Join us for a unique six-week program focused on Spanish for the Health Professions. The program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine or health-related professions. Our host is the “Instituto de Lenguas y Comunicación Extranjeras” (ILCE) at the University of Navarra. You will complete a total of 6 credit hours. We offer SPAN 325 taught by a Rice faculty leader. You will also take SPAN 324 at the UNAV - “School of Medicine” with two of its faculty members. This exclusive experiential learning course in basic medical skills, taken at the Universidad de Navarra's “Faculty of Medicine Simulation Center.” You will have time to explore Spain, including cities like Bilbao and San Sebastián, and enjoy its fine culinary tradition.
The Medical Humanities Program offers a practicum in Spain (MDHM 420). Students in this program will take one course abroad (SPAN 324) in addition to completing the practicum. MDHM 420 has very limited spots and admission to the program is subject to proficiency level and interview. You will have the opportunity to indicate your interest in this practicum on the application for Rice in Spain.
Rice in Spain fulfills the experiential learning requirement for the Certificate in Language and Intercultural Communication.
The program is open to students of any Rice major. Scholarships are available to offset the program costs. Students who receive need-based aid during the academic year are eligible to receive financial aid for summer coursework. Pell Grant recipients may apply for Pell Grant funds toward summer session costs.
Click on this link to watch a slide presentation about Rice in Spain.
| Prerequisites* | SPAN 321 or 322 or 204 or 303 or placement or faculty approval. | MDHM 420 - case by case |
| Location | Pamplona, Spain |
| Program Dates | Mid May - Mid June 2027 |
| Courses | SPAN 325, SPAN 324, MDHM 420 |
| Applications Open | November 2, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | January 18, 2027 |
*Medical Spanish is highly recommended. Introduction to Medical Humanities is strongly recommended for MDHM 420.
See below for more important dates.
| Application Period | November 2 - January 18, 2027 |
| Decision and Scholarship Notification | February 26, 2027 |
| Acceptance Deadline | March 1, 2027* |
| Program Dates | May 17 - June 26, 2027 |
*Once you have enrolled in the Rice in Country program, you have made a commitment to participate and will pay tuition.
| Expense | Rice Students Pay |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $11,400* |
| Simulation Center Fee | Included |
| Airfare (estimated Houston - Pamplona) | $1,500 - $1,900 |
| Local Transportation | $50 |
| Personal Expenses (Non-program activities or outings, varies by individual, emergency cash) | $250 - $400 |
| Sub-total | $1,800 - $2,350 |
| Total | $13,200 - $13,750 |
*Tuition includes:
- 6 Rice credit hours
- Accommodation with a host family or in a university dormitory for 6 weeks
- 3 meals per day (lunch on campus included)
- Local/regional excursions
- Community engagement
Some financial aid is available.
Learn about financial aid options at this link: Rice in Country Financial Aid
Wagoner Scholarship / Rice in Country Partnership
Students may combine Rice in Country with research through a partnership between CLIC and the Center for Civic Leadership (CCL). Rice in Country participants may extend their stays to conduct research on topics of interest through the CCL's Wagoner Research Pathway Scholarship. To find out more about the Wagoner Scholarship, use this link to log in to Canvas.
For more information, consult with the Faculty Leaders, Profe Thais Diaz Montalvo (td20@rice.edu) or Profe Aymara Boggiano (ab76@rice.edu).
Important Dates
Fall Information Session
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Info Session with Financial Aid
Check back for more information.
Application Period
November 1, 2025 - January 20, 2026
Spring Information Session
Check back for more information
Decision and Scholarship Notification
February 16, 2026
Acceptance Deadline
February 27, 2026
Deadline to drop Rice in Country Courses
March 2, 2026
Pre-Departure Orientation
April 27, 2026
Rice in Spain
May 18 - June 26, 2026