Xavier University of Louisiana offers many opportunities to its students to enrich their cultural experiences outside of the classroom. These opportunities allow students to demonstrate what they’ve learned in the world beyond Xavier. 

The “XULA in Costa Rica” program allows Xavierites to dive deep into the Spanish language while engaging in a medical professional shadowing component. This component involves Spanish medical studies and practices. The program was initiated by Professor Giti Farudi, of Xavier’s Department of Languages in 2014, 10 years ago. Farudi and 16 students traveled to Costa Rica on May 25th and spent three weeks with Costa Rican host families, returning on June 15th.  

The students who participated in the program came from all corners of Xavier’s campus and were excited to pursue the opportunity to be better equipped for the communities they hope to serve in the future. Rising junior Serenity Griffin heard about XULA in Costa Rica from events held by Xavier’s International Office. An aspiring traveling pediatric doctor, rising senior Shania Brooks learned about the program from her academic advisor. A rising senior, Trevelle Connor was recommended the program by her Spanish professor, Dr. Carmen Cosme. 

“I need this opportunity to bridge that gap and provide peace of mind and comfort in the dental office I plan to work in.,” Trevelle shared. Having been born and raised in the Caribbean, Connor witnessed many English as a second language (ESL) patients taking their children out of school to translate at doctors’ offices.   

Despite this being their first time traveling abroad for some Xavierites, the support of Professor Farudi allowed the participating students to feel fully equipped and ready to take on the adventure. Before the first interest meeting regarding the program, Brooks had not yet met Farudi; nonetheless, after every meeting, Farudi was available to assist the Xavierites excited to explore and expand on their skills in Costa Rica 

“She does an excellent job of answering any questions and referring us to someone who can assist us,” said Brooks. “With the help of Dr. Jiang and Dr. Graft-Johnson, I believe that Professor Farudi prepared me for this program, and I am more than grateful that she chose me to participate.” 

Costa Rica boasts one of the best healthcare systems in Central and South America. Throughout the program, students also engage in various cultural immersion experiences and live with Costa Rican host families. 

Over the past decade, the XULA in Costa Rica program has offered students invaluable experiences that combine academic study with a first-hand perspective on the Costa Rican healthcare system while participating in a clinical practicum experience.  

“Witnessing the student’s growth both academically and personally has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career,” said Farudi.

Xavier looks forward to welcoming back Professor Farudi and its students and hearing about how their experiences abroad have brought them one step closer to being the next generation of compassionate, quality professionals that Xavier is known for.