Overview
Offered in the Fall semesters only, CASA Granada will launch a new track in Health Sciences & Medicine in Fall 2027! Open to students at any level of Spanish, the program lets you build your language skills while gaining hands-on experience at cutting-edge labs and health care facilities in this historic Andalusian city, which has played a seminal role in the development of the field of medicine.
Program Structure
This track includes both academic and co-curricular elements.
Academics
The following three credit-bearing elements run chronologically (with some overlap). Most courses are taught at the University of Granada’s prestigious Modern Language Center.
1. Pro-seminar (2 ECTS credits)
The Roots & Legacy of Al-Andalus course opens the semester, grounding your coursework in the region's history - including its role in the history of medicine - and takes you on weekend excursions to Córdoba and Sevilla.
2. Intensive Spanish Language (8 ECTS credits)
Dynamic and highly interactive intensive Spanish language courses for all levels will meet for four hours every morning throughout September.
3. Electives (4.5 - 6 ECTS credits/course)
Depending on your level of Spanish language proficiency, students will choose 5 courses from the options below to make up between 22.5-30 ECTS credits, including one mandatory language course.
Spanish Language & Culture
• Spanish Grammar (any level) – 4.5 ECTS
• Speaking & Writing Skills (any level) – 4.5 ECTS
• Spanish as a Foreign Language (any level*) – 6 ECTS
• Spanish for the Medical Field (levels B1-C2) – 4.5 ECTS
• Spanish Civilization & Culture (any level**) – 4.5 ECTS
*These courses are offered for levels A1-C2.
Health Science and Medicine Courses
• Health Sciences & Public Health in Spain (any level **) – 4.5 ECTS
• Applied Cognitive Psychology (any level **) – 4.5 ECTS
• Introduction to Healthcare (levels B1-C2) – 4.5 ECTS
• Identity, Diversity & Prejudice in Contemporary Spanish Society: A Multidisciplinary Approach (levels B2-C2) – 4.5 ECTS
• An afternoon course at the University of Granada (beginning in mid-September):
• School of Health Sciences (levels B2-C2) – 6 ECTS
- School of Sciences (levels B2-C2) – 6 ECTS
- School of Pharmacy (levels B2-C2) – 6 ECTS
- School of Psychology (levels B2-C2) – 6 ECTS
- School of Medicine (levels B2-C2) – 6 ECTS (subject to availability)
** These courses are taught in Spanish (levels B1-C2) and in English for students in levels A1-A2.
Co-curricular
Internships
In addition, students in this track can apply for one of the following optional internship opportunities:
• CLM’s Internship at a Health Center course (levels B2-C2) – 4.5 ECTS (subject to home school approval)
• CASA’s STEM Lab Research Internship (any level) – No credit (or credit as awarded by home school)***
Check with your home school about enrolling in an internship or research course during the fall semester while you are abroad. (For example, Brown students and Visiting Brown students may register in the online UNIV 1211 Internship Practicum course (any level) – 8 ECTS)
Planned Activities and Excursions
Included in the program, coursework is reinforced by hands-on visits and community connections built into the program, which could include (subject to change):
• Tours of Granada's state-of-the-art Technological Health Sciences Park, including the Biomedical Research Center, Genyo, iMUDS, and Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio
• A visit to the Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior Research
• Language exchange with University of Granada students in related fields
• Guest lectures from expert speakers in health sciences and medicine
FAQS
1. How will I know which level I will be placed at?
You will take a mandatory Spanish Language Proficiency Test administered online by the UGR Modern Language Center during the prior spring semester.
2. Are the planned activities required?
Yes, in order to fully engage with the subject matter, students are required to participate in at least two of the HSM Program’s planned activities. It is highly recommended that you participate in all of the activities, considering the unique opportunities they present and their relevance to your overall learning experience.
3. Will I be part of the CASA Granada Cohort?
Yes, you will be integrated with the other students in the CASA Granada Program during orientation and the proseminar, cultural activities and excursions, in living quarters, and potentially in some of your classes as well.
4. How can I get credit for the internships or co-curricular portions?
Academic credit for these activities can only be granted by your home institution. Check with your advisor about the possibility of earning research credits abroad and/or enrolling in an online internship course offered by your home school.
5. Is the pro-seminar required? Is it in Spanish?
It is required, and it is taught in both Spanish and English.
6. How much progress would I make in Spanish?
This depends entirely on the courses that you choose and your commitment to speaking Spanish outside of the classroom. We highly recommend homestay accommodations for students whose main goal is to improve their language skills.
