Medical Spanish & Health Sciences Available Sessions
$1,000 Flight Voucher when you apply with code by April 14, 2021
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 for semester programs, helps you jump start your (regular) Spanish language skills before your Medical Spanish course begins in the semester.
Program Notes
Spring 2021:
In Spring 2021 you can choose to take your courses onsite in-person or in an online/onsite hybrid model. If you opt for the online/onsite hybrid coursework, you will start courses online for the first weeks of the program and then travel to San José in late February and continue your coursework in person for the duration of your program. Once onsite, you will also complete any lab or field work required by the courses you selected. Please note that due to the unique structure of the online/onsite hybrid program, CEA excursions are not included. Contact your CEA Admissions Counselor for more information.
For the online portion of your program, you are expected to be an active participant in online forums, in addition to completing your regular readings, videos and homework. The online structure enables you to learn at your own pace during the allocated time, allowing you to absorb new content and work on your projects and assignments at your own rhythm.
Requirements
- Overview
- Location:
- San Jose
- Dates:
- 7/3/21 - 7/31/21
- Price:
- $4,595
- Credits:
- 4
- Deadlines
- Apply by:
- 5/21/21
- Withdraw by:
- 5/28/21
- Application Requirements
- Complete Application
- $95 Online Application Fee
- Transcript - Unofficial
Program Structure
During the summer you can choose several sessions, depending on how long you want to stay in Costa Rica and the number of courses you want to take. You can choose between: a 4-week/1-course or a 5-week/2-course session in June; a 4-week/1-course or a 5-week/2-course session in July; or a 2-, 3-, or 4-course June/July combo session. Course offerings and the total contact hours/credits available vary by session.
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.
In June and July, language courses meet for 3 hours daily, Monday-Friday. Health sciences courses meet daily Monday-Thursday in June and July.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take a Spanish language level placement exam. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability and the results 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.
4
Credits
Spanish for Health Care Course Structure
Courses
The following courses have been confirmed for this term. Please note, the host institution reserves the right to cancel or change courses without prior notification.
*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
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.