Summer Clinical Practicum in Peru
Introduction
The Spanish for Healthcare Practicum at University of Piura Campus Lima (UDEP Campus Lima) is a short-term international clinical program originally designed for Catholic University students. The 3-credit program aims to strengthen students´ linguistic and cultural skills in healthcare settings such as government-run hospitals and mental health community centers. The program is a joint effort between the Language Center, the Department of Psychology, and the Faculty of Medicine at the UDEP Campus Lima. Through a mixture of clinical experiences, health-oriented themes, and public outreach activities, participants become proficient in the use of the professional language needed to address a wide array of health-related and communicative real-life situations. As participants immerse themselves in healthcare situations and activities, they gain a better understanding of how idiosyncratic, linguistic, and cultural Hispanic (Peruvian) practices may affect the delivery and quality of healthcare services. Upon completion of the program, students receive a 50-hour international clinical practicum certificate of completion by UDEP University.
Summer 2026 Itinerary (Tentative) **This program is offered every other year, in even calendar years**
May 10: Students Arrive in Lima
May 11: Cultural Activity + Physical Exam for Health Certificate
May 12 - 15: Psychology Program
May 17: Community Health Fair
May 18: Cultural Activity
May 19 - 22: Medical Program (Involves shadowing doctors and talking with patients)
May 23: Cultural Activity
May 25: Students Depart Lima (for the US or Independent Travel to Cuzco)
Academics
Span 495P - International Clinical Practicum in Lima, Perú is a collaboration between Catholic University and the University of Piura Campus Lima's (UDEP) Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Language Center. Through a mixture of clinical experiences, public outreach, and interactive discussions, students gain a holistic understanding of healthcare in a Peruvian context. The program consists of clinical experiences where students engage in clinical and psychology-based simulations, gaining insights into idiosyncratic, linguistic and Peruvian cultural practices. Students are supervised by certified medical preceptors and guided in delivering appropriate and effective care in Peruvian government hospitals and clinical facilities.
Students visit local communities and participate in public health fairs in underprivileged neighborhoods to promote health education and wellness. The program incorporates a language immersion aspect, enhancing students' professional Spanish language skills in a healthcare setting. This focused approach aims to achieve a well-rounded and immersive educational experience for students, allowing them to actively engage with and internalize the complexities of Peru's rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic political landscape. Students receive 3 credits from Catholic University and a 50-hour international clinical practicum certificate from UDEP.
Eligibility
No medical background is needed to participate in this program, although students are expected to have a 103 or better level of Spanish by the start date of the program. Students in the Spanish for Healthcare Certificate, Nursing Major, and Psychology Major/Minor are especially likely to benefit from this program.
