Description

Temple University's Public Health in Costa Rica program offers an exciting opportunity for students with a background in health, medicine, social work, political science, psychology, sociology, economics and international studies to see and experience a developing country's health concerns first hand. The program is designed to give students direct hands-on experience in the Costa Rican health care system; an understanding of the country's health concerns ranging from environmental health to occupational health hazards; and social concerns such as domestic violence. Students must be willing to live with host families in both rural and urban settings; be able to adapt to diverse environments including humid tropical settings, rain forests and urban congestion; and be prepared for living conditions in a developing country. If you are an adventurous student looking for an exciting, realistic experience in Central America, this is the program for you.

Highlights

While previous Spanish language proficiency is not required, some Spanish language ability strongly preferred for students to gain the maximum understanding during the program. To assure further language proficiency, the first two weeks of the program include intensive Spanish language training in Costa Rica. During the afternoons of the first two weeks, lectures and discussions are conducted by Dr. Clara Haignere and experienced professionals from Costa Rica, particularly from the University of Costa Rica's School of Public Health.

During the second half of the program, students live and work in rural communities for three weeks where they help to facilitate health education workshops and activities. Following the workshops and activities, students return to San José to write up their experiences with the intention of presenting them at a professional conference.

Intern Types

• Medicine
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Economics
• Health Sciences

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Subject Areas

• Public Health

Cost in US$:

See program website for details.

Experience Required

yes

Some experience or working knowledge of Latin American-related subject matters and/or health studies is required.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Temple University's Mission Statement

The Temple University Education Abroad office offers semester, academic year and summer study abroad programs around the world. In addition to providing study abroad opportunities for Temple students, we welcome the participation of students from other U.S. colleges and universities.