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 the opportunity to experience firsthand the Costa Rican Health Care System. 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.
The objectives of this course are to analyze the structure of Costa Rica’s healthcare system as a system that embraces and integrates the philosophy of public health. Students will learn about the various programs that specifically address health outcomes and how these programs are integrated into care provided in various settings.
Credit/Registration The one-week intensive program is offered to CNHP graduate students. Graduate students in other schools/colleges with relevant background are also eligible to apply. Students will receive one credit for the Intensive Course Abroad (ICA) to Costa Rica, T580-900 - the credit is not optional. Graduate students will be billed per credit.
Advanced undergraduate students are eligible to apply for this program. They will be registered for an undergraduate section of this class, for 1-credit. Undergraduate students must leave space for the 1 credit in their spring term credit load or will have to pay for exceeding the 20 credit maximum. The 1 credit for this program is not optional.
Instructor
Constance K. Perry, PhD, HEC-C
Arrival Date: Friday, March 24, 2023
Departure Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023
2023 Tentative Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Arrival in San Jose - individual arrangements for transportation to hotel
Welcome Dinner at Cafe Kracovia |
| Day 2 |
Day Trip to Tortuga Island |
| Day 3 |
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Option 1: Guided visit to Poás volcano, coffee tour & lunch at Doka Estate coffee plantation and processing plant
Option 2 (if visit to volcano is not possible): Day visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens |
| Day 4 |
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 |
| Day 5 |
9:00-11:00 am
Guided city tour of San Jose and time off downtown
PM: Lecture #2: Vulnerable Populations
Lecture #3: CR’s Aging Population's Chronic Diseases
Evening:
5:30-7:00pm
Salsa lessons at Rincon Salsero Dance Academy |
| Day 6 |
AM: Visit Children's Hospital
Lecture #4: Preventative Services in Children, at Children’s Hospital
PM: 2:30-4:30pm
Community work session at health-related facility.
Evening: time off |
| Day 7 |
AM: Lecture #5: Comparative Health Care Systems in Latin America
Lecture #6: Incidence of Breast & Cervical Cancer
PM:
Visit Women’s Health Hospital
Visit Third Level of Care Hospital, Trauma Hospital
Evening: 6:00-8:00 pm
Typical Costa Rican cuisine lesson and dinner |
| Day 8 |
AM: Lecture #7: Mental Health in Costa Rica
Lecture #8: Medical Tourism in Costa Rica
PM: Visit Psychiatric Hospital
Return to hotel and time off for personal activities
Evening: Farewell Dinner |
| Day 9 |
Departure for the US – individual arrangements for transportation to airport |
Due November 15, 2022 - $500 Advance Payment + $25 application fee
Due January 15, 2023 - $1,225 Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
- Double occupancy lodging*
- Welcome and Farewell dinners
- Breakfasts
- One additional dinner
- Cultural activities and tours included on the itinerary
- 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.
Estimated Costs Not Included in Program Fee:
- Tuition: (per credit tuition will apply for graduate students)
- Airfare: estimated $650 from PHL
- Additional Meals: estimated $270
(lunch is available at the Hospital's cafeteria at student's expense)
- Fare for taxi/ride share: $20
- Estimated Miscellaneous Expenses: $150
ICA Financial Aid: Students may request an Adjusted Cost of Attendance by submitting the ICA program fee and estimated out of pocket expenses listed above to Drexel Central (via askdrexel). Doing so could make students’ eligible for additional financial aid. Students may also be eligible to apply for Drexel's
ICA Scholarships.
- 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
- Here is a link to a short information webinar
