Medical Spanish Immersion Program | Costa Rica & Ecuador

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Medical Spanish Immersion Program | Costa Rica & Ecuador | Earn CME & CE

Immersion is the best way to learn! In this Medical Spanish Immersion Program, healthcare workers and students gain the necessary Spanish language skills and cultural understanding to better serve their patient populations and break down language barriers in healthcare.

Info Meeting: March 18th, 2025 – Register below!
(5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central & 8pm Eastern)

This presentation is a general overview of our Spanish immersion programs in Costa Rica and Ecuador.

CHOOSE YOUR SPANISH IMMERSION LOCATION

Costa Rica

Medical Spanish Immersion Program Group | Costa Rica | CGI

Costa Rica Medical Spanish Immersion

Highlights

  • 1 – 6 week programs
  • Live like a local with a host family ( hotel / hostel options too)
  • 20hrs/week Spanish Classes
  • Optional 1:1 private lessons
  • Tuesday – Thursday public health education outreach projects
  • Explore amazing beaches, volcanoes, cloud forests, coffee tours, national parks & más!
  • CME & CE Accredited
  • A great place to include your family or significant other for a post-trip vacation
  • Interprofessional mix of fellow travelers

Location

Based in Santo Domingo de Heredia

2025 Dates

Winter Program start date: Feb 1, 2025
Summer program: you choose your start date- July 5 or July 12, 2025

24/7 Support

24/7 leadership, coordination & support by engaging program leaders

Price

View trip cost and inclusions

Possible to combine with Ecuador programs

Learn more

Ecuador

Medical Spanish Immersion Program Group | Ecuador | CGI

Ecuador Medical Spanish Immersion

Highlights

  • 1 – 6 week programs
  • Consider 10 days to have a full weekend to explore!
  • Live like a local with a host family ( hotel / hostel options too)
  • 20hrs/week Spanish Classes
  • Optional 1:1 private lessons 
  • Tuesday – Thursday public health education outreach projects
  • Explore local markets, Inca ruins, national parks, the Andes, soak in volcanic hot springs, straddle the equator & más!
  • CME & CE Accredited
  • Consider extending your trip to visit the Galapagos Islands!
  • Interprofessional mix of fellow travelers

Location

Based in Cuenca, Ecuador

2025 Dates

Summer Program: you choose your start date – June 14 or June 21, 2025

24/7 Support

24/7 leadership, coordination & support by engaging program leaders

Price

View trip cost and inclusions

Possible to combine with Costa Rica programs

Learn more
Register now
Save your spot

This program fills on a first come, first served basis. Reserve a spot on the trip – no obligation – no credit card, just 30 days to help you coordinate your schedule!

Why does learning medical Spanish even matter?

It makes a tangible difference in the lives of your underserved patients every day
Your Spanish speaking patients get faster and better care
Your patients are immediately put at ease when you try to speak to them even if it’s broken, imperfect Spanish. It shows you’re dedication!
Your Spanish speaking patients have an advocate they can turn to within the healthcare system
You understand your patients more easily, so you are naturally less frustrated
You feel better about your work with Spanish-only speaking patients
Why learning Spanish matters
Our Medical Immersion Program is hands down the BEST way to improve your Spanish over the summer!
I felt really supported. Every detail was thought through carefully and it felt like a safe environment
Kameren

Nurse Practitioner, California

Medical Spanish Immersion with Common Ground Int’l is The Best Way to Learn Medical Spanish and earn CME & CE credits! What are the primary components of our program?

Small Group Conversational Spanish classes

Communicative Spanish classes combined with relevant grammar, vocabulary and lot’s of practice are the key to actually speaking. It’s easy to be a passive learner and spend many hours studying Spanish – immersion classes focus on using Spanish immediately! Often we learn more but don’t move the needle on our speaking. Classes are taught by professionals and conversationally focused so that you build confidence speaking Spanish!

