Mexico Public Health Summer Program
Program Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- If you are majoring or minoring in Spanish or think you might declare a Spanish major or minor, either before studying abroad or once you return, you should meet with an adviser in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese before you leave. To arrange an appointment, contact the Department at 847-491-8249.
Academic Specialties
Public Health, Pre-med, Social Policy, research, cultural history, Spanish language.Course Type
Program courses take place at the Universidad Panamericana.
Courses Offered: Students must enroll in all four courses listed below. Please note that there are no direct Northwestern course equivalencies for the below programs. Students must petition for credit upon their return. For more information, please contact the Office of International Program Development at international@northwestern.edu.
Spanish Language: (1 credit)- While there is no language prerequisite to participate in the Mexico summer program, students are required to take intensive language training while in Mexico. However, all public health lectures and materials are in English. Pre-departure tutorials are offered to beginners during Spring Quarter.
History & Culture of Mexico: (1 credit)
- Provides a general introduction to Mexico by emphasizing historical patterns, how culture shapes contemporary Mexico, and how history relates to student experiences while studying there. Lectures provide cultural and artistic background that precedes field trips to sites such as Teotihucan, the Aztec Main Temple, the Historic Downtown area, the murals of Diego Rivera, and the paintings of Frida Kahlo.
Research in Public Health: (1 credit)
- Students will participate in supervised research projects while in Mexico. Projects will include epidemiological studies on the prevalence and prevention of complications of diabetes mellitus or infections diseases, an evaluation of nutritional interventions to prevent anemia, and selected topics in public health policy. These topics may include health care delivery, governmental policy, and legislation concerning managed care, federalism, and public health.
Public Health in Mexico: (1 credit)
- Students learn about and conduct supervised research on the major public health issues in Mexico and the major diseases prevalent among Mexican communities on both sides of the border.
Additional Information
Policies:- Read about the refund, cancellation and withdrawal policies for Northwestern's summer study abroad programs
- Most students who participate in Northwestern Study Abroad programs are required to purchase HTH health insurance. Read about HTH costs and enrollment.
- Students travel weekly to important cultural sites and museums, and a weekend-long trip to the Tlapa region to learn more about rural Mexico.
- Students in the Public Health program will also have class-specific visits to hospitals and clinics, as related to their course work and research.
- Volunteer opportunities in medical clinics are available for qualified students.
Housing
Home stays; students live with host families near campus and all meals are included in the price of the program.
Program Costs
Summer 2009 program fee: $6,400. Summer 2010 fees TBA.
- This includes tuition, airfare, room and board, excursions and class materials. Students are responsible for health insurance, personal expenses, and the Study Abroad Administration Fee.
- Transportation to Course Site: Students arrange their airline tickets in conjunction with the Office of International Program Development.
Financial Aid: Northwestern students receiving financial aid during the academic year may be eligible for summer aid for this program. If funding is available, it may count as one of their 12 quarters of aid. For more information, please contact the Assistant Director of Financial Services, Sue Kwan, at 847-491-7400. Non-Northwestern students should contact the Financial Aid office at their home institution.
Approximate Program Size
25 studentsApplication Requirements
Students applying to the Mexico summer program DO NOT need to take the 101 session on Blackboard, as is required of other study abroad students.
Students applying to the Mexico summer program must:
- Complete the Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Application and submit it with the required non-refundable deposit of $1,000 to Vic Flessas in the Office of International Program Development by March 3, 2010.
- Interview with the Office of International Program Development as part of the application process. Group interview sessions are held regularly at the IPD office, and you are encouraged to call and reserve a place in a timely manner. Final decisions on acceptance will not be made until after March 3rd.
- Submit 2 official passport photos with their application.
