Medical Spanish & Health Sciences Available Sessions
Get a Flight Credit worth up to $500
when you apply with code* by May 5, 2023
About the Program
Acquire the language skills and understanding of cultural elements that may come into play when working with Spanish-speaking patients. Designed for students at all levels of Spanish ability who wish to work in the medical and health sciences fields, this program offers health science courses (taught in English) that provide insight into Costa Rica's health care system and offer active learning components that reinforce lessons learned in class. From recognizing medical vocabulary to describing patients' physical and mental states to communication with patients and other medical personnel, language courses focus on developing the ability to effectively communicate with patients through intensive speaking and listening practice set within a medical context. Advanced students will fine-tune their language skills, discussing topics such as advantages and disadvantages of traditional vs. holistic medicine and preparing talks or presentations given at clinics or conferences. Regardless of the level of instruction, expect to give presentations that simulate medical provider-patient interactions. An Early Start option, offered in the fall semester, helps you jump start your (regular) Spanish language skills before your Medical Spanish course begins in the semester.
Requirements
- Overview
- Location:
- San Jose
- Dates:
- early Jan 2024 - early Apr 2024
- Price:
- $11,295
- Credits:
- 12 - 16
- Deadlines
- Apply by:
- 10/25/23
- Withdraw by:
- 11/24/23
- Application Requirements
- $95 Online Application Fee
- Transcript - Unofficial
- Complete Application
Program Structure
Enroll in 1 language course, 1-3 health science courses, and 0-2 optional elective courses. Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits, health sciences and elective courses meet for 48-60 contact hours (3-4 credits). You may earn 12-16 credits (up to 240 contact hours).
If you choose the Early Start option, you'll enroll in an additional language course that meets for 60 contact hours/4 credits. With the Early Start option, you may earn 16-20 credits (up to 300 contact hours) over the semester. Please note, the language course offered in the Early Start option is a traditional Spanish language course. Medical Spanish courses are only offered during the normal semester.
Veritas University offers courses in English and Spanish language. English taught courses are fully in English, while the Spanish language acquisition courses are taught fully in Spanish - the methodology they use is “Spanish in Spanish”. Veritas utilizes the Competencies based learning as their Pedagogical Model for both English and Spanish courses.
You also have the opportunity to take courses within the same academic theme and earn a certificate. By focusing on a specific academic area you will deepen you understanding of the chosen topic and boost your resume. You have to choose 4 courses from the pre-selected course list to earn a corresponding certificate. The following certificates are available: Global Leadership, Environmental Policy & Sustainability Awareness, Tropical & Environmental Sciences, Artistic Development, Wellness & Psychology, Human Rights & Conflict Resolution, Latin American Politics. The courses corresponding to each certificate can be accessed here.
Language courses meet for 3 hours per day, Monday-Friday, for 4 weeks in January (winter semester) or October (fall semester). Health sciences and elective courses meet in the afternoons or evenings, Monday-Thursday, through the entire semester. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take a language placement exam. Students who have no prior knowledge of Spanish language and consider taking SPN 101 Spanish Basic I or SSP 141 Basic Spanish for Health Professionals, may opt out of the of the language placement exam. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability and the result of your placement exam. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Costa Rica. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
12-16
Credits
Beginner Level Course Structure
Available Levels
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings may not be finalized until the start of the term; we’ll post an updated list when the host institution finalizes its offerings.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
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Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs*. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we’ve included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover “reasonable” costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.
Sample Calendar
The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.