Lodging with a local host family

Host families on Spanish immersion are essential to improving your general conversation skills and everyday rapport-building conversations. You work hard all day long in your community projects, your Spanish classes, and then you go home to your loving host family for more practice speaking. It’s tiring, but it works!

Weekend Adventures

Work hard Monday through Friday on your Spanish and take a break on the weekends! We put together group travel options for you on the weekends that you can join, or you can venture off on your own. When we explore with the group, we commit to speaking Spanish on the weekend as well to keep the immersion alive.

Community Outreach Work

Our approach to “medical mission” work is community health / public health education topics. We don’t focus on clinical work, we focus on education. This is ethically less complicated for local communities and local health systems and it’s actually more effective for your Spanish communication skills.

I’m so glad that I came because I advanced my Spanish tremendously and I also had time to enjoy my weekends
Zemfira

MD, Washington

This trip is custom designed for you!

This medical Spanish immersion program in Central & South America is specifically designed for healthcare professionals and healthcare students to maximize your learning every moment.

And if you have CME money to spend, this qualifies!

Every year we go through the process of accrediting our medical Spanish immersion trip for CME and nursing CE credits. If you have education funds available, this trip should qualify.

Most importantly, it’s effective…

You’ll never participate in a better medical Spanish immersion program. Read the reviews, you’ll be speaking better Spanish when you return home!

AAFP CME Credit Approved
Register now

Why the Common Ground Medical Spanish Immersion Program?

Our medical Spanish programs are designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience tailored for medical students and professionals, focusing on medical terminology and cultural immersion.
Program planning, host family coordination, language classes, and leadership are designed intentionally for YOU!
Home

You know where we live

We’re a Colorado-based organization, and we have a clear track record of amazing Spanish immersion programs. You can call us up at any time (303) 684-5557, speak English (or Spanish), and get your questions answered immediately. That’s worth its weight in gold!

Prepared

We prepare you before you travel

Preparation is essential for establishing clear expectations, staying safe, knowing the day to day plan, and positioning yourself and your Spanish for maximum success on your program. Our custom pre-departure course is an amazingly effective online course that connects you with your fellow travelers and prepares you for every single detail – including culture shock!

Outcomes growth

We offer the best language and cultural outcomes

The primary difference with our Medical Spanish immersion program is that we weave 4 Spanish language components into your everyday experience. In other words, you learn Spanish through everything you do Mon – Fri. Here is how we do it:
• Learning medical Spanish in daily immersion classes with native Spanish speakers.
• Staying with a local host family (one student per family) so that you’re immersed in speaking Spanish 24/7 and acquiring Spanish as you relate to your host family and experience daily culture in Latin America.
• We partner with local clinics and nonprofits to deliver health education workshops and serve communities with identified health needs.
• We attend health lectures in Spanish by local healthcare providers and tour local hospitals / clinics in order to see healthcare in action.

You are not alone

You’re not alone

We understand that traveling alone isn’t for everyone. We are in country to support you! There is safety and peace of mind when you have others checking in with you every day. You’re surrounded by a group of like-minded professionals and you’ll work closely with one of our medical supervisors
during a portion of your trip. Additionally you’ll have our lead medical Spanish instructor
with you as well.

I loved absolutely everything about it… it’s memories that I’ll have with me for the rest of my life.
Trishawna

RN, California

COSTA RICA & ECUADOR MEDICAL SPANISH IMMERSION

A perfect blend of Spanish immersion, professional growth and adventure

If I participate – What are the expected outcomes?

