"The university itself was marvelous. They are very organized and give personal attention, immediately, as needed. The quality of the instructors ranged from good to outstanding. They offered many types of courses, as well as excursions to surrounding areas several times per week. The physical location and facilities were very nice."
Speech therapist. Chicago, IL.
The campus was beautiful, interestingly designed (I started drawing the buildings and would like to continue next time) and the people were friendly and helpful. The study program was well organized. And Gina, my teacher, was well trained, organized and very friendly."
Program Director, DC Dept of Mental Health CSA
NRCSA Medical Programs in Mexico
Mexico
has an interesting view of medical care. They offer a variety of modern health care facilities along with alternative and indigenous healing arts.
Cuernavaca, also known as "the land of eternal spring," was founded in the colonial era and is located about 50 miles south of Mexico City. It has a population of 500,000 while still possessing the many advantages of a large city.
Intensive Spanish Language Program for Medicine
PROGRAM
This program includes 30 hrs/week of language and lectures on medical topics. Through this intensive Medical Spanish Program, healthcare professionals will develop skills and knowledge that will enhance their effectiveness with Spanish-speaking patients or clients. Terminology and information specific to the health care field is part of the curriculum.
The program is designed to meet individual's interest, profession and Spanish proficiency level. It emphasizes medical and psychological terminology, vocabulary and activities that fit the health care professional's needs to not only communicate with the Hispanic population, but also understand its cultural issues.
A typical daily schedule begins at 8 am and ends at 4 pm, Monday through Friday: 1) Three hours of Spanish classes with no more than five students per class. 2) Two hours of Latin American courses in social sciences and humanities. 3) One hour of lectures (Conferencia) in History of Medicine, Mexican Medical Institutions, Traditional Medicine and other subjects in health care. 4) Two hours of optional classes based on individual needs and interests.
LODGING
The lodging coordinators have developed an extensive list of homestay families. The families are selected for the amenities they provide, and their willingness to offer additional conversation practice to students. All host families are eager to welcome students into their homes, sharing with them the warmth of Mexican home life. Homestays feature private room and bath in spacious homes which usually have a garden, swimming pool, and other amenities. Three meals are included in the plan.
Other Housing Arrangements:
The Guest Residence is located 2 blocks from the NRCSA Center. Students may choose private rooms with bathrooms and enjoy the same facilities as with a Mexican host family, but without the benefits of interacting with a Mexican family. Three meals are also included in this plan. This option is available at additional cost. Not available May - July. Reservations should be made early due to only 9 rooms available.
Apartment & Bungalows - Cuernavaca also has a number of furnished apartments and bungalows available (one or two bedroom units). These may be attractive to married students who come with their family, or anyone wanting more independence. This option is available at additional cost.
Hotels - We can provide some limited assistance to students in finding hotels, however, the student should plan on making own arrangements.
Non-student Housing - If traveling with spouse, friend, or child, non-student homestays are available at a reasonable daily rate, including meals.
ARRIVAL TRANSFER
An arrival transfer from Mexico City airport to your lodging address in Cuernavaca is included in the program. Arrival details need to be communicated to NRCSA in advance.
ACTIVITIES
Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational activities organized by the school. They include social and cultural events that significantly contribute to the learning experience.
Twice a month, the NRCSA Center organizes "fiestas" for students which allow for informal conversation and discussion with faculty members. Students' host families are also invited to these social activities. Gatherings at a local cafe in Cuernavaca provide an opportunity to interact in Spanish with each other and with teachers in a social setting.
In cooperation with the Morelos Tourist Bureau and the University of Morelos, Universidad Internacional keeps students informed about cultural events taking place in Cuernavaca, such as music and dance recitals, exhibitions, lectures, plays and special films.
Students enrolled in the language program have the opportunity to participate in excursions and field trips organized by the school. These are usually half-day, one day, or two day trips scheduled during the week and on weekends. They include trips to archaeological and colonial sites, institutions such as hospitals or companies, colonial towns, and the beach. A faculty member serves as a guide to lead discussions and answer questions during these outings. The guided tour is usually conducted in Spanish. Excursions are optional and at additional cost.
