Costa Rica’s health system is ranked as one of the best in Latin America. Its long-term commitment to universal health care since the mid1960s, strong primary care, efficiently integrated public-private mix provision, and use of technology to modernize the system are just some of the health system’s features. These, as well as other policies and initiatives, have allowed the country to achieve a life expectancy of 80 years. However, the health system faces a major challenge regarding its financial sustainability, which is further aggravated by an increasingly aging population and informal economy.

Participants in ICDS’ Spring 2021 health track will be able to gain an understanding about the intricacies of Costa Rica’s health system through two online course options “Health Care in Latin America,” and “Health and Vulnerable Populations in Latin America,” taught by medical personnel of ICDS’ local partner Hospital Clínica Bíblica.

As an optional complement to the virtual classes, students will be able to participate in a twelve- day field experience in Costa Rica in June. This experience includes site visits to health care facilities of the Costa Rican national health care system, lectures, and shadowing opportunities in primary health care, physical therapy, mental health, or general medicine, while experiencing Costa Rica’s language and culture.