Become more fluent in Spanish

A life-changing experience

A deeper understanding of the culture

Establish a positive rapport when you use Medical Spanish with your patients

Insight into the healthcare system and culture in Latin America

Engage in more confident and insightful conversations with your Spanish speaking patients in the US

Medical Spanish Immersion is specifically designed for healthcare workers and students to drastically improve their Spanish communication skills. Participating in this program results in more effective and successful communication with your Spanish-speaking patients. We intentionally integrate the four components below so you walk away with practical Spanish skills to use.
Spanish classes - Costa Rica Spanish Teachers Immersion Trip
Spanish Classes
Volunteer work - Costa Rica Spanish Teachers Immersion Trip
Volunteer work
Host Family Living - Costa Rica Spanish Teachers Immersion Trip
Host family living
Exploring the hot spots - Costa Rica Spanish Teachers Immersion Trip
Exploring the hot spots
CGI Medical Immersion PDF
Download Program Brief
Spanish Courses for Medical Students and Health Professionals
Download Courses Flyer
Register now

COSTA RICA IMMERSION PROGRAM DETAILS

Medical Spanish Immersion Programs in Costa Rica

Highlights

  • 1 – 6 weeks in length
  • Consider 10 days to have a full weekend to explore
  • Live like a local with a host family ( hotel / hostel options too)
  • 20hrs/week of Spanish classes
  • Optional 1:1 private lessons
  • Tuesday – Thursday outreach projects
  • Explore amazing beaches, volcanoes , cloud forests, coffee tours, national parks & más!
  • A great place to include your family or significant other for a post-trip vacation
  • Interprofessional mix of fellow travelers
  • Approved for CME and CE credits
  • Learn about access to healthcare and standards of care for the mainstream society and those who live in poverty so that you gain perspective
  • Provide preventative health care education in conjunction with existing local efforts in these communities in order to help without hurting
  • Fly in and out of San Jose (SJO)

Location
Based in Santo Domingo de Heredia

Price

View trip cost and inclusions

Sloth - Costa Rica Spanish Teachers Immersion Trip

Winter 2025 Dates

1-Week Programs

  • 2/1/25 – 2/8/25

2-Week Programs

  • 2/1/25 – 2/15/25

3-Week Programs

  • 2/1/25 – 2/22/25

4-Week Programs

  • 2/1/25 – 3/1/25

5-Week Programs

  • 2/1/25 – 3/8/25 (wk 5 is “off-program”) – see FAQs

6-Week Programs

  • 2/1/25 – 3/15/25 (wks 5 & 6 are “off-program”) – see FAQs

Summer 2025 Dates

1-Week Programs

  • 7/5/25-7/12/25
  • 7/12/25 – 7/19/25

2-Week Programs

  • 7/5/25 – 7/19/25
  • 7/12/25 – 7/26/25

3-Week Programs

  • 7/5/25 – 7/26/25
  • 7/12/25 – 8/2/25

4-Week Programs

  • 7/5/25 – 8/2/25 (wk 4 is “off-program”) – see FAQs
  • 7/12/25 – 8/9/25 (wks 3 & 4 are “off-program”) – see FAQs

5-Week Programs

  • 7/5/25 – 8/9/25 (wks 4 & 5 are “off-program”) – see FAQs
  • 7/12/25 – 8/16/25 (wks 3 – 5 are “off-program”) – see FAQs

6-Week Programs

  • 7/5/25 – 8/16/25 (wks 4 – 6 are “off-program”) – see FAQs

*Click here to check out the EC/CR combo program dates

Register now
View pricing
Costa Rica Spanish Immersion - Poas Volcano
Costa Rica Medical Spanish Immersion Trip Group
Costa Rica Spanish Immersion - Isla Tortuga
Costa Rica Medical Spanish Rotation
Costa Rica Spanish Immersion - Manuel Antonio park
Costa Rica Medical Spanish Immersion - CGI
Costa Rica Spanish Immersion - Poas Volcano
Costa Rica Medical Spanish Immersion Trip Group
Costa Rica Spanish Immersion - Isla Tortuga
Costa Rica Medical Spanish Rotation
Costa Rica Spanish Immersion - Manuel Antonio park
Costa Rica Medical Spanish Immersion - CGI

General Program Itinerary:

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Return from Optional ExcursionVolunteer orientationVolunteer prepVolunteer workMorning excursionOptional ExcursionOptional Excursion
LunchLunchLunchLunchLunch
Spanish classes 1-5 pmSpanish classes 1-5 pm
-cooking class		Spanish classes 1-5 pmSpanish classes 1-5 pm
– dance class		Spanish classes 1-5 pm

First Saturday & Sunday

Saturday: arrive in country, get settled with your host family
Sunday: town tour, orientation, meet trip leaders and participants

Mon – Fri Afternoons

Small group Spanish classes from 1-5pm

Tue – Fri Mornings

These are the days we dedicate to community outreach work.

