Nicaragua: Alternative Spring Break
Program Information
IU Department of Family Medicine
Indianapolis
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Overview

This Alternative Spring Break experience offers an introduction to the health system and history of Nicaragua and immerses students into the life of rural Nicaragua during a 4-day service project. Participants will spend substantial time out in the field visiting the Nicaraguan health facilities, historical and cultural sites and will participate in a 4-day service project to improve public and environmental health in a rural community.

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Dates

March 31 - April 8, 2018

Note: The program takes place during the IUSM spring break, which occurs later than the standard IUPUI spring break.

Academic Program

This program does not award credit. 

Participants will learn about Nicaraguan history, the Nicaraguan health care system, and participate in a 4-day service project constructing composting latrines while living with a Nicaraguan host family in a rural community.

The program seeks to heighten participants’ awareness of global public health issues, hone their understanding of infrastructure development and deepen cultural competencies, thereby encouraging a lifelong commitment to social advocacy and engagement.

The available coursework is particularly suited for, but not necessarily limited to, the following academic interests: Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health/Public Health Administration, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Communication, Health Sciences, and Nursing.

Additional Information

For additional information about the program, please contact Jennifer Custer at famm@iupui.edu. 

All information is subject to change. This site is neither a contract nor an offer to make a contract. The Office of International Affairs reserves the right to change or discontinue a program at will. Please contact our office if you have a disability and need assistance or special arrangements.

Housing Information

MANAGUA | During orientation in Managua, participants stay in a small hostel specializing in hosting service groups. Rooms are hostel style with 6 single beds per room. Men share a room and women share a room. 

SERVICE PROJECT COMMUNTIY | During the 4-day service project in a rural community, participants live with host families in simple block homes with dirt floors, intermittent electricity, outdoor latrines and no running water. Mosquito nets are provided. Two or three students of the same sex will share a room.

Program Eligibility

All applicants must meet IUPUI’s minimum standard eligibility requirements. Additional requirements for this program include:

  • Program is open to medical students from any of the IUSM regional campuses who have Spring Break from 3/31 - 4/8, 2018.
  • Additionally, graduate level health professions students from any IU campus who are available to travel 3/31 – 4/8, 2018 and enrolled in any of the following programs are eligible to participate: dental, public health, graduate-level nursing, graduate-level allied health and health professions students.
  • This program requires substantial physical labor for seven hours each day in a hot/humid environment. The 4-day service project occurs in a rural mountain community with no running water and intermittent electricity. Students will be living with Nicaraguan host families in simple housing with dirt floors and pit latrines. Students participating in this course must be willing, able and looking forward to experiencing life in a developing country.
  • Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing in accordance with university policy.
  • Spanish-speaking skills are helpful but not required.

Selection is based on maturity, seriousness of purpose, and appropriateness of match between program and applicant.

Estimated Costs and Financial Aid

The budget is an estimate and is not meant to portray the exact cost of this program.

Spring Break 2018

  • Program Fee: $250
    (includes: meals, lodging, ground transportation, orientation activities, coordination fee, project fee)
  • Airfare: $900 (estimated airfare from Chicago O'Hare to Managua via San Salvador) 
  • Insurance: $32 (if not on IU AETNA plan)
  • Passport: $140
  • Tourist Visa: $10
  • Personal Expenses: $30

  • Books/Supplies: $20

Total estimated cost: $1,382

Costs will vary depending on the current exchange rate, airfare, and individual expenditures. Estimate does not include tuition. For information on tuition cost, visit the Office of the Bursar’s Tuition & Fee Estimator.  Tuition fees will be affected by your student status at IUPUI.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Many financial aid resources for which you are eligible are applicable to program costs.  Please contact the administrators who oversee your financial aid and scholarship(s) for details on using these funds for your overseas experience.

Visit abroad.iupui.edu for information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities specific to study abroad.

Application Information

Program Administration

This program is administered by the IU Department of Family Medicine on the Indianapolis campus. If this is not your campus, be aware that any program meetings or orientations may take place here.

Department of Family Medicine
1110 W. Michigan Street, LO 200
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Phone: (317) 274-6539
Email: famm@iupui.edu


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