The Program 

Drexel has partnered with the International Center for Development Studies (ICDS) to offer 2 study abroad options for students in Nursing and Health Professions: a 6 week summer vacation program for freshmen and an 11 week winter term program for sophomores, pre-juniors and juniors. Both options give students the opportunity to explore health care in a developing country while furthering their Spanish language skills and gaining an understanding of the life and culture of Costa Rica. Students will acquire the necessary language proficiency to work and interact with Spanish speaking patients and their families, as well as with colleagues in a Spanish-speaking environment. Having Spanish skills plus knowledge of Latin American health issues will better prepare any student for working with the large Hispanic population in the United States

The Academics  

There are 2 distinct program options for CNHP students. One is a 6 week Summer option for FRESHMAN and NON- Co-op students ONLY  to participate in during their summer vacation term and is a part time course load. The other option is a full time, 11 week winter term program for sophomores, pre-juniors, and juniors. Students must be scheduled for winter term class (not co-op) to participate in the winter term option.

The Experience

Costa Rica’s capital, San José, is a cosmopolitan city with many cultural and recreational activities. It is located in Costa Rica's Central Plateau, surrounded by beautiful mountains and volcanoes, and within driving distance to the Pacific coast and Atlantic coasts. The urban transportation system is quite efficient, and you can take a bus to just about anywhere in the country. Upon arrival, students receive an orientation, which provides students with insights and strategies to better manage the process of integration to a new cultural context, while allowing group interaction and integration.

Housing: Drexel students will be housed with a local host family in Costa Rica. Homestays are one of the most important parts of a student’s experience, facilitating immersion in and adaptation to the new culture and language, and helping students to integrate into local society. Host family relationships in Costa Rica tend to be intimate and supportive. At the same time they respect students´ private time and personal space. In order to assure students will have a great experience with their host families, ICDS has a Homestay Coordinator with a great deal of experience in the selection of host families and the placement of students with an appropriate host family, as well as of the follow-up on the student-family relationship to solve any problems that may arise.

Co-op Option: Students who achieve high intermediate Spanish language are eligible to pursue a co-op in Costa Rica. ICDS will facilitate the placement of Drexel students in co-op positions relevant to their field. Students may choose to fulfill a co-op in Costa Rica for 6 months, or 3 months in Costa Rica and 3 months in the US. Co-op’ing in Costa Rica gives students international work experience, allows them to use Spanish in real life situations, and give students deeper understanding of Latin American health care, culture, and communities.

Students who study abroad during winter term of their junior year may opt to remain in Costa Rica for co-op, thereby having an extended immersion experience. Students who participate during sophomore or pre-junior year may return during junior year to complete their 3rd co-op in Costa Rica.

Volunteering Opportunities: A unique part of the ICDS programs is volunteering in a local facility or community organization related to your field. Students normally volunteer for 4 hours per week during the study abroad program. The volunteering continues the learning process beyond the classroom, by gaining first hand insight, exposure and experience in working with local populations. Spanish language skills are also strengthened through the volunteering.

Spanish Minor: Any Nursing and Health Professions students who are considering a minor in Spanish should take advantage of this program and discuss with the Modern Languages Department how the Medical Spanish coursework taken in Costa Rica can help toward the completion of their minor.

Visa for Entry: US Citizens are not required to have a visa for this program. For other nationalities, please refer to the Costa Rican Embassy website to see if a visa is required.