disabilities, autism programs, communication disorder-centered summer camps). Maybe start doing some research before your meeting with the advisor? When searching hospital websites, look under "training opportunities" or the like. You can also call the directors of SLPs at hospitals, etc., to inquire - I promise you won't be the first person to call, and they won't be surprised to hear the question. Worst case, they say they don't take students, you thank them for your time, and call the next place on your list.

 

Good luck!