Description

Spanish & Cultural Competence for Health and Human Services

The Global Education Office, the Department of Psychology and the School of World Studies are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students to study the impact of culture, migration and health systems on the health and well-being of individuals and communities at the point of origin for many newly-arrived Latino immigrants in the U.S. using Guadalajara as a case example.

Course and Credit Options:

Students will choose one course from the following options:
* INTL 491 Health and Human Services in Guadalajara (3 credits)
OR
* SPAN 494 Spanish Interpretation and Translation (2 credits)

Course description:
This academic program has a unique, multidisciplinary focus, bringing together units from both the Monroe Park and public human services agencies. The course will cover various cultural and systemic issues as they relate to health care in the US and Mexico. Readings and educational excursions will relate to the provision of and access to the various facets of health care in Mexico. This may include but is not limited to the following: beliefs related to healthcare and medication, medical anthropology, hospital operations in Mexico, health beliefs and health seeking behaviors pertaining to illness prevention, etc. Other excursions will introduce students to the cultural experience of Mexicans, and will allow for dialogue across cultures about health care and other practices.

Those students participating in the homestay option will also have the opportunity to fully participate in the day to day culture of families living in Guadalajara. These objectives will be met with collaboration from our University of Guadalajara faculty and student colleagues.

Often nicknamed the "Cradle of Mexican Culture," Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music, charros, tequila and other symbols of Mexican identity. Though the nation's second largest, it is a very livable city and is the capital of the state of Jalisco. This region is also home to a significant portion of recent immigrants to the U.S. This program gives you a chance to see first-hand the world of the rapidly changing client base in health and human services, and to acquire important professional skills.

Highlights

Activities and Excursions: Included in the activities is a walking tour of historic Guadalajara, visits to local museums and sites of cultural interest, and field trips to local hospitals, clinics and other health provider sites.

Accommodations and meals: Participants will be living with local families in single rooms. All meals are included most days.

Itinerary
Week One (M-F):

* Daily language classes in the morning at CEPE (8 am-12 noon)
* Afternoon classes in the health and human services class
* Two days will be spent on a cultural and educational excursion

Weekend:

* Trip to local community with University of Guadalajara faculty to conduct clinical work in collaboration with other university study abroad students (ie, UT El Paso).

Week Two (M-F):

* Daily language classes in the morning at CEPE (8 am-12 noon)
* Afternoon classes in the health and human services class- presentations
* Two days will be spent on a cultural and educational excursion

The program will be co-led by Cecily Rodriguez and Patricia Michelsen-King.

Cecily Rodriguez has worked with limited English proficient (LEP) immigrants and refugees from around the world for 18 years in Texas, Mexico and Virginia. She is the director of the Office of Cultural Competence at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services where she directs policy development and system training on culturally and linguistically appropriate services for mental health and intellectual disability services.

Patricia Michelsen-King, originally from Colombia, has served as a consultant to judiciaries throughout the country on the development of foreign language interpretation services. She is Federally Certified and works as a freelance interpreter in Virginia federal courts as well as state courts. She has extensive experience in providing training for court interpreters and has been a featured speaker at state and national judicial conferences that educate judges and court system personnel on properly handling interpreted proceedings.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD900 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD800 - USD1,000 and includes:
* Accommodations
* Most meals
* Study visits and tours
* VCU administrative fees
* On-site Program Director support
* Application fee and deposit
* Pre-departure orientation
* International Student Identification Card

The following are NOT included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
* Airfare
* VCU tuition and fees
* Some meals
* Passport application fee
* Personal expenses during the program (estimated at USD200 - USD400)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip travel arrangements from the US to their destination city. Program directors will meet with accepted students to go over specific travel logistics and may help students in identifying low-cost travel options. For best fares, students are encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to April 15.

Experience Required

yes

This program is open to all students of junior or senior standing, regardless of major, who have at least a 2.0 GPA. The program directors will evaluate applicants according to relevant completed coursework and experience as well as professional and academic goals. Please note: For students wishing to enroll in SPAN 494, they will need to have at least 9 credits of Spanish credit at the 300-level or higher prior to the program start date. An academic letter of reference is not required

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Other

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Year Founded

1838