AGS, based on the requirements of each participant, and with the support of our Medical Coordinator and experienced teachers, has designed a customized program combining half day Spanish lessons and half day observational rotations for students and professionals in the medical field, with three primary goals: 1) Development and improvement of language skills in Spanish 2) Exposure to Ecuadorian health settings through observational rotations accompanying doctors or residents  in hospitals and clinics in Quito 3) Cultural immersion through home-stay and scheduled excursions to beautiful sites in Ecuador.

After evaluating the language skills level, the professor tailors a program according to the individual needs of the student working in one on one basis. Depending on their Spanish ability, students could start since the first week with both, classes and the clinic observational rotations. The minimum commitment for this program is 2 weeks.

This program includes:

· Airport pick-up.
· Introductory info-pack
· Orientation to the program
· Accommodation with a host family, 7 nights per week, including 2 meals per day
· 20 hours or more per week of Spanish classes with a private instructor
· Internship for Credit Evaluation (Medical Coordinator)
· Study material.
· Spanish certificate in AGS.
· Access to videos and documentaries in Spanish.
· Free internet access and wireless.
· Extracurricular activities: Tropical dance classes,
Ecuadorian cooking classes, sports, movies, etc.
· Affordable Trips and Excursions’ organization for
our students.
· Information and travel consultancy service for
Ecuador and South America (assistance in reservations,
confirmations and others).
· Coffee, bottled water and natural tea at disposal.

Medical Spanish

AGS works with highly trained professors, experienced in the medical field.  After evaluating the language skill level, the professor will design a program according to the individual needs and interests of the student.  Classes are normally one-on-one, in this manner the student can direct the focus and pace of his / her studies. However, AGS is ready to organize group classes upon request if participants have any special interest i.e. Emergency medicine groups, etc.  It is recommended that students bring any medical Spanish materials that they wish to study from, to supplement the medical Spanish materials provided by AGS.

Clinical Exposure/Hospital & Clinic Rotations

AGS’s philosophy is to customize a medical Spanish program for each student or group.  The Medical Program offers a comprehensive learning experience through observational rotations in public hospitals and clinics.  All attempts are made to tailor the clinical experience to the student’s specific medical interests.  This rotation will provide an eye-opening exposure to health care system and issues in Ecuador, especially in the poorest patient populations.  Rotations are usually 3-4 hours in duration, 3-5 days a week.

Cultural Immersion

Participants are exposed to different cultural traditions and practices not only in their clinical rotations, but also by living with an Ecuadorian family. To complement the academic aspect of the program, AGS organizes a variety of activities including salsa and cooking classes and weekly excursions to popular tourist attractions. Students will undoubtedly form lasting friendships and memories.

Program Options

The following options have been tailored according to the time availability of most participants. However, AGS is able to arrange customized programs with additional Spanish lessons and / or clinic rotations.

It is always important to consider the better Spanish skills you have, the most you can get from this experience.

A) Four weeks, 80 hour intensive program:

· Four weeks of Medical Spanish, 20 hours per week of private instruction
· Two weeks of clinical rotations, 3-4 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, depending on the requirements of the student and sites’ availability. The medical rotations will begin the third week after the student has completed the basic requirements of the Spanish language. Four weeks of home-stay accommodation

B) Four weeks, 100 hour intensive program:

· Four weeks of Medical Spanish, 30 hours the first two weeks and 20 hours the third and fourth weeks of private instruction.
· Two weeks of clinical rotations, 3-4 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, depending on the requirements of the student and site availability. The medical rotations will begin the third week after the student has completed the basic requirements of the Spanish language. Four weeks of home-stay accommodation

C) Three weeks, 60 hour intensive program:

· Three weeks of Medical Spanish, 20 hours per week of private instruction.
· Two weeks of clinical rotations, 3-4 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, depending on the requirements of the student and sites availability. The medical rotations will begin the second week after the student has completed the basic requirements of the Spanish language. Three weeks of home-stay accommodation

D) Three weeks, 75 hour intensive program:

· Three weeks of Medical Spanish, 35 hours  the first week and 20 hours per week the second and third weeks with private instruction.
· Two weeks of clinical rotations, 3-4 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, depending on the requirements of the student and sites availability. The medical rotations will begin the second week after the student has completed the basic requirements of the Spanish language. Three weeks of home-stay accommodation

E) Two weeks, 40 hour intensive program:

· Two weeks of Medical Spanish, 20 hours per week of private instruction
· Two weeks of clinical rotations, 3-4 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, depending on the requirements of the student and sites availability. The medical rotations and classes will be taken the same two weeks. This program requires a basic knowledge of Spanish. Two weeks of home-stay accommodation

Medical Coordinator

Eduardo Yepez  M.D. is a trained obstetrician/gynecologist, fellowship trained in Maternal Fetal Medicine.  He holds a faculty appointment at Universidad Central in Quito, and supervises postgraduates in the OB/Gyn Residency Program.  He attends at Maternidad, Isidro Ayora, Centro Obstétrico Familiar, among others. He spearheaded and developed the fetal ultrasound department for the Maternidad Isidro Ayora Hospital in Quito.

