There are several unique aspects of the program to enhance the academic experience of the students:
Students will receive 4 academic credits upon successful completion of the program- Upon arriving, students will take a placement test that determines their assignment to a particular course level. Student progress is assessed throughout the program and will inform decisions to change level if needed.
- A dedicated AIP Language Institute staff member who serves as Director of Academic Affairs is available to students to handle any issues that arise and advise students on making the most of class time.
- Extra help as needed on an individual basis.
- The general Spanish portion of the curriculum is similar to many Spanish-language programs. Grammar and vocabulary are naturally a large part of the teaching, but the main focus will be oral comprehension and speaking.
- The Maximizing Study Abroad online course is a required component of the program. Midway through the spring semester, students will start a self-paced preparatory curriculum and continue activities throughout the summer term. Participants will learn background information on Spain and its health system and engage in language and cultural learning exercises designed to enhance the education abroad experience. The Maximizing Study Abroad course is considered part of the program’s 4 credit load.
The medical portion of the curriculum involves both classroom and field experience. Classroom sessions will cover a wide variety of topics related to patient care with integrated vocabulary, phrasing, and role-play practice. The field experiences offer the opportunity for students to shadow a Spanish primary care physician. Field experiences start roughly at the midpoint of the program, giving students adequate time to adjust and prepare.
