ICDS, in coordination with Hospital Clínica Bíblica and Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, offers students the opportunity to explore health care in a developing country while improving their Spanish speaking skills. This ten-week program gives students and health care professionals the necessary language proficiency to work and interact with Spanish speaking patients, their families, as well as future colleagues.

Through practical courses taught at Hospital Clínica Bíblica and Universidad Latina, visits to health care facilities that integrate the country’s health system, participants learn about the unique health care model in Costa Rica and the way global public health issues unfold in the region.

Clinical rotations at Hospital Clínica Biblica for advanced Spanish speakers or community service in health-related organizations for lower to intermediate level Spanish speakers are eye-opening, experiential learning components of the Spanish and Health in Latin America program. Spanish classes before, during, and after these hands-on experiences are designed to provide students with an on-the-job Spanish skill set specifically for careers in the health care industry.

Students’ understanding of the different course themes are enhanced through the ongoing, dynamic experience of cultural immersion. First, the ICDS homestay program allows students to live with a local family and learn the culture and values of daily life. ICDS also provides several opportunities for students to meet, relax, and explore unique aspects of Costa Rican culture through planned group activities and field trips. These, combined with the on-site rotations and community work, give students ample opportunity to interact with locals, engage with the culture, and learn from one of Latin America’s most beautiful countries.