Drexel Grad in Costa Rica: CNHP Comparative Health Care Systems
The College of Nursing and Health Professions has partnered with the International Center for Development Studies (ICDS) to offer graduate students enrolled in IPS 562: Comparative Health Care Systems the opportunity to experience firsthand the Costa Rican Health Care System as an extension to their learning in the course. Through a series of site visits and lectures by local experts, students will be able to observe in a variety of health care facilities and gain perspectives from local health care professionals on the successes and challenges of delivering health care in Costa Rica. The program will be largely based at the Hospital Clínica Bíblica, the largest and most comprehensive private hospital in Costa Rica and the only Joint Commission certified hospital in Central America.
Credit/Registration The one-week intensive program is offered to CNHP graduate students as a one credit extension to the online course IPS 562 Comparative Health Systems offered in Winter 2018. Students enrolled in the MSN Leadership in Health System Administration may opt to stay an additional week for a two credit extension to the online course. Students must be enrolled in IPS 562 in order to participate in the Costa Rica program. Students who participate in the week-long program will earn one additional course credit (5 credits total).
Arrival Date: Friday, March 22, 2019
Departure Date: Saturday, March 30, 2019
2018 Tentative Itinerary
| Friday, February 16 |
Arrival in San Jose - transportation to hotel
Welcome Dinner |
| Saturday, February 17 |
Day Trip to Tortuga Island |
| Sunday, February 18 |
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Guided visit to Poás volcano, coffee tour & lunch at Doka Estate coffee
plantation and processing plant |
| Monday, February 19 |
AM: Introduction and tour of Hospital Clínica Bíblica
Lecture #1: Review of Healthcare System in Costa Rica: Public- Private
model of health care
PM: Visit First Level of Care Clinic (EBAIS)
Visit Second Level of Care clinic (CAIS)
Evening: time off |
| Tuesday, February 20 |
8:00-11:00 am
Visit community work site with Winter term students from Drexel
PM: Lecture #2: Health and Equality: Universal Coverage
Lecture #3: CR’s Aging Population: Health Policy Implications
Evening: 5:30-7:00pm
Salsa lessons at Merecumbé Dance Academy (optional) |
| Wednesday, February 21 |
AM: Visit Regional Hospital
Lecture #4: Preventative Services in Children, at Children’s Hospital
PM: 2:30-4:30pm
Guided city tour of San José – lunch NOT included
Time off for shopping downtown |
| Thursday, February 22 |
AM: Lecture #5: CCSS, OSHA and Services provided by INS
Visit Third Level of Care Hospital, Trauma Hospital
PM: Lecture #6: Incidence of Breast & Cervical Cancer / Chronic Diseases
in Costa Rica
Visit Women’s Health Clinic & Geriatric Hospital
Evening: 6:00-8:00 pm
Typical Costa Rican dinner (either at homestays of Drexel students, or at
typical food restaurant) |
| Friday, February 23 |
AM: Lecture #7: Mental Health in Costa Rica
Lecture #8: Medical Tourism in Costa Rica
Visit Psychiatric Hospital
PM: Time off for personal activities
Evening: Farewell Activity |
| Saturday, February 24 |
Departure for the US – transportation to airport |
Due November 15, 2017 - $500 Advance Payment
Due January 15, 2018 - $1,235 Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
- Double occupancy lodging*
- Welcome Dinner and Farewell activity
- Breakfasts
- One additional dinner
- Cultural activities and tours
- All guest lectures and site visits
- Transportation to program site visits and activities
*Single supplement may be available for an additional fee. If interested in this option, please inform
Lotte Buiting at the time of application for more information.
Not Included in Program Fee:
- Tuition: (per credit tuition will apply)
- Airfare: estimated $725 from PHL
- Additional Meals: estimated $150
- Estimated Miscellaneous Expenses: $200
- Visas are not required for US citizens. Students of other nationalities are responsible for obtaining a visa if required for the program.
- Student testimonial: "The trip was truly an awesome experience. I learned so much about healthcare, the beautiful Costa Rican culture, and even some things about myself. Additionally, it has inspired a new trajectory in my career pursuits. I am grateful for the experience and hope to participate in trips like this throughout my academic endeavors. " Effie Mathew, senior, Biological Sciences major