Cost includes:
- 15 hrs/week Group Spanish (includes some medical vocabulary) - 10 hrs/week of Latin American social sciences. - 5 hrs/week of Lectures on health care issues. - 5 hrs/week of optional cultural classes & activities. - Homestay lodging in single room. - Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. - Arrival transfer from airport to lodging address. - Orientation (covering attractions, how to, health safety, entertainment) - Academic Assessment (placement-exit tests, achievement certificate) - International Emergency & Medical Insurance - Emergency Hotline Staffed 24/hrs day (call collect anywhere in the world) - Access to computer/internet lab. - Daily transportation from homestay to school.
Group Spanish & Medical Vocabulary , health care professionals will develop skills and knowledge that will enhance their effectiveness with Spanish-speaking patients or clients. Terminology and information specific to the health care field is part of the curriculum.
MORE DETAILS ...
Facilities
The NRCSA Center in Cuernavaca was founded in 1980 and is affiliated with more than 100 universities, colleges and institutions in the United States, Canada, Japan and Europe, as well with the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos. Its philosophy reflects the importance in advancing communication and understanding between Mexico and other countries.
The main academic focus centers around: • Teaching intensive Spanish for foreign students whose knowledge of Spanish varies from beginning to advanced • Teaching Hispano-American literature, history and art
The facilities include a library, bookstore, money exchange office, copy center, cafeteria, computer lab, and fax and telephones services. Once the student starts their program a private free email account is provided upon request. All students have full Internet access (E-mail, telnet, Internet). In addition, many services other services are included, such as: medical referral, academic advising and student counseling.
The NRCSA Center has experienced, well-qualified, Spanish-speaking instructors. Dedicated professionals, they not only teach but also participate in the social, cultural and research programs. Staff provide administrative assistance to the students insuring that their classes and housing are appropriate to their needs. Also, the staff joins the faculty to help develop confidence in students' ability to speak Spanish and increase their language skills.
The programs have been recognized as Quality Approved Programs through a formal agreement with SUNY-Brockport, an American institution accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
General
• No maximum age. Minimum age is 17 (often waived if accompanied by an adult). • Location: Downtown • Size: varies considerably by season. The 'average' is over 80 foreign students. • Arrival airport transfers are available at extra cost if requested 3 weeks in advance. • Medical: school refers students if needed (medical costs additional). See below for information regarding insurance. • Vacations: no class make-up on National, Regional, or local holidays.
Classes
• Foreign language classes are taught entirely in the foreign language (immersion method). • All levels are welcome (beginner to advanced) unless otherwise specified above. • Levels: placement tests are used. If there is no full group at your level, smaller group or tutor may be given with fewer hours per week. • Tutor means one-on-one class (private teacher). Shared tutor means two-on-one. • Students/class is maximum people per class ... which may be exceeded by 1-2 persons due to level placement. • School is popular with business and medical professionals seeking accelerated and special vocabulary classes. • Texts and materials are over $15 per level. • Class-hour is 45 to 60 minutes (Most universities use a 50 minute hour).
Lodging & Meals
• Accommodation address sent 7-14 days prior to start of session. • Lodging ends day after last day of class. Begins the day prior to start of class. • Meals: See 'cost includes' above for which meals included. (2 meals means breakfast and dinner) • In homestays, meal times and content will vary.
Cultural Program & Activities
• Excursions average 1-2 weekly. • Culture/humanities classes (audit some!). • Weekly cultural lectures or activities (included). • Theater/enrichment activities (at additional cost). • Many varied activities: some included, some optional. • Weekly art, craft, or cooking (materials extra). • Conversation Club/exchanges with native speakers. • Some entrance fees/bus fares may be additional.
Children
• Children Group program (seasonal). • Lodging, daycare and tutor classes available.
Insurance --- for study dates prepaid through NRCSA
• 24 Hour Emergency Multilingual Hotline (call collect from anywhere in the world) • $25,000 Emergency Medical Evacuation • $10,000 Accident or Sickness ($100 deductible per claim) • $5,000 Emergency Reunion • See policy for definitions and exclusions • Increased insurance coverages available on request and at additional cost. Please inquire with NRCSA at least 3 weeks prior to departure.
LODGING 
ACTIVITIES