"Peru: Internship in Community Health & Human Services"

 

Credits: 4 Program Locations:  Cusco & the Sacred Valley, Peru Term: Summer Minimum GPA: 2.5 All Ramapo College students in good academic and judicial standing are eligible. Students of other U.S. colleges or universities are also eligible. Must possess an intermediate-high level of Spanish language proficiency.

  

[Course Description] - "Internships in Community Health & Human Services in Peru" 
(SPAN 325)

  
This study abroad course in Peru provides students with the opportunity of engaging in hands-on field work in community medicine, while using their language skills and cultural competence. The emphasis in community medicine is on the early diagnosis of disease, the recognition of environmental and occupational hazards to good health, and the prevention of disease in the community. To this end, the course provides comprehensive health services ranging from preventive to rehabilitative services. This program can be used towards fulfilling requirements for the Spanish Certificate in Health & Human Services.

[Our program]  

   
While in Cusco, students will work with the guidance of a local placement advisor in the field for more than 90 hours in a four-week program. Ramapo faculty will support students via an online platform to help them dissect the specialized vocabulary and cultural contexts used in the local settings.

Additionally, students will have the unique opportunity to visit one of the most special places on earth - Machu Picchu. During a long weekend, students will traverse through the Sacred Valley outside Cusco, stopping along the way for different cultural experiences and to see ancient ruins. While at Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of this impressive site in order to appreciate its history and importance. Finally, you will overnight in the village of Ollantaytambo to experience a traditional Andes community. 

[Preparations]

There will be an extensive pre-departure orientation on culture, health, safety, as well as on- and off-campus meetings prior to the departure from the U.S. In order to interact, effectively, with the community, as well as understanding the content of theoretical lectures, students are required to take SPAN 202: Intermediate II or equivalent proficiency before this study abroad course, as a prerequisite. Students are also encouraged to take SPAN 311 “Spanish for Health Care and Human Services” in advance. In order to gain an understanding of contemporary Peruvian society, students will attend and participate in lectures at Ramapo based on Peruvian contemporary history and society, as well as preventive campaigns led by the Peruvian Health ministry. On their way back, students will give an oral presentation of their reports and engage in a discussion on their reflective essays.

[Accommodations]  

 
Students will reside in homestay families in Cusco and in hotels in the Sacred Valley.

[Cost]

Program cost: $TBD
Program cost includes: Tuition fees for 4 credits; round-trip international airfare; program reading materials; pre-departure and on-site orientation; comprehensive health & security insurance; accommodations in homestays; two meals a day; laundry once a week; Quechua language lessons; excursion and entrance fees in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley; in-country program transportation; pre-departure and on-site orientations. 
Program cost does not include: US airport transfers; some meals; personal expenses and immunization costs.

Students are also eligible to apply for additional scholarships through the Roukema Center.