Guatemala

Study Abroad in Antigua

Guatemala is a country in Central America bordering the Northern Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras and Belize. Two mountain chains enter Guatemala from west to east, with a small desert, sand dunes, and hills in-between. The government system is a constitutional democratic republic; the chief of state and head of government is the president. Guatemala has a mixed economic system which includes a variety of emerging private freedom combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation.

A yellow clock tower with a turret on top of an archway that is in front of a mountain.

OST691: Global Health Guatemala: Tropical Medicine and Infectious disease (3 credits)

Dates: March 01 to March 08, 2025

The Guatemala Global Outreach Elective is designed to help students grow personally and professionally by immersing them in another culture, allowing them to experience the healthcare system and delivery of medical services in a developing country, to deepen their understanding of self and the global community. Students will learn about common diseases in Central America; enhance their clinical skills and the use of medical Spanish; develop problem solving skills; broaden knowledge of public health issues and experience the practice of medicine beyond the core curriculum.

For more information, please contact igh@msu.edu.

  • Second year medical curriculum (COM) student at Michigan State University.
  • MS in Global Health students (COM)
  • In good standing at the University
  • Must have respect for different cultures.
  • Must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively.
  • Spanish speaking preferred but not required

APPLICATIONS FOR MARCH 2025 will open on JULY 2024! Come back soon!

Students must apply through Michigan State’s Office of Study Abroad, click here to apply online.

The Office of Study Abroad offers scholarships to students who participate in MSU’s study abroad programs. Details here

Richard Bryce D.O. is a family physician that works at the Community Health and Social Services Center (CHASS), a federally qualified health center, in Mexicantown, Detroit, MI. He is a member of the clinical faculty at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School and Henry Ford Hospital. His passion is promoting and motivating his patients to pursue a healthy lifestyle. He started the CHASS Mexicantown 5k Run/Walk and Children’s race to improve exposure to exercise within the Detroit community. He also has worked in setting up the Fresh Prescription program where he and other providers can prescribe fresh fruits and vegetables to his patients from a Farmers Market located at the clinic. He is the Faculty Advisor for Street Medicine Detroit and Detroit Street Care, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine student organizations that help to provide medical care to Detroit’s Homeless population. Dr. Bryce is also passionate about global health and has recurrently accompanied MSUCOM on medical missions to Guatemala.

Dr. Jodi Flanders, a certified Family Physician and graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine transitioned from her Family Medicine practice after 32 years, and she currently serves as Medical Director in a residential facility for survivors of human trafficking and addiction.  International medicine is her true love, especially sharing this opportunity with medical students and residents.  Hobbies include the study of the Labyrinth, mentoring young physicians and medical students, and admiring her children.