Explore health care and language in GuatemalaGuatemala3 credits in HUMS 391/591 Registration deadline: March 17, 2008 Program description and application [PDF] The VCU School of World Studies, the Department of Biology and the Office of International Education at Virginia Commonwealth University are pleased to present a two-week opportunity for participants interested in international health care, Spanish language and Guatemalan culture. This three-credit program is designed for pre-medical, pre-dental and pre-nursing students as well as public health providers, and recent graduates from medical, dental and nursing programs.
Course description: The program will focus on an overview of the Guatemalan health care system, medical Spanish, alternative Mayan medicine (ethanobotany, midwives, bonesetters and shamans), and Mayan culture (past and present; Atitlan, Iximche, Maximon). Students will take language classes in the mornings and participate in health care activities in the afternoon either at Nuestros Ahijados school and clinics or at Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro Health Center or a similar clinic. Program cost: $1,120 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition The program fee includes the following:
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
Please budget for these additional expenses. Airfare: Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel arrangements from the U.S. to Guatemala. Fisher will assist participants in identifying a low-cost option for the group. For best fares you should purchase your ticket prior to April 15.
Registration deadline: March 17, 2008 Activities and excursions: Several afternoons a week will include cultural excursions near Antigua. The surrounding countryside is perennially green and filled with flowers, volcanoes, lakes and Mayan villages. Guatemala is an ethnic kaleidoscope. The dominant culture speaks Spanish, proudly tracing its roots to the Colonial period. Over half the inhabitants are Mayan Indians who preserve the ancient traditions of their languages, weaving and arts. Accommodations and meals: While in Antigua the participants will be placed with families, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are included for all days except Sunday. Only some meals while on excursions are included. You will have a private room and will share a bath. Private bathes are available for an additional $20 per week.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs. |
Course and credit options: 3 VCU credits 
On-site program director support
Eligibility: Student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate in this program. 
Program director: The program is led by Dr. Robert Fisher, associate professor of biology at VCU, past president of the Virginia Academy of Science and co-director of the Virginia Science Resource Network. Fisher has extensive experience in Guatemala and has spent the past two summers developing this program. Students in this new program will interact some with the students in the VCU Education Abroad Spanish program in Guatemala directed by Professor Rosita Cruz. Cruz and Fisher also co-direct VCU’s summer program in Puerto Rico.
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