Medical Spanish Courses

This is a partial listing of Spanish Language/Medical Spanish courses.

Spanish Language/Medical Spanish Courses

Compiled by Mary Foote,
University of Arizona College of Medicine medical student (Class of 2005)
Updated 2021

Courses listed by Country

BOLIVIA:
  • NRCSA Center: Spanish School Sucre, Sucre, Bolivia (National Registration Center for Study Abroad) http://www.nrcsa.com/nh_df/1402/1402index.html
    • Offers 9 levels of study in accordance with the ACTFL guidelines (American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages) with a particular emphasis on grammar and vocabulary. 
    • May enroll for as many weeks as desired.
COSTA RICA:
  • Adventure Education Center: http://adventurespanishschool.com/  The medical Spanish program in Costa Rica has 3 locations: Arenal, Domincal, and Turrialba. 
    • Contact: Jeff Garrison, registration coordinator, jeff@adventurespanishschool.com for more information and assistance with booking your course sessions. 
    • Designed for beginning level language students.
    • The AEC Medical Spanish program lasts 4 weeks (can enroll in fewer weeks) with medically specific classroom studies, medical exercises, and clinical visitation.
    • Curriculum is based on the medical Spanish program developed by the University of Texas Medical Branch.
  • NRCSA Center:  Medical Immersion Abroad, http://medical.nrcsa.com
    • Costa Rica Academy, San Jose, Costa Rica https://www.nrcsa.com/school/10013/index.html
      • The objective of the Medical Language and Immersion program is to enhance foreign language and intercultural skills through a combination of general language training, focused vocabulary and cultural immersion. 
      • Most programs combine 1-3 weeks of foreign language classes with insight into local medical systems and practices.
  • International Health Central American Institute Foundation (IHCAI): http://www.ihcai.org/
    • Medical Spanish designed for students and professionals from various health areas.
    • Options:
      • Intensive Medical Spanish and Introduction to Tropical Medicine in Costa Rica
      • Give Me Five: Online Medical Spanish Course
      • Intensive Medical Spanish Course on Special Request
      • Taking Advantage of International Health to Acquire New Professional Skills for Overseas Junior Medical Students in Costa Rica
CUBA:
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:
ECUADOR:
  • NRCSA Center: Academia de Espanol Quito: http://www.nrcsa.com/nh_df/2817/2817index.html   —
    • Specializes in teaching Spanish as a second language to foreign students.
  • APF Language School: http://www.ecuadors.org/apf-language.html
    • APF programs permit students to learn Spanish regardless of their language level.  New courses start every week of the year without interruption.  At the end of the course students receive an international diploma as evidence of their successful studies.
    • Programs include:
      • Spanish Immersion
      • Survival Spanish
      • Spanish & Adventure
      • Spanish & Tours
      • Spanish & Volunteers
  • NRCSA Center: Estudio Internacional Sampere (EIS): http://www.nrcsa.com/nh_df/cuenca/cuencaindex.html
    • Courses are taught with the same quality and individualized attention which distinguish EIS in Spain. Individual attention in small group and one-on-one settings.
  • Interhealth South America Summer Program: http://www.InterhealthSouthAmerica.net
    • The program encompasses direct patient care as well as an onsite introduction to Ecuadorian and South American primary, community, and public health services.  In addition, emphasis is placed on medical Spanish language acquisition, with practical skills development in patient interviewing and examination.  The format provides guided group and individual clinic experiences and service in global health, coordinated with immersion language learning.
  • Cacha Medical Spanish Institute (Cachamsi): http://www.cachamsi.com
    • Offers medical Spanish lessons, international clinical rotations, and volunteer opportunities among a unique indigenous population.
    • For all levels of Spanish speakers from beginner to native speakers.
GUATEMALA:
  • Asociacion Pop Wuj: http://www.pop-wuj.org/
    • Programs offered:
      • Spanish Tutoring.  1-on-1 Spanish lessons from experienced instructors.  Includes patient simulations.
      • Medical Spanish Internship.  Focuses on improving vocabulary, conversational Spanish, and understanding of healthcare disparities facing the community by giving you can opportunity to work in the free clinic. (4 weeks minimum)
      •  Spanish Immersion.  Focuses on improving vocabulary, conversational Spanish, and understand the culture of Guatemala.
HONDURAS:
MEXICO:
  • NRCSA Center: https://www.nrcsa.com/country/mexico.html. 
    • Several sites:
      • International Studies Center, Cuernavaca, Mexico: http://www.nrcsa.com/nh_df/5027/5027index.html
        • Designed to enable students to quickly communicate in Spanish
        • Strong cultural component
      • Spanish Language School, Guadalajara, Mexico https://www.nrcsa.com/school/10067/index.html
        • Goal is to help students make rapid progress in reading, speaking and comprehending Spanish by providing each student with personal attention and full immersion into the language.
      • University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico https://www.nrcsa.com/school/10068/index.html
        • Helps non-Spanish speaking students learn enough linguistic skills to communicate in Spanish in real-life settings.
        • Offers cultural courses in social and humanities areas to students interested in learning more about the Latin American reality.
      • Centro Internacional, Merida, Mexico https://www.nrcsa.com/school/10071/index.html
        • Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of study are available
        • Small groups allowing for maximum individual attention
      • Spanish Institute, Oaxaca, Mexico https://www.nrcsa.com/school/10072/index.html
        • The language immersion program offers the opportunity to experience Mexican culture and understand it through the acquisition of Spanish.
        •  The combination of the intensive Spanish language program and daily afternoon cultural activities enables students to immerse themselves in the language as well as in the rich Mexican culture.
      • Mayan Riviera Spanish School, Playa del Carmen, Mexico https://www.nrcsa.com/school/10125/index.html
        • Programs designed to accentuate its unique Caribbean location
        • High quality instruction and memorable cultural experience
      • Escuela de Espanol UG, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico https://www.nrcsa.com/school/10070/index.html
        • Study Spanish and Mexican culture while enjoying the shores of Mexico’s largest bay, the Bahia de Banderas.
        • Highly participatory teaching method is utilized so that all students are encouraged to be involved in supportive group interaction.
        • Instruction emphasizes oral expression, vocabulary development and listening comprehension, complemented by reading, writing and grammar exercises. 
      • Spanish Language Center, Queretaro, Mexico https://www.nrcsa.com/school/10073/index.html
        • Specializes in teaching Spanish to foreign students.
        • Many practical and dynamic programs to learn Spanish which are open to students of all levels, ages and professional experience.
        • All activities are in Spanish so that the student can improve speaking, writing, listening and reading skills.
      • Instituto de Lenguas, San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico https://www.nrcsa.com/school/10074/index.html
        • High quality language classes
  • Cemanahuac Spanish School: https://www.cemanahuacspanishschool.com/
    • Beginners to advanced speakers
    • Classes begin every Monday of the year for as many weeks as desired
    • Small classes, no more than 5 students per class
    • Teachers are native speakers
    • Meet Monday through Friday, 4 hours per day
    • Stress speaking and listening, grammar
  • Dunham Institute, Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas: http://www.mexonline.com/dunham-institute.htm  
    • 2, 4, and 8-week Spanish courses
  • Pace MD’s MED Spanish: http://www.medspanish.com/
    • Located in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
    • 2 options: online or on-site immersion program
    • Focuses on the needs of healthcare professionals
    • See expected outcomes: https://medspanish.com/outcomes
  • University of Nebraska Medical Center & Universidad Anahuac Xalapa in Xalapa, Mexico: https://www.unmc.edu/global/education-abroad/program/medical-spanish-application.html  
    • Medical Spanish/Global Health Course
PERU:
  • NRCSA: Cuzco, Peru:
SPAIN:

