"I frequently have Spanish speaking patients and now have a better understanding of Spanish. I can now communicate more effectively and gather better information from which to formulate diagnosis and treatment plans".
Paramedic. Reno, NY
"I enjoyed the family homestay the most, because it helped me to gain a better grasp of the Spanish language".
Student at University of North Carolina- Asheville
NRCSA Medical Programs in Bolivia
Sucre is the beautiful colonial judicial capital located in the Andean highlands of Bolivia. Known as the "White City of the Americas" due to its numerous colonial buildings, all of which are painted in white and topped with shiny red tile roofs. Set in a valley surrounded by low mountains, Sucre is small (pop. 150,000); making it very easy to explore on foot. A university town, known as the center of learning and progressive thought within Bolivia, Sucre has many museums, a lively central plaza, shops and restaurants. The city has a youthful, energetic feel despite its old-fashioned look created by the numerous mansions and colonial churches. Because of its historical significance and its wealth of colonial architecture, UNESCO declared the Historic City of Sucre a "World Heritage Site" On December 13, 1991.
Group Spanish Lessons & Medical Vocabulary Tutorial
PROGRAM - 20 hrs/week Group & 10 hrs/week Medical Vocabulary Tutorial
The Group Spanish instruction is offered in levels from elementary to advanced. Students are given an evaluation exam upon arrival and are placed in the appropriate group. A team of teachers will guide you in your studies. They will teach you in the four language skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing. With the assistance of audio cassettes, video and other visual aids, you will be instructed in grammar, correct pronunciation and the use of everyday idiomatic language. Classes are small with a maximum of four students. The small group size assures you individual participation and attention from the teacher. Specific homework assignments are given daily and every student is evaluated and tested on a weekly basis. Each lesson has a duration of 55 minutes.
The Medical Vocabulary Tutorial classes will focus on the words and phrases you use in your daily interaction with patients or will need in your area of work. These are private lessons that progress at your level and abilities. It provides a chance to work on your personal strengths and weaknesses. You are encouraged to submit a list of vocabulary in advance for use in the class.
LODGING
Homestays are one of the most important components of your language and cultural experience in Bolivia. Homestay accommodation includes two meals (breakfast and lunch), private room, bathroom, and laundry service once a week. Very few homes can provide private bath for the student. Host families belong to Bolivia's middle class, although students should take note that living standards in Bolivia are much lower than Europe or North America. Family homes are located in neighborhoods usually not more than a 20 to 30 minute walk to school. Participants choosing to stay with a family should recognize that a certain degree of flexibility will be required to adjust to the Bolivian customs and way of life.
Homestays for Families - A few homestays can accommodate families. Child care in the homestay may be possible upon special request and at additional cost. There is a discount for children under 5 (same room as parents, unless host family happens to have extra space).
Hotel lodging is also possible to arrange. This is on request and at addidtional cost.
ARRIVAL TRANSFER
The host family will also pick students up at the Sucre airport upon arrival. The lodging information is not sent prior to departure. Information on where to go and how to get there will be sent to students prior to departure.
ACTIVITIES
As part of the program there are 2 to 3 organized activities each week. There is a daily schedule of activities that is made available to students and includes information on cultural events in Sucre and surrounding areas, such as, locations of theaters, museums, festivals as well as ticket prices.
The organized activities include: visits to local areas of interest, dance classes, cooking classes, parties & fiestas, spanish language videos & movies, seminars & discussion groups. Please Note - You may need to pay "out-of-pocket" expenses (bus fare, entrance fees, etc.)
Weekend excursions are available, but are not prepackaged for students. The local administration can assist students with their arrangements on-site.
Cost includes:
- 20 hrs/week Group Spanish - 10 hrs/week Medical Vocabulary Tutorial - Homestay lodging in single room. - Two meals daily. (Breakfast & Dinner) - 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) - Arrival transfer from airport to lodging address. - Laundry once per week. - Mail and Email services.
Spanish & Medical Vocabulary Tutorial 20 hrs/week Group & 10 hrs/week Medical Vocabulary Tutorial. The Group Spanish instruction is offered in levels from elementary to advanced. Students are given an evaluation exam uponn arrival and are placed in the appropriate group. A team of teachers will guide you in your studies.
More Details...
Facilities
We invite you to study Spanish and be immersed in the unique culture of Bolivia. The NRCSA Center is Located in the heart of Sucre, a quiet, historic, and colonial area that is just a few blocks away from the city center. To ensure complete Spanish language immersion, English is not permitted at any time in the classroom.
Classes are held in a smart 2 story building with seven classrooms, a kitchen, a salon (for videos, etc.), a nice roomy balcony, an interior patio, and a small area to get sun tan. While there is no access to the Internet at the school, there are several Internet cafes in the immediate area. Capacity is 40 students/day and about 50% of class participants are from Europe, with the remaining 50% from North America. The age groups and occupations of their students vary widely, including university-aged students, professionals and independent travelers of all ages, as well as retirees.
All teachers have a University Degree in Spanish Philology and have been carefully selected because of their qualifications and experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Some of them are Doctors or have Master Degrees in teaching Spanish and literature, history or Latin American culture. They refresh their teaching skills often, receiving special courses every year from the school's International Academic Director at the headquarters in Quito, Ecuador.
Teachers are chosen for their ability to listen, their enthusiasm, kindness and patience, but most of all for their love of teaching Spanish to foreign students. All of them know how to motivate, develop and support students' curiosity and interest in the Spanish language, Bolivian culture and social life. They also know that the learning process continues outside the classroom. The school is registered with and recognized by the Bolivian Ministry of Education.
General
• No maximum age. Minimum age is 18 (often waived if accompanied by an adult). • Location: Downtown • Size: varies considerably by season. The 'average' is under 25 foreign students. • 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 or the year-end (Mid December to Early January). • Arrival airport transfers are included if flights advised 30 days prior arrival.
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. • 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 given upon arrival. • 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 lunch) • In homestays, meal times and content will vary.
Cultural Program & Activities
• Excursions average 1-2 weekly. • Weekly cultural lectures or activities (included).
Children
• School favored by families traveling with children. • 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.
PROGRAM - 20 hrs/week Group & 10 hrs/week Medical Vocabulary Tutorial 
LODGING 
ACTIVITIES