Weekends

Explore the country! We put together a weekend trip every weekend. You are free to join us, stay with your host family, or DIY a weekend excursion!

Costa Rica Medical Spanish Immersion Program

Next steps

Save your spot
Register now
Request info
Schedule a call
Back to top
“I came to improve my Spanish speaking ability and I’ve been really pleasantly surprised at how much more comfortable I’ve become speaking and going through daily life”.
Chase
“This has given me the confidence to talk and better understand my students, it’s a great experience and I would definitely do it again.”
Jerrimi and Scott
“Being involved with a Tica family, having the experiences to practice in a non-judgmental environment and having the classroom experience with teachers who understood my purpose and intention. I would recommend this greatly!”
Jeanette
The program has really blown me away. The organization does such a good job of educating you not only before you get here but even on the immersion they do a really good job of checking in, making sure you feel comfortable, they’re always available for you”.
Jackie
This program has given me the confidence to take what I have learned into my everyday life, into my job, so I can better help my patients. 
Gabbie
Register now

ECUADOR IMMERSION PROGRAM DETAILS

MEDICAL SPANISH IMMERSION IN ECUADOR

Highlights

  • 1 – 6 weeks in length
  • Consider 10 days to have a full weekend to explore
  • Live like a local with a host family ( hotel / hostel options too)
  • 20hrs/week of Spanish classes
  • Optional 1:1 private lessons
  • Tuesday – Thursday outreach projects
  • Explore local markets, Inca ruins, national parks, the Andes, soak in volcanic hot springs, mitad del mundo & más
  • Include your family or significant other on a post-trip vacation to the Galapagos Islands
  • Interprofessional mix of fellow travelers
  • Approved for CME and CE credits
  • Learn about access to healthcare and standards of care for the mainstream society and those who live in poverty so that you gain perspective
  • Provide preventative health care education in conjunction with existing local efforts in these communities in order to help without hurting
  • Fly in to Quito (UIO) with domestic flight to Cuenca or overland travel with us on optional weekend excursion

Location
Based in Cuenca, Ecuador

Price

View trip cost and inclusions

Ecuador Immersion Trip details - Common Ground International

2025 Dates

1-Week Programs

  • 6/14/25 – 6/21/25
  • 6/21/25 – 6/28/25 

2-Week Programs

  • 6/14/25 – 6/28/25
  • 6/21/25 – 7/5/25 

3-Week Programs

  • 6/14/25 – 7/5/25

4-Week Programs

5-Week Programs

6-Week Programs

*Click here to check out the combo EC/CR program dates

Register now
View pricing
Ecuador Medical Spanish Immersion Participants - CGI
Ecuador Spanish Immersion - Ingapirca ruins
Ecuador Spanish Immersion Trip Highlights - Common Ground International
Ecuador Medical Spanish Immersion Trip Group - Common Ground International
Ecuador Medical Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
Cuenca City - Ecuador Spanish Immersion Trip - Common Ground International
Ecuador Medical Spanish Immersion Participants - CGI
Ecuador Spanish Immersion - Ingapirca ruins
Ecuador Spanish Immersion Trip Highlights - Common Ground International
Ecuador Medical Spanish Immersion Trip Group - Common Ground International
Ecuador Medical Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
Cuenca City - Ecuador Spanish Immersion Trip - Common Ground International

General Program Itinerary:

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
Morning excursionVolunteer orientationVolunteer prepVolunteer workMorning cultural activityOptional ExcursionOptional Excursion
LunchLunchLunchLunchLunch
Spanish classes 1-5 pmSpanish classes 1-5 pmSpanish classes 1-5 pmSpanish classes 1-5 pmSpanish classes 1-5 pm

First Saturday & Sunday

Saturday: arrive in country, get settled with your host family
Sunday: town tour, orientation, meet trip leaders and participants
Optional: Weekend excursion before programs begins (Quito city tour, Mitad del Mundo, Avenida de los volcanes, Baños y más)

Mon – Fri Afternoons

Small group Spanish classes from 1-5pm

Tue – Fri Mornings

Community outreach work.

