Global MedCats - Spain

Program Facts

Program Type: UA Faculty-led

Credit Type: UA Direct Credit

Level of Study: Graduate , Undergraduate

GPA: 3.0

Class Eligibility: Sophomore , Junior , Senior , Graduate

Language of Instruction: English

Program Open To: UA and Non-UA Students

Explore Global MedCats - Spain

Tentative Summer 2023 Dates: June 3 - July 7

**PLEASE NOTE: Locations are subject to change and program has limited capacity**

Due to current provider restrictions, students will need to be vaccinated in order to participate in this program.

Interested in a health-related field and looking to gain experience before graduation? Global Medcats - Spain is the perfect blend between internship and study abroad! Expect to shadow European doctors for 20+ hours per week while living in either Burgos, Spain or Zaragoza, Spain during this 5-week program. 

Please note: Students should have completed at least SPAN 202 (or the equivalent) before the start date to participate in this program and will participate in a brief interview as part of the application process.

This five-week program awards students the following credit:

TLS 393: Pre-Health Internship (6 units) (Honors section available!)
Note: If you have already received the maximum of 18 TLS 393 credits, you will be enrolled in TLS 493. Grades are Pass/Fail.

Prior to the start of the program, students will participate in a medical Spanish course online to help prepare for their time in Spain. In-country, credit will be awarded based on 20+ hours of shadowing doctor's at local hospitals and additional volunteering hours within the community or teaching English to the hospital staff. Students can expect a typical week to go as follows:

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Free Day

Morning: Shadowing

Evening: Free Time or Volunteering and Group Dinner (Day of the week may vary)

Morning: Shadowing

Evening: Free Time or volunteering

Morning: Shadowing

Evening: Free Time or Volunteering

Morning: Shadowing

Evening: Free Time or volunteering

Group Excursion or Activity (day of the week may vary)

Organized by Site Manager

Examples include hiking or visiting a nearby city

Free Day

Please Note: Students should have completed at least SPAN 202 (or the equivalent) before the start date to participate in this program.

Burgos, Spain

Burgos is located in the northern region of Spain. With a population of about 180,000, this city is rich in historical Spanish landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Burgos, a large number of other elaborate churches, palaces, and other medieval style architecture. The size of the city and its central location in northern Spain makes it a great spot for students to immerse themselves in Spanish culture while also being able to easily travel to other destinations in Spain and Europe. 

Zaragoza, Spain

Located on the banks of the Ebro river, Zaragoza is home to cathedrals and castles dating back to the 11th century and a walkable downtown full of restaurants, statues, and street art. Spain's fifth largest city is an amazing city to experience Spanish folklore, history, art, and cuisine.

Last year's location:

All students will book their flights in and out of Madrid, Spain where they will have airport pick up to their assigned site.

Teruel is a small, high-altitude town in the mountainous Aragon region of eastern Spain. Founded in the 12th century, the town's unique architecture found almost exclusively in the region of Aragon makes it part of a UNESCO world heritage site. A 2016 Fellow says "I had such an amazing trip in Teruel Spain! The hospital taught me so much more than I could imagine, seeing first hand consults, procedures and surgery. The other fellows I was located with became some of my best friends and the excursions were absolutely amazing."

Hospital (public, approx. 215 beds)

Hospital Obispo Polanco is located in Teruel, Spain, across the street from the beautiful and relaxing Parque los Fueros. Teruel is located between Madrid and Valencia. The hospital carries out teaching activities at the undergraduate level of nursing and medicine and postgraduate training of MIR specialists in family medicine, MI, general surgery, traumatology, psychiatry and radiodiagnosis. They boast a wide variety of specialties including those listed previously and more.

There is a city bus network in Teruel, as well as transportation by taxi. As a generally safe place, we recommend students use common sense and maintain awareness of their surroundings as they live in Teruel and travel in Spain. The city is in a mountain region with opportunity for hiking, and beautiful cultural heritage is very evident in the Moorish-influenced architecture.

Students will be housed in dorms, apartments, hotels or similar accommodations (the type of housing depends on the location). These are usually fully furnished single-gender double rooms with a shared bathroom and common space. Linens, blankets and towels will be provided, but purchasing additional household items may be needed. 

The cost of housing is included in the program fee. Weekly group meals are also included, but lunch on a daily basis is at the expense of each student. Please note, participants are required to utilize the housing provided by the program.

Term: Summer
Application Deadline: February 25
Start Date: June 3
End Date: July 7

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