Learn Medical Spanish in Quito as you Intern or Volunteer at a hospital

This a well established program, using a variety of hospitals (both larger an small) in Quito. this program is very customised and is therefore based on the requirements of each participant.
With the support of our Medical Coordinator and experienced teachers, it combines a half day Spanish lessons and half day observational rotations for students and professionals in the medical field.
There with three primary goals: 1) Development and improvement of language skills in Spanish, espeically Medical Spanish 2) Exposure to Ecuadorian health settings through observational rotations accompanying doctors or residents  in hospitals and clinics in Quito 3) Cultural immersion through home-stay and scheduled excursions to beautiful sites in Ecuador.

 After evaluating the language skills level, the professor tailors a program according to the individual needs of the student working in one on one basis. Depending on their Spanish ability, students could start since the first week with both, classes and the clinic observational rotations. The minimum commitment for this program is 2 weeks

 Program includes:
Airport pick-up.
ˇ Introductory info-pack
 Study material.
ˇ Access to videos and documentaries in Spanish.
ˇ 2 hours of internet and/or e-mail service per week
ˇ Extracurricular activities: Tropical dance classes, Ecuadorian cooking classes, sports, movies, etc.
ˇ Affordable Trips and Excursions’ organization for our students.
ˇ Information and travel consultancy service for Ecuador and South America (assistance in reservations, confirmations and others).
ˇ Coffee, bottled water and natural tea at disposal.

 Program Options

The following options have been tailored according to the time availability of most participants. However, AGS is able to arrange customized programs with additional Spanish lessons and / or clinic rotations.

It is always important to consider the better Spanish skills you have, the most you can get from this experience. 

A) Four weeks, 80 hour intensive program:

ˇ Four weeks of Medical Spanish, 20 hours per week of private instruction

ˇ Two weeks of clinical rotations, 3-4 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, depending on the requirements of the student and sites’ availability. The medical rotations will begin the third week after the student has completed the basic requirements of the Spanish language. Four weeks of home-stay accommodation

B) Four weeks, 100 hour intensive program:

ˇ Four weeks of Medical Spanish, 30 hours the first two weeks and 20 hours the third and fourth weeks of private instruction.

ˇ Two weeks of clinical rotations, 3-4 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, depending on the requirements of the student and site availability. The medical rotations will begin the third week after the student has completed the basic requirements of the Spanish language. Four weeks of home-stay accommodation

C) Three weeks, 60 hour intensive program:

ˇ Three weeks of Medical Spanish, 20 hours per week of private instruction.

ˇ Two weeks of clinical rotations, 3-4 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, depending on the requirements of the student and sites availability. The medical rotations will begin the second week after the student has completed the basic requirements of the Spanish language. Three weeks of home-stay accommodation

 D) Three weeks, 75 hour intensive program:

ˇ Three weeks of Medical Spanish, 35 hours  the first week and 20 hours per week the second and third weeks with private instruction.

ˇ Two weeks of clinical rotations, 3-4 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, depending on the requirements of the student and sites availability. The medical rotations will begin the second week after the student has completed the basic requirements of the Spanish language. Three weeks of home-stay accommodation

 E) Two weeks, 40 hour intensive program:

ˇ Two weeks of Medical Spanish, 20 hours per week of private instruction

ˇ Two weeks of clinical rotations, 3-4 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, depending on the requirements of the student and sites availability. The medical rotations and classes will be taken the same two weeks. This program requires a basic knowledge of Spanish. Two weeks of home-stay accommodation

 Medical Coordinator

Eduardo Yépez, M.D. is a Cuban-trained obstetrician/gynecologist, fellowship trained in Maternal Fetal Medicine.  He holds a faculty appointment at Universidad Central in Quito, and supervises postgraduates in the OB/Gyn Residency Program.  He attends at Maternidad, Isidro Ayora, Centro Obstétrico Familiar, among others. He spearheaded and developed the fetal ultrasound department for the Maternidad Isidro Ayora Hospital in Quito.

Medical Sites

The medical program maintains distinct relationships with both public and private hospitals and clinics in Quito. Some of these include: Clínica Pichincha, Maternidad Isidro Ayora, Hospital Eugenio Espejo and other health centers in the city.

The Medical Coordinator structures the rotation according to the student’s interest and level of medical knowledge in addition to site availability.  In general, students will be exposed to two different sites.  However, students with a very basic Spanish proficiency level or limited medical training may be restricted from certain medical sites, though there are plenty of opportunities for those with limited Spanish or medical training.

 Eligibility

Anyone studying or practicing in health-related fields (pre-med students, medical students, doctors, dental students, dentists, nursing students, nurses, physician assistants, EMTs and those involved in public health) with proficiency levels, ranging from minimal to advanced Spanish skills.  The AGS Medical Spanish and Cultural Immersion Program can be arranged for individuals or groups of students. 

Accommodation

According to our philosophy, students will live with Ecuadorian families who will offer them a well-rounded, positive experience in Quito.  Families undergo rigorous screening before placement.  The majority of these families live within walking distance from AGS, and others are only a very short distance away by public transportation.

The accommodation includes the following services:

ˇ Private room

ˇ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

ˇ Laundry service once a week

In special cases, AGS can arrange other forms of accommodation in apartments or hotels.

Starting Dates

Every Monday of the year 

2008 Prices

ˇ Application fee: No charge.

  All prices are shown in USD $ for one person.

   Prices as of 01.01.2008

  Program fee:

  A) Four weeks, 80 hour intensive program:

 $1380 USD

 B) Four weeks, 100 hour intensive program:

 $1513 USD

 C) Three weeks, 60 hour intensive program:

 $1135 USD

 D) Three weeks, 75 hour intensive program:

 $1235 USD

 E) Two weeks, 40 hour intensive program:

 $ 904 USD