Study Abroad Costa Rica!

Hey y’all! My name is Alexis Arceneaux and I’m a sophomore Biology Pre-Med major and Chemistry and Spanish minor at Xavier University of Louisiana. I aspire to become an emergency medicine physician or a trauma surgeon. Along with my studies I’m involved with different clubs and organizations on campus such as being a member of the Chemistry Club, a tutor for children K-7 helping them with homework or any other assignment and project given, a Girl Scout Mentor, a member of the Gold Star Dance Team, and a volunteer at the University Medical Center of New Orleans. To start gaining experience related to medicine I had the opportunity to participate within the Emerus Summer Healthcare Program in 2016 where I gained more knowledge from healthcare professionals themselves and even gained certification for Critical Care Skills after working within a cadaver lab for a day. Recently in the summer of 2017 I was also a camp counselor at Camp Hope with the AIDS Foundation Houston that was a camp for children who were HIV positive. There we distributed medication to the children, talked to them about their health condition and how to go about it and taking care of themselves all while having fun and giving them the best camp experience! With the process and journey of figuring out where and what I wanted to be in life, I have discovered my work motives, my capabilities, and an overall understanding of myself as a person. Becoming fluent in the Spanish language and is a part of my list of priorities and goals that I wish to pursue. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States, and being fluent in the Spanish language will help me in my future career as a physician. Becoming bilingual will broaden my ability to help Spanish speaking patients if they’re unable to communicate or just not comfortable talking to someone who isn’t familiar with the language or culture. Having the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica, I will be able to fully immerse myself within the culture and daily life, becoming proficient within the language while taking specific Spanish classes, and the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations in a few hospitals and gain more experience. Gaining international experience will help me on my journey to medical school to become a doctor, giving me a chance to grow out of my comfort zone so that I am able to broaden my perspective and be more equipped to care for a diverse community of patients. Even though I have never been out of the country before, I am ready to venture out and explore the world and see what it all has to offer. I have the opportunity to travel with Xavier to Costa Rica while enrolled in Spanish for Health Professionals and participating a clinical practicum at 3 different hospitals and clinical rotations in the mornings with 2 different clinics under private administration. Program fees will include a homestay with a Costa Rican family in San Jose, Costa Rica, three meals a day, an excursion to Nicoya Peninsula, ground transportation to and from destinations, 75-80 hours of clinical practicum, and cultural activities. I know that by taking this chance and opportunity to go abroad will improve my Spanish speaking skills and aid my future career as a physician to change my perspective and face any challenges that may occur during my health profession. The total cost for the program is $4300 plus airfare through a travel agent chosen by Xavier’s Center for Intercultural and International Programs that will run up to about $600. That makes a total of $4900 that I need raise! So far I have managed to save up for my passport and anything else that I may need during my trip. I need your help to raise this money so that I can venture out of the country and gain a first-hand experience of a lifetime. Anything that is donated will be greatly appreciated and will definitely help me to reach my $4900 goal! Please also share my page and story with other friends and family. If you have any questions or concerns regarding my campaign, feel free to contact me! Thank you in advance for helping out and spreading the word! Sincerely, Alexis Arceneaux *Side Note: If I’m not able to reach this goal, the amount I raised will still go towards Costa Rica hopefully next year!