This course contains a Civic Engagement component coordinated by The Medical Electives
Network, the third-party Medical Spanish institute in Trujillo, Peru where all international
classroom instruction will take place. Medical Electives holds weekly community health
fairs every Friday providing free medicine and consultation to low-income communities.
Each health fair is different, with anywhere from 60-100 patients and a variety of
reasons for seeking services. Students will attend two health fairs (7/22, 7/29) during
the international component to assist with translation and gain direct exposure to
the socioeconomic challenges and health threats that characterize Trujillo’s low-income
population (and developing nations generally). Additionally, students will participate
at least once in Medical Elective’s Abuela’s Kitchen outreach program, which provides 600 free meals monthly to seniors in extreme poverty
in La Esperanza District.
Students are responsible for getting to Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL)
on July 16, 2022, where they will fly to Trujillo, Peru via the capital city of Lima.
Their return flight from Trujillo leaves August 4, 2022 and arrives in Fort Lauderdale
the morning of August 5, 2022.
Group transportation to cultural activities and community outreach is provided through
The Medical Electives Network, in addition to airport pickup/dropoff. Any transportation
used by students during their free time (i.e., non-course related activities) is at
their own expense.
The Medical Electives Network will provide each student with a Peruvian homestay in
the quaint La Merced neighborhood of Trujillo within a five minute walking distance
of the school. Homestays include room, board, meals (breakfast and lunch only), a
private room and bathroom access, Cable TV, WiFi internet, and a house key for 24-hour
entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What expenses are included in the program costs? Program costs include international travel (airfare), airport pickup/dropoff, homestay
accommodations with two meals daily, 3 weeks of General Spanish and Medical Spanish
instruction, a Spanish textbook and all course materials, participation in civic engagement
(weekly community health fair, daily food kitchen), group transport to and from cultural
activities, group museum, activity, or excursion fees, weekly cooking lessons, a local
cell phone number, a complimentary gym membership, salsa lessons, or yoga classes,
and basic travel insurance.
Are there any language requirements to participate on this program? There is no language requirement to take this course; however, students receive daily
Spanish-language instruction as part of the international component of this class.
That said, it is highly recommended that prospective students have at least basic
proficiency with Spanish.
Will the program include opportunities to learn the local language?
The international component of the course provides constant immersion in the Spanish
language and Peruvian culture. Students receive daily Spanish-language instruction
in a classroom setting each morning, practice their skills in afternoons during cultural
activities and trips, and return home each evening to relax and converse with their
homestay family.
What will a typical day or week involve (both academic and cultural experience? A typical day starts with breakfast at your homestay followed by General Spanish,
Medical Spanish, and classroom learning to discuss daily themes and topics. Students
return to their homestays at noon to enjoy lunch with their local families and return
to the school at 2pm for the planned cultural activity. Each afternoon’s activity
concludes around 5pm with evenings consisting of free time, which you may spend at
your homestay or out exploring nightlife in Trujillo and nearby Huanchaco Beach with
classmates. On Fridays mornings, students participate in Medical Electives’ weekly
community health fair and/or food kitchen, after which they are dismissed (around
noon) for the weekend. No mandatory group activities will be planned from Friday afternoon
through Sunday evening. Students may use their weekend free time to travel to other
regions of Peru as long as they return on time for class Monday mornings each week.
What are the accommodations? The Medical Electives Network will provide each student with a Peruvian homestay
in the quaint La Merced neighborhood of Trujillo within a five minute walking distance
of the school. Homestays include room, board, meals (breakfast and lunch only), a
private room, Cable TV, WiFi internet, and a house key for 24-hour access.
Will I have to share a room? If so, with how many others? While you have the option to share a homestay with fellow students, you will be provided
with a private room.
What meals are included in the trip and what meals do I have to pay for myself? Homestays include breakfast and lunch, as well as teas and coffees upon request.
The Medical Electives Network campus also offers complimentary coffees, teas, and
occasional meals and drinks on days when they hold cooking classes. Additionally,
students will be treated to a welcome dinner upon arrival and one upon departure,
which is included in the trip. Not covered are any individual expenses students incur
during cultural activities (e.g., gifts, souvenirs, food, beverages) or free time.
