Vic Flessas, Assistant Director
18 Harris Hall
Phone 847.467.6953

v-flessas@northwestern.edu

There is no language requirement for this program, however, all applicants should have approximately a 3.0 GPA.

Northwestern offers a program on Public Health in Mexico, hosted by Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City.  The program introduces students to the Mexican public health system though a series of guest lectures, including: healthcare infrastructure, major diseases and their incidence in  particular regions and groups, and health policy debates concerning the environment, obesity, health reform, drugs and alcoholism, and violence. 

Students conduct public health research under the supervision of Universidad Panamericana medical school faculty at major hospitals and research centers.  In previous years, students have conducted research (individually or in teams) in topics such as infectious diseases, malnutrition and obesity, diabetes and hypertension, pediatric oncology, alternative medicine and public health attitudes and education.  A major excursion is a long weekend in the rural region of Tlapa, where students compare rural health conditions to those of Mexico City.  While there, they will do volunteer work and meet the local population.

Other excursions include historical sites that illustrate various periods in Mexican history – for how can you understand contemporary Mexico without knowing its past? Sites include the renowned National Museum of Anthropology, where the famous ‘Aztec Calendar’ is displayed (you’ll learn why it really isn’t a calendar); the pyramids of Teotihuacan; the National Palace; and the historic districts of Xochimilco and Coyoacan.  Students will also learn about Mexican historical values through the art and architecture of its people, from gilt-edged cathedrals to the paintings of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

The program is taught in English and offers Spanish language training on site, with no language prerequisite.  Home stays and meals are included, as are cultural excursions, site visits and airfare.

Academic Specialties of this program:

Public Health

Program courses take place at the Universidad Panamericana.

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.

• The Mexico Public Health program fills extremely fast; all students interested in applying are encouraged to contact the Office of International Program Development in early fall.
• Obtaining Major or Minor Credit in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese:
• 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.

Students live with host families near campus and all meals are included in the price of the program.

In 2007, program fees were $5600 including tuition, airfare, room and board, excursions, and all administrative fees. A small adjustment may be made for 2008 as airfares are finalized during the next few months. The exact fees for this program will be announced during Winter Quarter.

Students arrange their airline tickets in conjunction with the Office of International Program Development.

Approximately 25-30 Northwestern students attend this program each summer.

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.

• Students applying to the Mexico Public Health 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 Public Health summer program must complete the Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Application and must submit it together with the required non-refundable deposit of $1000 to Vic Flessas in the Office of International Program Development (18 Harris Hall) by March 5, 2008.
• Students must interview with the Office of International Program Development as part of the application process.  Students are encouraged to schedule this interview as early as possible during the fall quarter.
• If you are accepted to the Mexico Public Health summer program, you must purchase the required HTH health insurance.  You will need to submit a photocopy of the HTH receipt showing proof of insurance to Vic Flessas by April 24, 2008. For more information on HTH, please visit this site.