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"22 million people in the U.S. speak Spanish, creating a need for physicians who not only speak Spanish, but have an understanding of Hispanic culture as well. By going on IPSL programs in both Mexico and Ecuador, I hoped to learn about Latin American culture from these two perspectives. I was interested in learning more about the health care systems in both countries and devoting my service to this field."
– Julie, Rocky Mountain College (Mexico & Guayaquil programs)
The program is based at Universidad Espiritu Santo (UEES). You will take three required courses for a total of 12–15 credits; optional electives are also offered. A transcript is issued from Universidad Espiritu Santo upon successful completion of the program.
Students are tested and placed in the appropriate level for Spanish language instruction: beginning, intermediate or advanced. Studies include the culture and literature of Ecuador and Latin America. You may move through one or two intensive modules (levels) during the program.
Required | Recommended US Credits: 3-6 (3 per module) | More Course InformationGives a historical perspective on Ecuadorian social and economic issues starting from Pre-Columbian and colonial times through present-day Ecuador. Topics are addressed related to race, class, religion, ethnicity, geography, and other interconnected and relevant themes. Offered in Spanish and English.
Required | Recommended US Credits: 3 | More Course InformationExamines the ways social institutions relate to and reflect the larger society. Specific issues explored include: culture and development; oil and rights; religion and politics; religion and revolution; development and self-respect; community participation in development; politics and insurrection; gender and fashion; literature and politics; and class structure. Taught in English, but using as much Spanish as the class understands.
Required | Recommended US Credits: 6 | More Course InformationOther language and academic courses (many of them taught in English) may be taken in addition to the required courses with the approval of the resident Program Director, and students who are fluent in Spanish may participate in any of the regular classes offered at UEES. A popular elective is History of Ecuadorian Culture.
Optional | Recommended US Credits: 3 | More Course Information