Medical Spanish/Global Health Course

León, Nicaragua

Sponsored by

University of Nebraska Medical Center

National Autonomous University of Nicaragua-León

 Course Dates

May 31—June 28, 2009; June 28—July 26, 2009;

January 31—February 28, 2010;

March 28—April 25, 2010, May31—June 27, 2010; June 27—July 25, 2010

 Course Description:  This four-week course is an immersion Spanish language study with onsite exposure to primary and community health care in an underdeveloped country. 

The course will provide one-on-one instruction in the Spanish language, using the facilities of a Spanish language school in León, Nicaragua.  Participants will study Spanish language grammar and structure and practice conversing.  Due to the individualized nature of the instruction, students at any level of Spanish language knowledge will be able to participate.  Students will learn about the delivery of health care in Nicaragua through field trips, visiting Nicaraguan health care facilities, and interaction with Nicaraguan health care professionals.  The last week of the course offers hands-on experience at local health facilities in the León region.  Program components include:

            ▪  Seminar introduction to health care provision in Nicaragua

            ▪  Observation of primary and community health care programs

            ▪  Individual Spanish instruction

            ▪  Special cultural activities

            ▪  Nicaraguan family homestay

 Program Coordinators:   Selected members of the medical faculty of UNAN-León and Sara E. Pirtle, MBA.  Ms. Pirtle is the Coordinator of the International Studies & Programs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Requirements:  Preference is given to students, faculty, and staff of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

 Targeted number of participants per course:  six to fourteen participants per course.

 Housing:  Homestay with a Nicaraguan family for the first three weeks.  Dormitory/hostel-style housing during the last week.

Costs:  $2100 will cover Spanish language instruction, program lectures, homestay with a Nicaraguan family, most meals, airport pickup, housing in León and during field trips, ground transportation, and most miscellaneous programs fees.  Not included:  airfare, meals during the weekends and field trips, required texts, personal expenses, and some miscellaneous costs.

Click here for your application!