Guatemala

Community Health and Medical Anthropology

June 16–July 19, 2013

Apply Now!

The School of Human Evolution and Social Change is excited to announce a unique Community Health and Medical Anthropology Field School in Guatemala for summer 2011. Led by one of our school's top medical anthropologists, Jonathan Maupin brings with him extensive research experience focusing on issues of community participation in health programs, variation in illness concepts and cultural competency among the Kaqchikel Maya in Guatemala, Purépecha groups in Western Mexico and Hispanic migrants in the U.S.

Students chosen for this field school will spend a total of 5 weeks (35 days) in 2 different cities: Antigua and Acatenango. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in which students will get to learn about indigenous healthcare by making site visits with healthcare providers and conducting interviews in rural communities with Mayan midwives and community health workers and will also assist in data entry and analysis. The program will include trips to several health clinics in the region, as well as archaeological and environmental sites. Students will have some free time to sightsee and take short day trips on their own, but extended travel is encouraged before or after the program dates.

The program is suitable for undergraduate students at any level, as no specific background in any of these fields is assumed. Courses fulfill the General Studies and Science and Society requirements, and prerequisites are usually waived. Graduate students also can be accommodated with graduate course credit. Students must enroll in 6 credits. Planned course options include:

  • ASB 443/SSH 403  Cross-Cultural Studies in Global Health (3)
    Fulfills CLAS Science & Society; and/or fulfills General Studies (L or SB) & G (This course is repeatable for credit.)
  • ASB 302  Ethnographic Field Study (3)
    Fulfills General Studies (L or SB) & G
  • ASB 452/SSH 402  Community Partnerships for Global Health (3)
    Fulfills General Studies SB
  • ASB 583  Fieldwork (3)
  • SSH 512  Social Science Applications in Community Health (3)

The 2013 Guatemala program fee is $4,945, covering 6 credits of coursework, all accommodations, excursions, activities, program-related transportation and most meals. The fee will not include international airfare (approximately $875), incidentals and remaining meals.

The application deadline for 2013 is January 15, 2013. There are a limited number of seats available, and students will be notified of their admission decision by the end of February.

Students must be at least 18 years of age, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and be in good standing with their home institution. Students with a GPA below 2.5 or in poor standing for any other reason are required to submit two letters of recommendation (preferably from current professors) with their application, in support of their suitability as applicants. Students will also have to prove proficiency in Spanish before being accepted; however, we may allow conditional acceptance for students with minimal Spanish language ability. In addition, students will be required to fill out a supplemental application with short answers and provide one academic reference.

Non-ASU students should write to shesc.global@asu.edu for instructions on how to apply. Current ASU students may apply by clicking on the link below.
 

Apply Now (ASU Students Only)

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Contact

For more information, e-mail or call the School of Human Evolution and Social Change's study abroad advisor at (480) 965-1366.