Medical Spanish Program
CEDEI’s Medical Spanish Immersion program in Ecuador is designed to enhance language proficiency, cultural competence, and healthcare skills for health professionals. Over a four-week program in Cuenca, Ecuador, students undergo intensive training in Medical Spanish, immerse themselves in the local culture, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the local public health system.
The program includes placements with local Ecuadorian homestays, providing participants with an enriching experience. In addition to structured learning, students explore Cuenca, participate in cultural activities (e.g., dancing and cooking classes), and embark on weekend trips, featuring mountain hikes and visits to ancient archaeological sites.
Students directly experience local hospitals, medical schools, rural health programs, and traditional healers. Each work day consists of 6 hours (3 hours in the classroom and 3 hours spent with local doctors, nurses, or public health professionals in the community). Weekend trips consist of cultural immersion trips (one trip per weekend).
What the program entails
- 28-day host family stay (includes 03 meals every day, laundry, Wi-Fi), 01 student per family
- 60-hours Medical Spanish classes (30 hrs language structure; 30hrs conversation)
- 02 Lectures
- 01 CEDEI coordinator accompanying the group on all excursions and academic visits
- 24/7 CEDEI Assistance
- Orientation sessions
- A welcome pack
In addition
- Airport-Hotel-Airport transportation*
- Five orientation sessions: Information sessions are held on topics such as cultural adjustment, health and safety, living with a host family, and a general program overview.*
- The accommodations in Guayaquil are included for the arrival night and the night before returning to the U.S. (double, triple rooms). Single rooms have an additional charge.
- Private Tourist ground transportation during the tours
- English/Spanish tour guide for the Ingapirca archaeological complex and Cajas National park visit
Not included: International airfare, passport and/or visa fees if required (note that US Citizens automatically receive a three-month tourist visa on arrival to Ecuador); travel insurance; meals eaten outside those provided by the host family; optional entertainment and excursions; excess baggage fees; personal expenses, such as telephone calls, departure taxes (if applicable).
Culture and Diversity
Cuenca, Ecuador is located at the heart of the Andean mountains. The city is famous for its architecture, landscapes, gastronomy, its people, among other things. Due to its cultural and historical richness, Cuenca was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Known as “the land of eternal spring,” Cuenca and the surrounding areas experience very little climate change throughout the year. Expect warm to hot days (67°F – 82°F / 19°C – 28°C) and cool evenings (as low as 51°F / 10°C).
Fee per person in US Dollars
| 2-3 students | USD$3960 |
| 4-6 students | USD$3760 |
| 7-9 students | USD$3295 |
| 10-15 students | USD$3070 |
Program dates
- Spring: January 20-February 18, 2024
- Summer: May 27-June 24, 2024
Application
- Spring: Applications are from Nov 15 to Dec 15, 2023.
- Summer: Applications are from Jan 15 to Feb 15, 2024.