Medical Spanish Immersion
Summer 2022 June 5-Week Buenos Aires

About the Program

Further develop your Spanish language proficiency with a focus on health care and medicine. Traditional classroom instruction is combined with a shadowing assignment at a local hospital where you’ll learn how to improve physician-patient relationships while practicing your language with Spanish-speaking patients. Through a unique shadowing experience, you’ll complete 60 hours of clinical rotation at a local hospital in medical areas such as Internal Medicine, ER, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Traumatology and the Intensive Care Unit.  With a heavy focus on experiential learning, you’ll hear from guest specialists in the field, and benefit from the calendar of events at the hospital.

Apply early as enrollment is limited due to the clinical rotations. You must possess a high intermediate level of Spanish.

Program Structure

You’ll enroll in two courses, Medical Spanish for Health Professions and a Health Practicum, both of which meet for 60 hours/3 credits.  You’ll spend your mornings either in class discussing topics related to your practicum, or at the hospital in your clinical shadowing rotation. The language course meets Monday-Thursday in the afternoon.  Additional required course components may be scheduled throughout the week, including Fridays.

The University of Belgrano utilizes a 45-minute contact hour whereas the United States higher education system utilizes a 50-minute contact hour. All University of Belgrano courses represent the 45 contact hour amount and an estimated US credit calculation based on the contact hours. Each University of Belgrano transcript will include the number of hours per week and the weeks in the semester, so US universities may calculate the appropriate number of US credits for students.

Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.

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.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

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A World Heritage Site, Colonia was founded by the Portuguese in 1680. The historic quarter still captures the look and feel of the colonial era in Latin America. You’ll travel by ferry across the River Plate from Buenos Aires to explore this charming town’s cobbled streets leading to old lighthouses, inns, restaurants, and its original bullfighting ring. You’ll also enjoy a traditional lunch during your time in Uruguay.

Iguazú Falls

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Spanning three countries, Iguazu Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a popular destination. Thousands travel to Iguazu Falls every year to marvel at the Garganta del Diablo, a U-shaped cascade that is 269 feet tall and almost 2,300 feet long. You'll enjoy an overnight trip and a full-day excursion to Iguazu National Park.

Polo Day

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Attend a polo match and learn about one of Argentina’s most popular sports. You’ll have the opportunity to sit in the stadium and join fans as they cheer (elegantly) for their favorite team. Availability of this excursion depends on polo matches schedule and location.

Tigre

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One of the world’s largest deltas, this popular riverside retreat just north of Buenos Aires is a wonderful place to get away from the bustling city. Indulge in a traditional lunch, relax on a ferry tour, and browse local artisans’ handmade crafts at the Puerto de Frutos open air market.