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Each SALUD program has been designed to accommodate participants of different language levels and different medical backgrounds. Consequently, not all programs are for everyone. The programs each have a required language level listed. If you do not meet the minimum level, you can still apply but should plan on signing up for at least an additional two weeks of language class prior to the start of the program. Additionally, due to the nature of the on-site medical component, some programs are restricted to higher level medical students or professionals while others are open to everyone. Please be sure you meet the minimum requirements before you apply and ask if you have any questions.
Three Different Types of SALUD Programs
SALUD Group Program: This is our standard SALUD program. AmeriSpan has successfully offered these programs since the year 2000, they are designed for groups of 5-20 participants, and have set start dates in the spring and/or summer months. These programs not only give you the opportunity to learn the language and see first-hand the medical system of another country, but you will also meet healthcare students and professionals from other parts of the USA, Canada and elsewhere around the world.
SALUD Independent Program: Offers the same core curriculum as the SALUD Standard programs, however the Independent Programs offer the flexibility to start any Monday of the year. With the independent programs, you won't have the interaction with other SALUD students as you would in the Standard programs and may be the only SALUD student. You will still interact with non-SALUD students studying the language. Also, SALUD Independent programs may have fewer lectures and activities and are typically a bit more expensive than the SALUD Standard programs.
Custom SALUD Program: Several medical school groups over the years have asked us to design a slightly different program to meet their group's needs. Maybe they are looking for more emphasis on language, or a different destination. Custom SALUD programs are available for groups of three or more who have slightly different needs than what the Standard & Independent programs have to offer.
History of SALUD
AmeriSpan's SALUD medical program dates back to the year 2000. At that time, an AMSA (American Medical Student Association) member from Ohio contacted us with a special request to design a short-term program geared for medical students. The leader wanted us to use our expertise in language immersion programs to incorporate Spanish language classes, cultural activities, excursions, and an overview of the medical system in Ecuador into one program.
Since that first program in Quito, over 1,000 healthcare students and professionals from 48 US States, 4 Canadian provinces and 6 other countries have participated. Backgrounds of past participants include: traditional & osteopathic medical students, pre-med, nursing, pharmacology, and physical therapy students, physician assistants, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, and physicians. Many additional destinations in Latin America and Spain have been added over time, and the SALUD program is now available for Spanish or for Portuguese.
Argentina Brazil Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Dominican Republic Ecuador France Germany Greece Guatemala India Italy Japan Jordan Korea Mexico Panama Peru Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Russia Spain Switzerland Uruguay
