Summer 2008 Medical Spanish Intensive

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Heredia

Term: Summer 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 23-July 20, 2008

Description: Based in Santa Barbara, just outside Heredia, this program combines intensive Spanish classes focusing on medical vocabulary in combination with volunteer work in a medical setting each day. The Spanish course has been carefully developed to give students the tools necessary for communicating effectively in a Spanish-speaking medical setting. Topics include common diseases, medical equipment, taking patient histories, and other topics pertinent to communicating in a medical setting. Participants meet for a total of 20 hours of class time each week.

Highlights: Costa Rica has something for almost every traveler, from surfing and scuba diving, to hiking and exploring the interior. The terrain and eco-systems are incredibly varied and home to 6% of the Earth's biodiversity. Mountains rise from the Pacific ocean and Caribbean Sea to form the spine of Costa Rica and define hundreds of microclimates. Over 25% of the country is protected in an extensive national park and preserve system. The military was outlawed after the civil war in 1948. The absence of a military over the past 60 years has created a pacifist attitude which carries over into almost all aspects of life. Ticos (Costa Ricans) are known for being friendly, polite almost to a fault, and warm.

Qualifications: This program is designed for pre-med students working to improve their Spanish proficiency, specifically in a medical setting. All participants must have at least basic Spanish skills and a demonstrated interest in pursuing a health focused career.

Cost in US$: $1895

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in San Jose and provided with transportation to their host family.

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Costa Rica.

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Costa Rica coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Costa Rica. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Costa Rican life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

Spanish Instruction: Participants will receive a total of 80 of Spanish instruction focusing on medical Spanish. Participants wanting more Spanish instruction can enroll in additional classes.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: yes

Participants must have a basic understanding of Spanish.

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and older

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-10

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI, a registered non-profit organization, partners with organizations from around the world that make a difference in their communities. We work closely with these groups to ensure ELI volunteers get meaningful experiences at reasonable prices.

Year Founded: 2001