Summer Education Abroad
Spanish for health and human services at the University of Guadalajara
Mexico
3 graduate credits in nursing and international studies, Spanish and psychology
July 20-31, 2009
Dr. Leticia Flores and Dr. Carolyn Driscoll
$1,300 plus airfare and VCU tuition
Registration deadline: April 27, 2009
Status: Program cancelled
» Statement from the University of Guadalajara in response to recent Travel Alert [PDF]
The Office of International Education, Department of Psychology and the School of Nursing are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students to study the impact of culture, migration and health systems on the health and well-being of individuals and communities at the point of origin for many newly-arrived Latino immigrants in the U.S. — using Guadalajara as a case example.
Course and credit options
Students will choose one course from the following options:
- NURS 514/INTL 514: International Perspectives on Community Health in Developing Countries (3 credits)
- PSYC 492 (3 credits)
- PSYC 671 (3 credits)
Or 2 credits in Spanish:
- LGCC 405
- LGCC 406
- LGCC 407
Course description
The academic program has a unique, multidisciplinary focus, bringing together units from both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. The course will cover various cultural and systemic issues as they relate to health care in the U.S. and Mexico. Readings and educational excursions will relate to the provision of and access to the various facets of health care. This may include but is not limited to the following: medication, hospitals, laws pertaining to illness prevention, etc. Other excursions will introduce students to the cultural experience of Mexicans, and will allow for dialogue across cultures about health care and other practices. Those students participating in the homestay option will also have the opportunity to fully participate in the day-to-day culture of families living in Guadalajara. These objectives will be met with collaboration from University of Guadalajara faculty and student colleagues.
Often nicknamed the “Cradle of Mexican Culture,” Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music, charros, tequila and other symbols of Mexican identity. Though the nation’s second largest, it is a very livable city and the capital of the state of Jalisco. This region is also home to a significant portion of recent immigrants to the U.S. This program gives you a chance to see firsthand the world of the rapidly changing client base in health and human services, and to acquire important professional skills.
The program will be led by Drs. Carolyn Driscoll from the School of Nursing and Leticia Flores from the Department of Psychology. Both have interest and experience in working with Latino populations regarding health care.
Itinerary
Week one (Monday through Friday)
- Daily language classes in the morning at CEPE (8 a.m.–noon)
- Afternoon classes in the health and human services class
- Two days will be spent on a cultural and educational excursion
Weekend
- Trip to local village with University of Guadalajara faculty to conduct clinical work in collaboration with other university study abroad students (ex. UT El Paso)
Week two (Monday through Friday)
- Daily language classes in the morning at CEPE (8 a.m.–noon)
- Afternoon classes in the health and human services class – presentations
- Two days will be spent on a cultural and educational excursion
Registration deadline: April 27, 2009
Applications will be accepted until the deadline or until participant space is full.
Program cost
$1,300 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $1,300 and includes the following:
- Accommodations
- Most meals
- Study visits and tours
- VCU administrative fees
- A small portion of the program director’s expenses.
- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- 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 (estimated at $200 to $400)
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Airfare
Airfare is not included. The professor will advise students of travel arrangements between the U.S. and Mexico.
Eligibility
Students must have a 2.0 GPA in order to participate in the VCU summer study abroad program. The program director will evaluate the applicants according to relevant completed coursework and experience as well as professional and/or academic goals.
While in Mexico
Included in the activities is a walking tour of historic Guadalajara, visits to local museums and sites of cultural interest, and field trips to local hospitals, clinics and other health provider sites. Participants will be living with local families in single rooms. All meals are included most days.
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.