Medical Sites

The medical program maintains distinct relationships with both public and private hospitals and clinics in Quito. Some of these include: Clínica Pichincha, Maternidad Isidro Ayora, Hospital Eugenio Espejo and other health centers in the city.

The Medical Coordinator structures the rotation according to the student’s interest and level of medical knowledge in addition to site availability.  In general, students will be exposed to two different sites.  However, students with a very basic Spanish proficiency level or limited medical training may be restricted from certain medical sites, though there are plenty of opportunities for those with limited Spanish or medical training.

Eligibility

Anyone studying or practicing in health-related fields (pre-med students, medical students, doctors, dental students, dentists, nursing students, nurses, physician assistants, EMTs and those involved in public health) with proficiency levels, ranging from minimal to advanced Spanish skills.  The AGS Medical Spanish and Cultural Immersion Program can be arranged for individuals or groups of students.

Accommodation

According to our philosophy, students will live with Ecuadorian families who will offer them a well-rounded, positive experience in Quito.  Families undergo rigorous screening before placement.  The majority of these families live within walking distance from AGS, and others are only a very short distance away by public transportation.

The accommodation includes the following services:
· Private room
· Breakfast and dinner
· Laundry service once a week

In special cases, AGS can arrange other forms of accommodation in apartments or hotels.
Starting Dates: Every Monday of the year

Costs

Payment Schedule: After confirming the chosen program, a transferable, but non-refundable deposit of $200 USD is due within 30 days. The final balance of the program fee is due upon arrival to AGS.

Extra lessons per day, extra weeks, additional days of accommodation, or additional clinic rotation can be arranged upon request.  For more information, please contact us: infoags(at)andeanglobalstudies.org

What’s included

· Airport pick up
· Orientation to the program
· Accommodation with a host family, 7 nights per week, including 2 meals per day
· 20 hours per week of Spanish classes with a private instructor
· Learning materials and miscellaneous information
· Internship for Credit Evaluation (Medical Coordinator)
· Free internet access and wireless
· All rotations, hospital, and coordinator fees
· Extra-curricular activities such as salsa and cooking classes organized at the language school.
· Travel assistance

Not included

· Airfare to Quito, Ecuador
· Passport or visa fees
· City transportation to and from medical sites
· Other recreational expenses, such as weekend or after-hour activities.

Additional Costs

· Extra classes are offered at US$7 per hour.
· In case the home-stay accommodation needs to be prolonged, there is a fee of US$18 per day.
· Optional AGS-organized weekend excursions

Credits

Depending on your medical school, it may be possible for medical students to earn credit for their Medical Spanish and Cultural Experience program that will help them meet their requirements for graduation. In many cases students are able to go abroad during their studies. Each school has different requirements. Please make sure to check with your school to see what you will need to do in order to earn credit for this experience. Once you are aware of your school’s requirements, please contact us so we can help set up a program that will undoubtedly enhance your studies!

Application process

1.- Complete the AGS Registration Form.
2.-  Write a letter or email to AGS expressing your interest.  Please include the following information:
· Area of study or profession (e.g. medical student, dental student, EMT, nurse, etc).
· Years of experience in your health care-related profession.  If you are a student, please indicate the year of study and anticipated year of graduation.
· The school or university where you are currently studying or have studied
· The reason for participation in the Medical Program (e.g. academic requirements for your University, professional interests or personal Goals).
· Areas of interest, in which you would prefer to do your rotations (e.g. family practice, obstetrics/gynecology, emergency department, pediatrics, etc.)
3.- Once availability is confirmed, we need an official letter of recommendation from your dean, supervisor, or sponsor stating that you are in good standing and that you are being recommended to participate in the Medical program.
4.- AGS will subsequently confirm your participation upon receipt of your sponsoring letter.

Please contact us for further information: infoags(at)andeanglobalstudies.org

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