Clinical rotations in study abroad health sciences settings are of paramount importance as they offer students invaluable opportunities for experiential learning and cultural immersion. These rotations provide students with hands-on experience in diverse healthcare systems, exposing them to a wide range of medical practices, patient populations, and healthcare challenges.
By exploring both, private and public Costa Rican healthcare facilities, and working alongside health professionals in three different levels of care, students gain a deeper understanding of global health disparities, cultural competency, and the social determinants of health. This exposure also allows students to compare healthcare practices between their home country and Costa Rica, providing valuable insights into different approaches to patient care, healthcare delivery, and public health initiatives.
Overall, these experiences not only enhance students' clinical skills and critical thinking abilities but also foster empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication capacities, which are essential qualities for healthcare professionals in today's interconnected world.
Additionally, study abroad clinical rotations encourage collaboration and the exchange of knowledge between institutions, ultimately contributing to the improvement of healthcare systems worldwide.