SPECIAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS 
February 19th -
March 2nd, 2001 
offered in 
C.P.I. MONTEVERDE
SCHEDULE
Spanish Classes 
Weeks One and Two
Monday through Friday 
8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

Medical Spanish classes at CPI Monteverde 
Students are placed according to level based upon a written exam and oral interview.  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.  

Cultural Activities 
After classes in the afternoons the school schedules activities, examples include: Latin dance and cooking classes, movie night and Latin music night. 

Excursions 
During the week optional afternoon excursions are organized so that you may explore the Monteverde area.  Activities include: a guided night hike of the Finca Ecologica, the Sky Trek (a series of canopy lines overlooking the rainforest), the butterfly farm and horsebackriding to El Mirador.  
 
OPTIONAL -  
Clinical Observation 
Weeks Three and Four
Volunteer/Clinical Practice with IHCAI 
IHCAI, an institutional member of the IHMED (International Health Medical Education Consortium),   
is a non-profit foundation which seeks to develop international partnerships with the goal of sharing medical knowledge and addressing health and social development problems faced by Costa Rica.  IHCAI works in association with the School of Medicine of Tulane University and has placed up to 300 North American students in Costa Rican clinics. 

Clerkship opportunities are available in primary care clinics at one of the following 4 sites, Limon Valle de La Estrella, Barva de Heredia, San Pablo de Heredia and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.  Placement is at the discretion of the IHCAI director and is based on availability.  In order to participate in the clerkship it is necessary to have a Spanish level of high beginner and have finished the 4th year of medical studies.  

Second and third year medical students may also work at the clinics but in the area of data recovery for epidemiological research projects.  In order to participate in the area of research it is necessary to have a Spanish level of high beginner. 

COST OF CLERKSHIP: $150 plus room & board (around $100 per week) 
Participants are responsible for their transportation to the clinic location. 
 
 
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.
 
COST: $1,165
Includes: Spanish classes, text books, room and board (breakfast and dinner) with a Costa Rican family*, week-end excursions**, airport pick-up and first night at a b&b near the airport.  
*If you prefer, we can accommodate you in a local bed and breakfast instead of a homestay.  This includes a private room, bath and breakfast. The cost is an additional $50.  

THE OPTIONAL VOLUNTEER OPTION IS AN ADDITIONAL $150 FEE AS WELL AS A $100 PER WEEK FOR ROOM AND BOARD WITH A COSTA RICAN FAMILY. 
 


 


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