This program is designed for doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who want to improve their Spanish skills and develop medical vocabulary in order to effectively deal with their Spanish-speaking patients. This is a customized Professional Course and learning exercises will focus on the needs of the student. Students should have a basic knowledge of Spanish in order to benefit from this course, and the number of weeks is determined by the student's needs and schedule.

This class will be taught using a variety of methods with an emphasis on experiential learning: i.e. lecture and instruction, drills and practice, role play, cultural immersion activity, audio and video taping, videos viewed in class, community based activity, workbook practice, course assignments and readings.

Students have the opportunity to volunteer in a local medical clinic. Visits to the Social Security hospital in Cuernavaca can also be arranged, however they require two weeks advance notice.

Optional Course Credit: 1-6 university semester credits can be earned, course syllabus can be provided upon request. Instituto Chac-Mool is fully accredited by the Mexican Ministry of Education as a higher education institution. Please request the transcript while at the school (a mailing fee will be charged).

Continuing Education Units of Credit: CEUs are offered, however your transcript will indicate general Spanish Study in Mexico with no mention of the medical Spanish component. 2 units per week of Continuing Ed credit may be granted for up to four weeks of study. Ask us about these CEUs offered through California Lutheran University, advance registration and an additional fee to CLU applies.

The student spends the morning by studying general Spanish with other students of their same Spanish level, in order to improve their communication skills. These small group classes begin at 8:50 am and end at 11:55 am.

In the afternoon the student begins private instruction with a qualified teacher of Medical Spanish. This class is tailored to the student's requirements and may include medical vocabulary and terminology, role-playing exercises, and discussions of important cultural aspects in the relations between the patient and caregiver. The private portion of this course is 12:20 to 1:50 pm. (summer month students may be required to begin this session at 2:00 pm.)

2009 Tuition: $350/wk - summer months the rate is $380. Rates include group and private lessons.

This is a fully customizable one-on-one program suitable for beginning or advanced students. Please request a price quote based on your goals.

OPTIONAL VOLUNTEER WORK

Recommended for Medical Spanish students: Volunteer your time and skills, along with local physicians, medical and church staff, to help those in Cuernavaca that cannot easily afford medical care. This Dispensario program, housed in a church near Instituto Chac-Mool, offers medical care daily (except Sunday) to all ages. Your instructor at the school will make all necessary introductions before you begin.

PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended that students have at least a basic knowledge of Spanish before beginning the Medical Spanish Program. This program does not teach medicine, but rather teaches Spanish medical terms including Spanish dialog between the caregiver and patient.

Free WiFi is available to all students at Instituto Chac-Mool.

I can't thank you and the teachers at the school enough for the wonderful experience I had in trying to improve my spanish language skills. I cannot believe the incredible amount that I learned in a short, two weeks! I put my medical spanish to use right away as the first week I was back to work I encountered two patients that could only speak and understand Spanish. Both the patients and my colleagues (and myself!) were impressed that I was able to carry on whole conversations in very difficult medical topics.

Denise, nurse practioner

My experience in Cuernavaca has been excellent. I only wish I had more time at Chac-Mool. Hopefully I will be able to come back to Cuernavaca and Chac-Mool in the future. One last thing - my family was fantastic, I don't think I would have learned near as much about both the language and the Mexican culture without their help.

Will, physician

What a luxury to take 2 weeks out of my life and do nothing but study Spanish. The teachers are warm and accepting and the school was a very comfortable place for learning. I'm happy I was able to focus specifically on my work.

Sandy, nurse

Great school with very personal & outstanding staff willing to teach you the aspect of Spanish you are interested in. Excellent conversational practice and the school grounds are clean and well maintained.

Pyra, physician