Summer Education Abroad
Health Care in Guatemala
Guatemala
3 credits in HUMS 391/591
June 6-27, 2009
Dr. Robert Fisher
$1,375 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
Registration deadline: March 27, 2009
Status: Program full
The VCU School of World Studies, the Department of Biology and the Office of International Education at VCU are pleased to present a three-week opportunity for participants interested in international health care, Spanish language and Guatemalan culture. This three-credit program is designed for pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-nursing students as well as public health providers, and recent graduates from medical, dental and nursing programs.
Course and credit options: 3 VCU credits
Undergraduate students will enroll in HUMS 391 while graduates will enroll in HUMS 591: Health Care and Culture in Guatemala.
Course description
The program will focus on an overview of the Guatemalan health care system, medical Spanish, alternative Mayan medicine (ethanobotany, midwives, bonesetters and shamans), and Mayan culture (past and present; Atitlan, Iximche, Maximon). Students will take language classes in the mornings and participate in health care activities in the afternoon either at Nuestros Ahijados school and clinics or at Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro Health Center or similar clinic.
The program is led by Dr. Robert Fisher, associate professor of biology at VCU, Past President of the Virginia Academy of Science and co-director of the Virginia Science Resource Network. Fisher has extensive experience in Guatemala and has spent the past three summers developing this program. Students in this new program will interact some with the students in the VCU Education Abroad Spanish program in Guatemala directed by Professor Rosita Cruz. Professors Cruz and Fisher also co-direct VCU’s summer program in Puerto Rico.
Registration deadline: March 27, 2009
Applications will be accepted until the deadline or until participant space is full.
Program cost
$1,375 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
The program fee includes the following:
- Accommodations
- Most meals
- Study visits and tours
- Excursions
- On-site program director support
- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International Student Identification Card
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- Airfare
- VCU tuition and fees
- Some meals
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Airfare
Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel arrangements from the U.S. to Guatemala. Fisher will assist participants in identifying a low-cost option for the group. For best fares you should purchase your ticket prior to April 15.
Eligibility
Student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate in this program.
While in Guatemala
Several afternoons per week will include cultural excursions near Antigua. The surrounding countryside is perennially green and filled with flowers, volcanoes, lakes and Mayan villages. Guatemala is an ethnic kaleidoscope. The dominant culture speaks Spanish, proudly tracing its roots to the Colonial period. Over half the inhabitants are Mayan Indians who preserve the ancient traditions of their languages, weaving and arts.
Participants will be placed with families, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are included for all days except Sunday. Only some meals while on excursions are included. You will have a private room and will share a bath. Private bathes are available for an additional $20 per week.
Important facts
- Tuition
- Financial aid
- Passports
- Payment of fees
- Refund policy
Tuition is charged separately and additionally at standard VCU rates for in-state students and at a 40 percent discount for out-of-state students. Estimated costs, based on current tuition per credit, are as follows: undergraduate in-state, $208.55 (per 3 credit class: $619.05); undergraduate out-of-state, $421.20 (per 3 credit class: $1,257); graduate in-state, $428.68 (per 3 credit class: $1,279.44); graduate out-of-state, $543.90 ($1,625.10 per 3 credit class).
Eligible VCU students may apply for need-based financial aid to participate in this program. Contact VCU Financial Aid, Ginter House, Room 110B at (804) 828-6669 or e-mail faidmail@vcu.edu. VCU offers its students a limited number of scholarships for study abroad participation. Contact VCU Education Abroad or see our Web site for further details.
If you have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply early because the processing time can take up to eight weeks. For more information on how to apply for a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov.
The non-refundable registration fee of $250 is due upon registration. The balance of the program fee and the tuition costs (based on the number of credits taken) will be billed separately through VCU Student Accounting after May 2009 (both amounts may be billed at the same time).
All withdrawals must be made in writing and submitted to the Director of Education Abroad.
The refund schedule is as follows:
- Prior to Jan. 8: I am eligible for a refund of the portionof the program fee that has not already been expended in payment of costs outlined on the individual program sheet in support of my participation. I understand that, as the spring progresses, the charges may reflect an increasing amount, depending on what payments have been made on my behalf. After Jan. 8, I understand that the entire program fee may be due. I understand that the refund amount cannot be determined until I formally submit written withdrawal from the program.
- After Jan. 8: I will be responsible to pay the entire program fee. In the event of an unexpected emergency that occurs after Jan. 8, I understand that I must provide a physician’s certification that my condition prohibits participation. In this case, refunds will be limited to recoverable expenses.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs. The university reserves the right to revise or alter all fees, regulations pertaining to student fees, and fee collection procedures at any time.
