Medical Spanish/
International Health Course
Antigua and San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala
Sponsored by the
Office of International Studies and Programs
University of Nebraska Medical Center

2008 COURSE DATES

     Phase I:  January 6 - February 3, 2008; February 3 - March 2, 2008; April 6 - May 3, 2008;

                  June 1-29, 2008; June 29 - July 27, 2008; July 27 - August 24, 2008 

     Phase II: February 3 - March 2, 2008; April 6 - May 3,2008

                                                                                         *Highlighted courses are currently full

Phase I Course Description: This 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 “Escuela de Español San José el Viejo” in Antigua, Guatemala. 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 in Phase I. Students will learn about the delivery of health care in Guatemala through field trips, observing/volunteering at Guatemalan health care facilities, and interaction with Guatemalan health care professionals. The last week of Phase I course offers hands-on experience at San Lucas Tolimán. Program components include:

• Seminar introduction to health care provision in Guatemala

• Observation of primary and community health care programs

• Individual Spanish language instruction

• Special cultural activities

• Guatemalan family homestay

Phase II Course Description: This course provides one week of Spanish language review (private instruction) in Antigua at the “Escuela de Español San José el Viejo,” followed by three weeks of clinical experience at San Lucas Tolimán, on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Lectures and field trips will supplement the clinical experience.

Program Coordinators: Alfredo Garcia, MD, MPH, and Sara E. Pirtle, MBA. Dr. Garcia is a medical researcher and health consultant in Guatemala City. Ms. Pirtle is the Coordinator of the Office of International Studies and Programs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Requirements: Preference given to students, faculty, and staff of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Phase II participants must have strong conversational Spanish skills.

Targeted number of participants per course: four to fourteen participants in Phase I; two to six participants in Phase II.

Housing: Homestays with a Guatemalan family in Antigua. Dormitory-style housing in San Lucas Tolimán.

Costs: $1550 ($1700 effective June 2008) will cover Spanish language instruction, homestay with a Guatemalan family, most meals, airport pickup, special cultural activities, hotel accommodations on field trips, and ground transportation. Not included: airfare, some meals, required texts, personal expenses, and some miscellaneous expenses.