"The city was wonderful; the family with whom I stayed was delightful. I found the Spanish spoken in Cuzco to be easily understood. There is a great deal to see and do around Cuzco."
University Dean. Arizona State University - ASU
NRCSA Medical Program in Cuzco, Peru
Cuzco
According to the stories passed down through the generations by the Quechuas, the mythical monarch Manco Capac founded the city of Cuzco at the beginning of the 13th century B.C. with the help of this three brothers and four sisters. Under Inca rule, the empire developed and grew, the systems of past cultures were improved upon and magnificent structures were built, such as roads and stone bridges. Crop production increased, thanks to the construction of irrigation channels and aqueducts, and huge fortresses were built.
When Francisco Pizarro began to colonize Peru, the Inca empire had already been weakened. Nevertheless, the great city of Cuzco still conserves remnants of that ancient age of splendor. These have become obligatory stops on tourist itineraries, along with the city's important buildings from the Colonial period.
The city sits perched amidst the clouds and the lush Andean greenery 11.000 feet above sea level, an everlasting legacy to Peru΄s rich history. Many international tourists are drawn to Cuzco for its proximity to the famous Machu Picchu ruins and the Inca Trail. Due to the high elevation, it is cool at night and sunny but cool during the day year-round. Day temperatures range from high 60s to 70s Fahrenheit. April to September is the coldest time, with high 60s during the day and 30s at night. Rainy season is from October to April.
Medical Spanish & Voluteer
PROGRAM
Students will have 20 lesson per week of Spanish & Medical Vocabulary Tutorial
The Tutorial Spanish instruction is offered in levels from elementary to advanced. Students are given an evaluation exam upon arrival. The teacher will teach you in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. With the assistance of audio cassettes, overhead projectors, video and other visual aids, the teacher will instruct you in grammar, correct pronunciation and the use of everyday idiomatic language. 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.
Also, 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.
The Volunteer portion of this program provides a chance to interact with local medical professionals and patients (depending on your experience level). These positions are available at a hospital, a doctor's office, a center for paliative care (hemodialysis), an elderly care facility, and a social medical center in Cuzco and the surrounding area.
Both medical students and professionals can participate in these programs, where they will observe procedures and discuss with their colleagues. The degree of responsibility invested in volunteers will be proportional to their expertise and commitment, although in all cases they will be supervised by an Peruvian doctor.
Level of Spanish: High-intermediate; especially suitable for medical students who already have some practical experience and who wish to gain more experience in a Spanish speaking country.
Location: 15-20 minutes from our institute in Cusco
Eligibility: undergraduate, graduate students and adults with an undergraduate degree or higher.
Guidelines: Volunteer positions on a space available basis. These are unpaid positions.
LODGING
With Host families: One of the most important parts of your learning and cultural experience is the homestay portion. Families belong to Peru΄s middle class, although students should take note that living standards in Peru are generally lower than in Europe or North America. Family homes are located in neighborhoods usually no more than a 10 minute bus ride to school. Participants choosing to stay with a family should recognize that a certain degree of flexibility will be required to adjust to the Peruvian customs and way of life. There is no heat provided in homestays.
Students are provided with a private room, unless otherwise requested, and 3 meals daily. (Note: dinner is a light snack, such as crackers and coffee). Laundry service is provided by the host family once a week.
The number of students per home is one or two, depending on time of year, however, it will never exceed three. If the student requests to be alone in the homestay, every effort will be made to arrange that.
ARRIVAL
The host family will also pick students up at the Cuzco airport upon arrival.
Airport pick-up in Lima for additional cost is available. The student has to spend the night in Lima due to connecting flights (saturday) And includes: Lima airport pick-up, transfer to hotel, one night in hotel, transfer back to airport, Lima to Cuzco one-way airfare and Lima airport assistance.
Lodging information is not sent prior to departure. Information of where to go and how to get there will be sent to students prior to departure.
Activities
Cultural & Social Activities Programs include a dynamic, interesting and fun leisure program that is complementary to the process of learning the Spanish language. All activities are directed towards socializing in a learning environment and increasing the student's knowledge of Peruvian Culture.
Free activities included in all programs:
* City Tour (transport and guide; entrance fees not included). * Welcome Dinner for all new students at Cafι La Tertulia * Peruvian Cooking Class * Game Night (in Spanish) * Salsa Class * Farewell Gathering * Weekly orientation meeting for new students on the Volunteer Work Program.
Cost Includes:
- 20 hrs/week Tutorial Medical Spanish - 15 hrs/week Volunteer opportunity. - 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 Cuzco airport to lodging address. - Laundry once per week. - Mail and Email services.
Medical Vocabulary Tutorial & Volunteer 20 hrs/week Tutorial & 15 hrs/week Medical Volunteer
More Details...
Facilities
We invite you to study Spanish immersed in the unique culture of Peru. The NRCSA Center in Cuzco is conveniently located next to the main post-office, Internet cafes, banks, money exchanges, etc. It is about four blocks from the main square, the Plaza de Armas, the central meeting area of Cuzco (a great place to people watch!). There are many restaurants, cafes, cathedrals and museums nearby. Classes are held in rooms decorated with typical Peruvian "artesania."
The NRCSA Center occupies a large building on one of Cuzco's main avenues, directly in front of the most important site from pre-Colombian Cuzco, the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun). The building houses two full floors with about 15 classrooms, a video room, a full kitchen, an entertainment room and a sundeck.
Capacity is 60 students at any given time and participants are mostly from U.S. and Canada, Holland, and other parts of Europe. 60% Europeans and 40% North Americans. The majority are university students, independent travelers and professionals, with some retirees also.
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. Arrival airport transfers are included if flights advised 30 days prior arrival. 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. 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 main meal. In homestays, meal times and content will vary.
Cultural Program & Activities
Excursions average 1-2 weekly. Weekly cultural lectures or activities (included). Some entrance fees/bus fares may be additional.
Children
Lodging/daycare available at additional cost. School favored by families traveling with children.
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.