• With young patient

Medical Spanish beginners Course

Quickly develop your language skills to work with Spanish speaking patients

We understand that if you have little Spanish language experience now, then a program in Peru can seem a pretty daunting prospect.

Fear not – help is here.  Many of our program participants arrive with little Spanish language experience.  Once here, they quickly advance with the help of our medical Spanish beginner’s course, homestay families, and healthcare experience.

Can a beginner learn medical Spanish?

The answer is yes.  However, you need both medical terminology,  Spanish grammar and general vocabulary to communicate with patients.  For this reason, much of our program is focussed on helping students develop a full understanding of Spanish and providing skills that can they can use in and outside of a healthcare environment.

Medical Spanish beginners course

The quickest way to learn a new language is an immersion course with small student groups. This is precisely what we do.  We have a team of experienced teachers to provide the level of attention each student requires.

Our regular beginners level language course takes place over 4 hours each afternoon.  Our team of language teachers will ensure you have fun while developing your new language skills.  Each hour you will have a new teacher keeping classes lively and interesting.  The teachers have years of experience teaching Spanish at all levels and will ensure you quickly advance.

If you are looking to advance as quickly as possible we recommend that beginners take our intensive Spanish course which includes 7 hours per day of intensive Spanish at the beginning of your program to provide a boost to your language learning and more confidence on your clinical rotation here.

Learn about the experience of Christina, a medicine resident and Spanish beginner.

Living with a family

The idea of living with a family in another language can be an unnerving prospect.  However, living with one of our families is really not so scary.   Our families enjoy receiving international students with different levels of Spanish and will patiently help you to develop your speaking and listening skills.

Most of our families have at least one English speaker in their household.  Also, their homes are comfortable and just a few minutes walk from our center.

Also, remember you are not alone.  Our families accommodate between one and four participants.  Just let us know if you prefer to live with other program participants.

Spanish Beginner FAQs

A basic level of Spanish is recommended.
Most participants have beginner-level Spanish (A1–A2). You should be able to understand simple phrases and have some familiarity with basic vocabulary.
If you are unsure, we’re happy to advise you before booking.

Our program is for healthcare students or professionals looking to build practical communication skills.

It is taught at all levels.  On arrival, our teaching coordinator will ensure that you are placed into the best group for you.

Yes. With daily teaching and immersion, most participants quickly gain confidence.
You will start with structured learning and gradually build up to real patient interactions at a level appropriate to your ability.

This is completely normal — and expected.
Our teaching approach is supportive and designed to build confidence step-by-step. You will never be placed in situations beyond your level.

Most participants see significant improvement within 2–4 weeks, particularly in:

  • Listening comprehension

  • Speaking confidence

  • Medical vocabulary

Progress depends on your starting level and engagement.

You will be supported throughout by:

  • Experienced medical Spanish teachers

  • Local coordinators

  • A structured learning pathway

You will receive 4–7 hours per day of medical Spanish teaching, depending on your chosen program.
This is combined with immersion and real-world exposure.

  • Small group classes (typically 2–6 students)

  • Multiple teachers

  • Highly interactive sessions

This ensures personalised attention and rapid progress.

You may take part in:

  • Community health fairs

  • Hospital rotations, if you choose the combined program

  • Conversations with patients

All activities are matched to your Spanish level.

Yes.  Every week we host:

  • Medical students

  • Physician assistant students

  • Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals

The teaching is adapted to your background.

Yes.
We provide pre-course materials once you complete the booking form.  We will send you an excellent medical Spanish book covering medical terminology and grammar at the beginner level.  We will also send you an access link to online materials developed to provide you with all the vocabulary you need for both medical and general Spanish

This is not a general Spanish course.

👉 It is focused on:

  • Medical Spanish

  • Real patient communication

  • Immersion in a clinical environment

Still unsure? - Get in touch