PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend 4 weeks in Costa Rica this summer and earn 6 U.S. credits studying Spanish for the Health Professions and Healthcare in Latin America

• Gain Spanish language proficiency to work and interact with Spanish speaking patients and their families

• Participate in clinical rotations at San José’s premier private medical facility, Hospital Biblica, or complete community work in social welfare services

• Live with a host family where you can gain insights into the Costa Rican culture and practice your Spanish skills

• Join included excursions and field trips to explore Costa Rica 

LIFE ABROAD

Excursions & Cultural Engagement 

Students’ understanding of the course themes are enhanced through the ongoing, dynamic experience of cultural immersion. ICDS provides several opportunities for students to meet, relax, and explore unique aspects of Costa Rican culture through planned group activities and field trips. These, combined with the on-site rotations and community work, give students ample opportunity to interact with locals, engage with the culture, and learn from one of Latin America’s most beautiful countries.

Housing & Meals 

The ICDS homestay program allows students to live with a local family and learn the culture and values of daily life. Homestays are one of the most important parts of students' experience in experiential learning, facilitating immersion and adaptation to the new culture and language, and they helping students to integrate faster into local society. Daily immersion with host families provides program participants with a relaxed environment to practice Spanish, ask questions about their surroundings, and receive support from another network in addition to their classmates, faculty, and the ICDS staff. Homestay families provide students a private room furnished with all the basic elements for resting, studying, and living comfortably. These include bed and linens, a closet, a well-lit work space with desk and chair, a private or shared bathroom, two meals a day during the week (breakfast and dinner), 3 meals on weekends, weekly laundry service, and Wi-Fi. 

Explore San José 

San Jose is the cultural capital of Costa Rica and one of the most visited cities in all of Central America. It is a city of contrasts, with sprawling modern developments and centuries-old historic architecture, traditional values and progressive ideas. Live and study in one of the most vibrant and active districts of the city on the east side, San Pedro.  San Pedro is the site of some of the largest universities in the country and has a unique, youthful energy. The neighborhood is home to parks, restaurants, shops, and nightlife all within walking distance or a short bus or car ride away. Immediately to the west is Barrio Escalante, a trendy, artistic neighborhood and food haven popular with students, creatives, and influencers. It offers you the opportunity to enjoy great Costa Rican and international food and interact with local young people. 

See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses

Course Description

Students will enroll in two courses during the program:

Health Care in Latin America 

This course is intended to create a unique interdisciplinary professional experience for students interested in Latin American and Caribbean health issues. Within the field of public and private health, its particular focus is on public health assessment strategies. Through this course, students will be exposed to current challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean to reach an understanding of the way global public health issues unfold in the region. The course will provide students with concepts and updated material that will prepare them to look into issues related to people, places, and politics to assess the delivery and quality of health care in Latin America.

Syllabus - Health Care in Latin America 

Spanish for Health Sciences 

This is a Spanish course for specific purposes, designed for health personnel. The objective is to provide the student with the necessary tools to acquire the linguistic competence that allows him to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients and their respective families. This course is offered at the beginner, intermediate and advanced level. 

Syllabus - Spanish for Health Sciences (Beginner Level)

Syllabus - Spanish for Health Sciences (Intermediate Level) 

Syllabus - Spanish for Health Sciences (Advanced Level)

ISEP STUDENT SERVICES OFFICER Kira Hakanson 703-504-9991 | KHakanson@isep.org Thanks for your interest in ISEP Study Abroad! I’m your Student Services Officer and main point of contact here at ISEP. As you search for programs, I'll be available to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to contact me at any point in your search process for help, tips or advice.

Academics

Undergraduate
(in English)

Fields of Study

  • Foreign Languages and Literatures

    Spanish Language and Literature

  • Health Sciences: Recommended!

    Medicine Public Health

Academic Requirements

  • U.S. GPA: 2.75 or higher
  • LPR Required
  • LPR Writing Score: C1 - Advanced Plus-Superior
  • LPR Reading Score: C1 - Advanced Plus-Superior
  • LPR Listening Score: C1 - Advanced Plus-Superior
  • LPR Speaking Score: C1 - Advanced Plus-Superior
LPR = ISEP Language Proficiency Report

Special Needs Support

  • Mental Health
  • Learning

Other Academic Conditions

A basic level of Spanish is recommended but not required. A B2 is required to participate in clinical rotations. Students with a beginner or intermediate level of Spanish assist in health-related community work

Students will complete a written and oral exam to verify Spanish proficiency and placement in clinical rotations. 

Passport: All students must have a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a valid passport, we suggest you start the application process as soon as possible.

 

Semester & Prices (based on your filters)

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