Public Health in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• Other Cities in Costa Rica: 
Rural Areas
• San Jose: 
San Jose

Term: Summer 
Dates: early July to mid-August

Description: Temple University's Public Health in Costa Rica program offers an exciting opportunity for students with a background in health, medicine, social work, political science, sociology, economics and international studies to see and experience a developing country's health concerns first hand. The program is designed to give students direct hands-on experience in the Costa Rican health care system; an understanding of the country's health concerns ranging from environmental health to occupational health hazards; and social concerns such as domestic violence. Students must be willing to live with host families in both rural and urban settings; be able to adapt to diverse environments including humid tropical settings, rain forests and urban congestion; and be prepared for living conditions in a developing country. If you are an adventurous student looking for an exciting, realistic experience in Central America, this is the program for you.

Highlights: While previous Spanish language proficiency is not required, some Spanish language ability is helpful for students to gain the maximum understanding during the program. For that reason, the first two weeks of the program students take intensive Spanish language training in Costa Rica. During the afternoons of the first two weeks, lectures and discussions are conducted by Dr. Clara Haignere and experienced professionals from Costa Rica, particularly from the University of Costa Rica's School of Public Health. After the period in San José, the group spends several days exploring other areas and sites in Costa Rica.

During the second half of the program, students live and work in rural communities where they help to facilitate health education workshops and activities in one of the following areas: diabetes, nutrition, HIV/AIDS prevention education, women's health concerns, child health care issues or first aid education. Following the workshops and activities, students return to San José to write up their experiences with the intention of presenting them at a professional conference.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 5,400 USD - 7,800 USD, depending on level and residency

Experience Required: yes

Some experience or working knowledge of Latin American-related subject matters and/or health studies is required.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Transcript

Temple University's Mission Statement: The Temple University International Programs office is responsible for administering Temple-sponsored study abroad programs; advising Temple students on study abroad program and scholarship opportunities; serving as a liaison between the main campus and our campuses in Rome and Tokyo, acting as a resource for the Temple University community on matters concerning international education, and responding to increasing interest in international activities on the part of Temple students and faculty. We continue to develop and strengthen the international education programs that help Temple students attain a global perspective. We recognize that today, more than ever, the world demands that students understand other countries and how they are linked together. We are committed to the notion that through international education, Temple students enrich their general education, acquire knowledge and experience for their later professional success, and develop life skills needed to become competent and engaged global citizens.