Medical internship placements are in assisted living facilities, small local clinics, or hospitals. Interns always work one-on-one with a staff member, assisting or shadowing, while at the placement.
Placements require a strong intermediate level of Spanish.
Medical interns should understand that independence in the work will be determined by:
- Level of training and demonstrated expertise
- Level of Spanish language skills
- Ability to take initiative and build chemistry with patients and staff
Possible tasks for Medical Interns include:
- Aid in physical examinations, including taking vitals, height and weight, and medical history
- Assist with processing, reporting, and interpreting laboratory tests
- Observe and aid in patient consultations and prescribing medications
- Observe injections, sutures, and suture removal
- Aid in obstetric check-ups and consultations, as well as family planning services
- Evaluate the physical and neurological development of patients
- Prepare and sterilize equipment and materials for exams and procedures
- Organize patient medical files
As part of the internship program, participants receive 1 hour of private Spanish lessons every day, Monday to Friday. The classes can be personalized to the level and work schedule, and focuses on vocabulary relevant to the internship placement.
Our Native Spanish Program is taught by experienced, certified, native Spanish instructors. Maximo Nivel uses the Communicative Method of language teaching, which is focused primarily on immersive, spoken interaction as a means of learning. For this reason, please note that teachers speak only in Spanish 100% of the time during class.
All interns are required to submit weekly journals and a final deliverable.
Internships os less than 8 weeks require either a 10-20 page written paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation. Internships of 8 weeks or longer require both a 10-20 page written paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
Final Deliverables are expected to cover the following:
- Overview of the medical facility you worked with and your role
- Organization review
- Sector analysis in host or home country
- Analysis of obstacles incurred
- Outcomes/results
Please be aware that activities vary based on the needs of the medical facility. It is crucial to have realistic expectations, as there are inherent limitations to working abroad in the medical field. In some cases only shadowing, rather than independent work with patients, is possible for those with medical qualifications from other countries.
Interns are always supported by Maximo Nivel’s in-country coordinators, but they are not with them at the placement every day. Please be prepared for some independence and leadership.
Internship placements are located in the San José area. Walking or taking the bus is the most effective and cheapest way to get to and from your placement. Travel time varies widely, but interns should expect 15-60 minutes of travel each way. Taxis are also widely available. On the first day at the internship, interns travel on local transport with a Maximo Nivel representative who provides all the necessary information on how to get there and back. Local bus rides are very affordable and a one way trip rarely costs more than ₡350 (about $0.60).
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