BridgeAbroad: Medical Field Experience in Antigua, Guatemala
Location
Guatemala: Antigua
Description
If you're studying to be a healthcare professional and want to experience what the field of medicine is like in other countries, then BridgeAbroad's Spanish & Medical Field Experience program in Antigua, Guatemala is for you!
You'll spend at least two weeks studying Spanish and experiencing the healthcare system in Guatemala first-hand. You'll assist with patient care and administrative work at a local healthcare facility. It's a great way to test out a potential career field and to build your Spanish skills as you jump headlong into Guatemala's fascinating culture.
Why Study in Antigua?
Guatemala is known for Mayan roots and vibrant culture, making it a great place for adventure & language travel. Timeless architecture, archeological ruins, and volcanoes looming overhead. The Mayan ruins of Tikal are to the north, Lake Atitilan and its small Mayan pueblos are to the south, and the Pacific coast beaches are to the west.
Because of its shape, the country is bordered by four different countries Mexico to the north, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast; as well as Pacific Ocean and Caribbean coasts. The country's abundance of biologically unique ecosystems makes the entire MesoAmerican region a biodiversity hotspot. The Classic period of MesoAmerican civilization corresponds to the height of Guatemala's Maya Civilization and is represented by countless sites throughout the country, and today Guatemaltecos are very proud of their indigenous cultures.
La Antigua, Guatemala is situated at 5,000 feet above sea level in the central highlands of Guatemala. It is the most popular destination in the country for both tourists and Guatemalans alike, and is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and spectacular ruins so much so that the entire city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Field Experience
* Hours: 20 hours per week of the medical field experience in addition to 10 hours of Intensive Spanish Language instruction. If the student would like to enroll in private medical Spanish classes instead of the included general language instruction, the number of hours per week would reduce to five hours (for no additional cost).
* Credits: Students who take at least four weeks of Spanish language classes will be eligible to receive 3-4 course credits, depending on the language level, for an additional fee.
Language of Instruction: Spanish
Minimum Spanish Proficiency Required: Beginner.
Before your program, you will complete Bridge's Online Spanish Placement test to determine your proficiency level and match you with the class and placement that are right for you.
BridgeVirtual
All BridgeAbroad programs include access to three BridgeVirtual language sessions prior to departure. Each session lasts 2 hours and includes online private face-to-face language instruction with a certified native speaking teacher, as well as pre- and post-class online activities. Students are welcome to continue with more lessons at an additional cost.
Placement Details
Healthcare placements are generally located in specialized living facilities and involve working with people who are physically or mentally disabled, assisting elderly patients, or working with HIV infected children or adults. Volunteers assist with all facets of caring for the patients, including general care and companionship, distributing/sorting medications, feeding, bathing, and ensuring patients' overall well-being. This might include changing beds, conversation-talk therapy, workshops (e.g. exercise, dental care), and even arts and crafts.
Admission Requirements
- Must be a student of medicine or related health science field
- Some fields (such as pediatrics) may require applicants to have direct experience in the field
- Minimum GPA: 2.5/4.0
*Host Family
All programs include host family accommodations in the city. These homestays are all with pre-approved families and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
*Inclusions
Bridge will provide a transfer from the airport to your homestay accommodations on the first day, so you don't need to worry about anything upon arrival! During your time abroad, you will always have access to a local Bridge staff member in case of emergency. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Once you have chosen your program, we work with you to prepare for your trip, in country, you will go through a comprehensive orientation, and we provide you with materials to support you in becoming re-acclimated during your return home.
You will also have the opportunity to add excursions during your stay in Guatemala, for an additional cost. You could add:
- Tikal & Rio Dulce (3 days/2 nights)
- Lake Atitlan & Chichicastenango Market (2 days/1 night)
- El Salvador Beach (3 days/2 nights)