 

OTHER WEBSITES AND RESOURCES WITH SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSE LISTINGS
  • AmeriSpan: SALUD Medical Spanish Course (Mexico, Peru & Spain) http://www.amerispan.com/salud_medical_spanish_programs/
    • Offers participants the opportunity to learn Spanish while learning about another country’s medical system.  The program combines language learning, medical terminology in a foreign language, cultural excursions and activities and hands on service learning in most locations.
    • High beginner to mid-intermediate or higher
  • American Medical Student Association (AMSA): https://www.amsa.org/advocacy/action-committees/global-health/
  • Global health resources – web resources, global health organizations, and educational materials curated by the AMSA Global Health Action Committee.
  • Baja California Language College: http://www.bajacal.com/
    • Spanish immersion
    • Experiential curriculum
    • Designed specifically for students to identify and eliminate barriers they have to effectively communicate in Spanish.
    • Flexible schedules and courses at all proficiency levels are offered throughout the year.
  • Language Link, Inc: http://www.langlink.com/  
    • 3 options
      • Language Link Online.  Individual online Spanish classes through Skype.
      • Spanish On the Road Trips. 
        • Offered 3-4 times per year
        • Touring trips from 8-12 days
        • Small group, limited to 14
        • Daily optional all level Spanish classes and ongoing conversation practice with Language Link tour directors
      • Total Immersion Programs in Latin America and Spain
        • Study in a language school dedicated to the teaching of Spanish 4-6 hours daily
        • All levels of Spanish accommodated
        • Group classes, usually 5 students
        • Private classes, one-on-one
  • Spanish Schools: http://www.spanishschools.org/
    • Recognized market leader in in-country Spanish language immersion courses, with over ten years of experience dedicated solely to Spanish language instruction.
    • Operates its own schools in Spain and Guanajuato, Mexico and operates with partner schools in Cuba, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, The Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
APPS

Canopy Medical Spanish

Available: iOS | Android

  • Canopy offers several options for anyone looking to use or learn medical Spanish, but primarily targets doctors and nurses.
  • Canopy Speak offers phrases in 15 languages, including Spanish. While you might also use Canopy Speak to study seriously, this program is intended more for quick and easy translation without having to know the language.
  • Canopy Learn is intended to help you fully learn medical Spanish. With plenty of activities and video lessons, it is carefully designed to teach you important words and phrases.
  • Canopy Quest is also designed to help you learn medical Spanish, but it is designed as a game. It is helpful to pair it with one of Canopy’s other offerings for a more well-rounded education.
  • You can try Canopy for free, but continued use requires a subscription.
FREE ONLINE RESOURCES
Practicing Spanish
  • This free website offers a wide variety of useful resources for anyone in a medical profession.
  • Offers lessons on basic Spanish in addition to more specialized topics like anatomy.
  • Has lessons organized by profession so that anyone working in any medical field can learn words and phrases that will be immediately useful for them.
  • Each lesson comes with both audio and text.
  • Also offers a featured medical dialogue each month to help you practice key words and phrases in context.

 

“Spanish in the Medical Field” by Smithville Public Library
  • Helpful YouTube video provided by a library in Texas offers lessons on basic Spanish, body parts, patient complaints and scenarios.
  • Information appears both in print and in audio, so it is great for anyone looking to learn basic medical Spanish or reinforce information from other resources.
Language Tailor Medical Spanish
  • Offers over 50 free YouTube videos on medical Spanish. The wide array of resources is great for anyone from a novice Spanish speaker to more advanced speakers who need customized vocabulary.
  • Lessons include basic greetings, grammar, anatomy, location directions, presenting treatment options and much more. With both audio and text, these video lessons will provide you with a well-rounded medical Spanish education.