SEMINAR FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS 
April 16th  - May 4th, 2001
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Week One
Monday through Friday 
8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

Spanish classes at CPI Heredia 
During Week One, to allow participants to establish a base in the language, Spanish classes are the only activity scheduled.  Students are placed according to level based upon a written exam and oral interview with the director of CPI, Romy Morales.  The maximum class size is four students per class.  Small class size makes for optimum learning as the students receive specialized attention from their professor.  Morning classes concentrate upon grammar and conversation,  the necessary elements for communication.  Medical Spanish is introduced during the hour and a half afternoon class. 
Weeks Two and Three
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

Clinical Practice 
Observe at a local clinic or hospital in your speciality or area of choice.  Course participants have the opportunity to observe the Costa Rican health care system (based on the model of social medicine) and develop language skills while working alongside Costa Rican counterparts. 

Monday through Friday 
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Spanish classes at CPI at CPI Heredia 
Classes remain concentrated upon grammar and conversation; however, special focus is placed on relevant medical vocabulary, patient/doctor dialogues, as well as the important elements of multicultural awareness.
Wednesday Excursions/Free time
Each Wednesday we take a break from the clinical observation to offer optional trips so that you may explore the local area.  Activities include a guided boat tour of the Rio Sarapiqui in the northern region of Heredia, a visit to a coffee export company, Cafe Britt, to learn about the processing of coffee, and a trip to Poás Volcano.
 
FIELD TRIPS
Participants visit both a private and a public hospital in order to observe the different medical environments found in Costa Rica. On Friday morning of the first week we go to the Clinica Biblica for an example of the private health care system.  Then on Friday of the last week we plan to visit the Hospital México for an example of the social health care system. 
 
WEEK-ENDS
First Week-end: Trip to Arenal Volcano
Depart on Saturday morning. On the road to the volcano visit the artisan town of Sarchi and the gardens of Zarcero.  Once in La Fortuna, hike to the Catarata La Fortuna and swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall.  After, stop by Lake Arenal and spend the early evening bathing and relaxing at the Tabacon Hot Springs with its spectacular view of the volcano.  If the volcano is active on this day, you can see impressive lava explosions.  On Saturday morning hike along trails in the "La Jungla"; here the group can see wildlife native to the region.
 
 
Second Week-end: Manuel Antonio National Park 
Leave on Friday afternoon.  Pass by Rio Tarcoles and receive a talk on the flora and fauna of the area; if you are lucky you may see "lapas" and "cocodrilos". Arrive in Manuel Antonio, check-in, eat dinner.  Manuel Antonio National Park is a dry, tropical forest which is bordered by the blue waters of the Pacific ocean. On Saturday enter the park where you may spend the day on the beach or hike along the trails and observe various species of wildlife such as white faced monkeys, sloths, birds, butterflies and iguanas.  On Sunday, the morning is free to go to the beach area outside of the national park entrance.
A white faced monkey
 
COST: $1,470
Includes: Classes, text books, a talk on medicinal plants, arrangement of volunteer positions, visits to the Clinica Biblica and Hospital Mexico, room and board (breakfast and dinner) with a Costa Rican family*, week-end excursions**, and airport transportation.  
 

*If you prefer, we can accommodate you in a local bed and breakfast for an additional cost of $50.  This includes a private room, bath and breakfast.  
**Wednesday excursions are optional and are not included in the program price.  These range from $30 - $40 per excursion. 
 
NOTE: Space for the seminar is limited.



 


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1-800-256-0124

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