Another language – Problem or opportunity?

Taking an elective is a challenge and taking one where people speak another language is a bigger one yet.   At The Medical Electives Network we regard a Spanish language based elective as a great opportunity to add an extra arrow to your bow for both work and life.

Our Spanish language course is an important element of our elective programme.  We offer a structured 48 hour medical Spanish programme which focuses on the specialties you choose for your elective.  The programme also includes general Spanish to ensure you have the foundations of the language.

For those who really want to focus on developing their Spanish language skills, or are just worried about being able to cope with Spanish in a clinical environment, we can also provide a language teacher to accompany students on their clinical placement to interpret and provide on-the-spot teaching.

Our NGO began life as a language school and so naturally this remains a focus of our elective programmes.  As well as helping to fund local healthcare projects, part of the money raised through our elective programmes is used to fund medical English courses for local medical and nursing students.

We always recommend that students try to learn some Spanish before leaving their home country.  At the end of an elective here in Peru you are sure to come away with great clinical experience as well as a new language skill for life.

This article was provided by Kevin Hurley.  Kevin is the Director of Medical Electives, a non profit organization providing electives and health campaigns in Peru.  See more information on the website.