Medical Spanish Programs

Below you will find information about medical Spanish programs that are approved for medical students. There are two (typical) times during the curriculum when students undertake medical Spanish programs abroad:

  • During the summer between first and second year; and
  • During fourth year as a fourth-year elective.

Whether you speak Spanish at a beginner or advanced level, there is a program that will fit your needs. Medical Spanish skills can be used locally (a large percentage of BMC patients speak Spanish) and abroad. Also – the ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients provides an advantage when applying for residency.

What Program Should I Choose?

Medical Spanish programs have varying degrees of exposure to native culture and medical clinics. Some programs have an established medical Spanish curriculum specifically designed for medical students and health professionals (i.e., their core mission is to educate medical personnel to better serve Spanish-speaking patient populations) while other programs focus on Spanish instruction with medical terminology provided as an adjunct to the curriculum. Explore the various programs listed below to determine which program suits your needs.

  • Program Cost: The typical program fees for a four-week elective range from $1500 to $4400 depending on your choice of program, length of stay, etc.
  • Program Components: Each program provides some or all of the following components:
    • Medical Spanish instruction (one-on-one or group)
    • Clinical preceptorship/shadowing/observation at local clinics/hospitals
    • Cultural competency
    • Cultural immersion
    • Homestay

APPROVED Medical Spanish Programs

The programs below are well-used by first-year students (for summer experiences) and fourth-year students (as fourth-year electives). Because of known faculty connections and successful track records, the electives undertaken at these places are considered inside (fourth-year) electives. All programs listed below are automatically approved for medical students.

program country/region comments from Director of GH Programs, BUCASM
Asociación
Centro de Estudios de Español Pop Wuj		 Guatemala The positive feature of this program is the relative paucity of tourists in this region and the ability to really ‘dig in’ and learn Spanish in a rural, safe area of Guatemala. There have been safety issues in the touristy city of Antigua (and there is easy access to get there and to Lake Atitlan) for weekend trips.
Cacha
Medical Spanish Institute		 Ecuador This program is run by Jorge Duchicela, MD, a US-based (Univ. of Texas) family physician, who is originally from Ecuador. Dr. Duchicela works closely with local colleagues and family members to provide a quality program tailored to US medical students. Length of stay ranges from one to nine months. This program will accommodate students with all levels of Spanish fluency. The program is located in a rural, remote area. BU medical students participate in the Cacha program more than any other medical Spanish programs.
Child
Family Health International		 Latin America CFHI is a well-organized program developed by a physician to address the needs of US medical students and local in-country partners. CFHI programs are highly structured and serve best those students who have never been abroad and want a guided experience to learn medical Spanish and participate in community service in a safe setting. The downside to CFHI is cost, but fees are reinvested to sustain programs in local communities.
International
Health Central American Institute (IHCAI)		 Costa Rica Developed by Dr. Mario Tristan, a respected colleague, IHCAI is geared to American medical students. Benefits are: 1) the onsite presence of a colleague who is very receptive to our students; and 2) the location of the school – Costa Rica is a country that is easy to get around and is relatively safe. Downsides are the presence of other English speaking students, location in a big city, and potential exposure to medicine that is not dramatically different from the US. IHCAI is suitable for students with limited exposure to Latin America and/or safety concerns. This program will accommodate students with all levels of Spanish fluency.