Week One
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Spanish classes at CPI Heredia

During Week One, Spanish classes are the only activity scheduled to allow participants to establish a comfortable base in the language. Students are placed according to their level based upon a written exam and oral interview. The maximum class size is four students per class, which makes for optimum learning as the students receive specialized attention from their professor. The curriculum includes an even balance of grammar and conversation, the most necessary elements for communication.

Optional cultural activities include a lesson in Latin dance, cooking class (typical Costa Rican dishes), a visit to a local coffee plantation, and a tour of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Weeks Two and Three
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Clinical Practice

Course participants alternatively observe at a local clinic in their area of choice and assist in conducting on-site basic health care interviews. During observation, students are able to learn about the Costa Rican health care system while shadowing a Costa Rican counterpart (based on the model of social medicine). During the interviews, participants are given the opportunity to develop their language skills, both pragmatic and medically oriented.

Monday through Friday
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Spanish classes at CPI Heredia

Grammar and conversation remain the focus of class; however, greater emphasis and increased class time is dedicated to relevant medical vocabulary, practice in patient/doctor dialogues, and conversation topics that include important multicultural elements.

Wednesday Excursions/Free time

Each Wednesday optional trips are scheduled so students may explore the local area. Activities include a guided boat tour of the Río Sarapiquí in the northern region of Heredia and a trip to Poás Volcano.

FIELD TRIP

Participants are able to compare the public and private health care system in an excursion to a private hospital.