Community Health in Oaxaca

General Description

This unique service-learning program will provide students with a deep understanding of the social, economic, and cultural factors impacting the health of Mexicans and Mexican im/migrants to the United States. Students will also broaden public health knowledge, increase linguistic competency in Spanish, and gain exposure to health care systems and clinical interactions in another culture. The program will incorporate opportunities for close observation of clinicians at work in community health settings in Oaxaca, assisting with community based participatory research projects, and service with local community organizations. Structured reflection sessions will support students in integrating their studies with their clinical observations and service work.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to: 

• (1) Describe the Mexican healthcare system, including governmental and nongovernmental programs and other community assets that aim to improve the health for those most in need; 
• (2) Identify cultural, socioeconomic and educational factors that impact the health of Mexicans and Mexican immigrants to the United States; and 
• (3) Incorporate an understanding of Mexican cultural and health beliefs to better serve the needs of the immigrant Latino community in the U.S.

The weekly onsite program will generally include:

• 6-8 hours of classroom instruction and discussion
• 6-8 hours of Spanish language instruction
• 12-15 hours of clinical rotations through local community health centers and hospitals
• Up to 12 hours of community service in one of several partnering community health organizations
• Select cultural events and educational trips
• Training and participation in a community based research project

Location

The southern Mexican city of Oaxaca sits nearly a mile above sea level at the intersection of three central valleys. It is a truly unique colonial city, steeped in history and tradition. Sixteen distinct ethnic groups enrich the local culture with diverse crafts, cuisine and celebration. The intersection of different cultures and healthcare practices creates a rich learning environment. Oaxaca is also one of the poorest states in the country, and many of its inhabitants have limited access to even rudimentary healthcare services. Migration from Oaxaca to California has increased in recent years making it an ideal community for study of the impact of migration on health.

Living and Travel Conditions

Students should understand that the conditions in certain overseas locations can present difficulties and challenges not encountered here at Stanford University. Students should be prepared for a varying level of lodging, lack of amenities, new climate, new foods, and having less privacy and personal space than they are used to at the home campus. Students in this program will be placed in homestays located throughout the city in the same general proximity of several hospitals, clinics and the language school. Students may have to share rooms with other students. All host families will be arranged and screened through the Becari Language School. Food varies from homestay to homestay. Dietary selections may be limited, thus students with severe dietary restrictions should carefully evaluate their ability to participate comfortably. Students who have concerns about the specific living and traveling conditions should consult with the Bing Overseas StudiesProgram before submitting their application.

Faculty

Dr. Catherine Heaney

Dr. Catherine Heaney, (cheaney@stanford.edu) is Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Medicine, Stanford Prevention Research Center.  She does much of her undergraduate teaching in the Program in Human Biology.  She teaches various undergraduate courses, including PSYCH 101/HUMBIO 128 Community Health Psychology and MED 157 Foundations for Community Health Engagement.  Dr. Heaney’s research has focused on work and health, particularly among low wage employees and employees of color.  She is currently involved in the Stanford Global WELL for Life project that is exploring the nature and level of well-being in various sites around the world.

Prerequisites and Expectations 

Selected program participants are required to enroll during Spring Quarter in MED 159: Oaxacan Health on Both Sides of the Border. The pre-trip course will prepare students for the summer program through the study of Oaxacan history, culture, politics, community leadership and health practices. We will also look at the unique nature of Oaxacan migration and the health challenges that migrants face on both sides of the border. The course also provides students with the knowledge and insight to make connections between their experiences in Mexico and their health-related work with Bay Area members of the Mexican trans-border community.

In order to get the most out of the community-engagement portion of the program, students are required to have at least one year of college Spanish (Spanlang 2A or 3) or pass a placement test (written and oral). All students, including native speakers, are expected to demonstrate their level of language ability (writing, verbal, and reading) by providing results of a language placement test or previous coursework. For any questions, please contact the Language Center (languagecenter@stanford.edu) with “BOSP” specified in the subject line.

Preference will be given to Spanish language capable students with a strong interest in a commitment to community health, and in particular to improving the health of immigrant Latino populations. While a certain amount of the class time will be in English, many of the lectures and presentations will be given in Spanish. The Spanish language instruction incorporated into the program will help in improving language skills onsite. However, in clinical and community-based settings students will be interacting in Spanish, and will get the most out of the program if they have a comfortable level of Spanish proficiency before coming.

Grading Basis

Letter Grade