Fall Structure, Dates, and Costs:
The need for culturally competent health-care practitioners with the skills necessary to treat the rapidly growing population of Hispanic patients has never been greater than it is today.  In cooperation with the University of Guadalajara's teaching hospital (CUCS), students will develop Spanish language skills pertinent to working with patients, and through supervised observation they will learn first-hand about practices relating to health and healthcare in Mexico

Health Care in Mexico is a unique immersion experience for undergraduate students who desire a direct, up-close experience of various aspects of health care training.  Participants should posses sound academic credentials in basic sciences and some proficiency in spoken Spanish.  Onsite, students will interact directly with doctors and other healthcare professionals, and participate in classes with medical students at the teaching hospitals and clinics at the University of Guadalajara.  This program offers UT in-residence credit for courses taken at the medical school as well as for those taken in Spanish language and Mexican culture.

This program has two basic components.  The first is a language and cultural training period that starts in July, and during which students take one (or more) 3-credit hour courses in Spanish.  To prepare students for their semester courses and internships at the hospital, the second part of the program begins with an orientation to the hospital setting and medical Spanish.  Courses such as Genetics, Nursing Practicum, Public Health, and Medical Ethics are offered during the semester.