Weekends

Take time to explore the country! We put together a weekend trip every weekend. You are free to join us, stay with your host family, or DIY a weekend excursion!

Ecuador Medical Spanish Immersion Program

Next steps

Save your spot
Register now
Request info
Schedule a call
Back to top
“My Spanish has improved but what’s more important to me is the community that was built; seeing the resilience and strength of our group and the community. It has been so inspiring, I’m going home with a lot of material and inspiration to work with”.
Stevi
“Este programa es más de lo que pude imaginar, es increíble. Decidí tomar todas las aventuras y no tengo ningún lamento sobre esto porque es increíble”.
Shari
“I have come to Common Ground because I wanted to connect more with my Spanish speaking patients and my panamanian family. This has been life changing, it’s allowed me to connect with people from all over the world and it’s also allowed me to have more confidence in myself”.
Mallory
“I came to Ecuador to improve my Spanish. My favorite part of the trip has been my host family, my instructor, and this beautiful city that I live in. My Spanish has improved a lot, my ability to hear has improved a lot and I feel much more confident”.
Marcia
“This has been the most amazing week, so much more than I expected. I learned an incredible amount of medical Spanish, as well as making so many new friends. I highly recommend this trip to anyone.”
Josie

3-6 Week COMBO IMMERSION PROGRAMS IN ECUADOR & COSTA RICA

Combine both countries

2025 Dates

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3-Week Programs

2 wks EC:
06/21/25 – 07/05/25

1 wk CR:
07/05/25 – 07/12/25

4-Week Programs

3 wks EC:
06/14/25 – 07/05/25
2 wks EC:
06/21/25 – 07/05/25

1 wk CR:
07/05/25 – 07/12/25
2 wks CR:
07/05/25 – 07/19/25

5-Week Programs

3 wks EC:
06/14/25 – 07/05/25
2 wks EC:
06/21/25 – 07/05/25

2 wk CR:
07/05/25 – 07/19/25
3 wks CR:
07/05/25 – 07/26/25

6-Week Programs

3 wks EC:
06/14/25 – 07/05/25
2 wks EC:
06/21/25 – 07/05/25

3 wks CR:
07/05/25 – 07/26/25
4 wks CR:
07/05/25 – 08/02/25

3-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

2 wks EC:
06/21/25 – 07/05/25

1 wk CR:
7/05/25 – 07/12/25

4-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3 wks EC:
06/14/25 – 07/05/25
2 wks EC:
06/21/25 – 07/05/25

1 wk CR:
07/05/25 – 07/12/25
2 wks CR:
07/05/25 – 07/19/25

5-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3 wks EC:
06/14/25 – 07/05/25
2 wks EC:
06/21/25 – 07/05/25

2 wk CR:
07/05/25 – 07/19/25
3 wks CR:
07/05/25 – 07/26/25

6-Week Programs

Ecuador

Costa Rica

3 wks EC:
06/14/25 – 07/05/25
2 wks EC:
06/21/25 – 07/05/25

3 wks CR:
07/05/25 – 07/26/25
4 wks CR:
07/05/25 – 08/02/25

*Check out the Costa Rica or Ecuador programs

Register now
View pricing
The ratings and reviews and testimonials for this Medical Spanish Immersion Trip speak for themselves
Check our testimonials
All of our programs include basic travel medical insurance with trip interruption, delays, lost bags, etc. Here is the standard description of coverage for your included travel insurance plan.
If you have any uncertainties about your upcoming adventure, it might be a good idea to consider additional travel insurance coverage. If you’re looking for a Cancel for Any Reason policy, we suggest you shop for it here:
Adult Spanish Immersion travel insurance

Diversity and Inclusivity on Spanish Immersion

Our mission of Impacting Communities Through Language extends to ALL travelers and learners regardless of age, gender identity, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

Diversity and inclusivity on Spanish Immersion
Learn more
What about volunteer work on Immersion?

