Public Health

CIMAS, in collaboration with Public Health professionals, provides students the opportunity to observe and work in different ecosystems and cultural settings with local people and health organizations. Students will learn about many of the main health impacts associated with economic development in Ecuador through both theoretical and hands-on approaches. The program is taught primarily in English, with a combination of Spanish/English activities during the field work.

The Public Health and Development Program is a 10 week long program, which include 120 contact hours of Public Health and 40 contact hours of Spanish Language.

Program Components

Field Research Studies – Three, week-long field research trips including,
• Tropical diseases (malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, hepatitis), epidemiological conditions and health facilities, observed in Guayaquil in the coastal region of Ecuador.

• Diseases associated with poverty (maternal and child malnutrition and infectious diseases) epidemiological conditions and cultural characteristics of the main health problems seen among indigenous and poor rural populations in Pedro Moncayo and Cotacachi counties in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador.

• Traditional & Western Medicine contrasting worldviews and cultural practices among indigenous groups observed in indigenous communities and the Alternative Andean Hospital of Chimborazo, in Riobamba, specializing in the integration of Traditional and Western Medicine.

Other Program Highlights:

• Learn how technology could serve populations in need, through the use of epidemiological and GIS surveillance systems.

• Develop research projects in public health.

• Study intensive Spanish language.

• Homestay family and field research accommodations, meals, and all in-country travel included.

• Optional quarter-long internship in public health settings following successful completion of the program. (Requires Spanish language skills.)