How do you make sure that the community work you do is actually relevant, helpful, ethical & sustainable?
Great question! Our guiding principles for Outreach Work on Spanish Immersion are extremely important. Watch the video to learn more about our guiding principles that are our framework for vetting volunteer opportunities on our immersion programs.

Medical Spanish Immersion & International Rotation Informational Webinar

This video is 12 minutes, so grab some paper to make notes, and dive in to the details of the best medical Spanish immersion trip for healthcare. In this info webinar you will learn all about:

The purpose and mission of our programs
How the 4 unique components work for you
Our goals for you
3 ways we help you make a difference with your Spanish-only patients
The day to day schedule on immersion
The towns we’re based in
How to be certain if this trip is right for you
Schedule and budget requirements
Program inclusions
Additional budgeting items to consider

Medical Spanish Immersion FAQs

Program Overview

Our Medical Spanish program is designed to provide medical professionals with the language skills and cultural knowledge necessary to effectively communicate with Spanish-speaking patients. With over 30 years of experience, our program has been refined to meet the needs of medical students, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and emergency technicians. This program combines language learning with medical terminology and cultural immersion, offering a comprehensive learning experience that prepares participants for real-world interactions in medical settings. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced speaker, our program is tailored to help you achieve fluency and confidence in medical Spanish.

Program Benefits

Our Medical Spanish program offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Improved Language Skills: Students significantly enhance their Spanish language skills, enabling them to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients.
  • Cultural Competence: Participants gain a deeper understanding of the country’s medical system and culture, which is crucial for providing culturally sensitive care.
  • Enhanced Career Opportunities: Completing our program makes students more competitive in the job market, equipping them with a unique skill set that distinguishes them from other medical professionals.

Program Curriculum

Our Medical Spanish program curriculum is meticulously crafted to provide students with a robust foundation in medical Spanish. The program includes:

Medical Spanish Lessons

Students delve into medical terminology, patient communication, and medical history taking, ensuring they can effectively interact with Spanish-speaking patients.

Spanish Language Classes

Through grammar, vocabulary, and conversation practice, students enhance their overall language skills, making them more proficient in everyday and medical Spanish.

Cultural Immersion

Participants engage in cultural activities and interact with local medical professionals, gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s medical system and cultural nuances.

Clinical Visits

Students participate in clinical visits and patient interactions, allowing them to practice their medical Spanish skills in real-life situations and gain hands-on experience.

Cultural Immersion

Our program offers a unique cultural immersion experience, allowing students to interact with local medical professionals and patients. Students participate in various cultural activities, such as:

  • Homestays: Living with local families provides students with an immersive experience, helping them to practice their Spanish in a natural setting and understand the local culture better.
  • Cultural Events: Participation in local festivals and celebrations enriches students’ cultural knowledge and provides a broader context for their language learning.
  • Medical Visits: Visits to local hospitals and clinics offer students the opportunity to interact with medical professionals and patients, providing practical experience and insights into the local healthcare system.

How to Apply

To apply to our Medical Spanish program, please follow these steps:

  • Submit an Online Application: Complete our online application form, providing personal and professional information.
  • Take a Language Proficiency Test: Assess your Spanish language skills through a proficiency test to ensure appropriate placement in the program.
  • Provide Transcripts: Submit transcripts from your medical school or university to verify your academic background.
  • Pay Program Fees: Program fees, which include tuition, housing, and cultural activities, must be paid to secure your spot in the program.

By following these steps, you can embark on a transformative journey to improve your medical Spanish skills and cultural competence, making a meaningful impact in your professional and personal life.

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