INNO 605 Global Health and Social Innovation Practicum

This course provides students the opportunity to integrate theory and practice to address real world challenges faced by policymakers and communities looking to create lasting change in the global health area. It will provide students the possibility to engage and support public, private and non-governmental organizations to solve complex issues related to global health in Costa Rica, a developing country with unique demographic, epidemiological and urbanization conditions. 

After completing their foundational course requirements, students will have their practicum experience either in the southern region of Costa Rica or in San José and its vicinities. Students will be partnered mainly with non-governmental organizations, although opportunities exist for partnerships with other stakeholders, such as government institutions.

Potential partner organizations facilitated by CISG include:

● La Casona’s bicultural clinic
● Houses of Joy
● Rio Sereno Border Crossing
● Hands for Health Oral Health Protection Program
● ASCONA National and Environmental Service Association
● Comprehensive development association of Rincon de Osa and Playa Blanca
● Comprehensive development association of Dos Brazos de Rio Tigre
● Las Cruces Biological Station
● Municipality of Curridabat
● Instituto Mixto de Ayuda Social (IMAS)Ca
● Municipalidad de Coto Brus
● Patronato Nacional de la Infancia
● Seprojoven
● Cen-Cinai
● Hogar de Ancianos

The student’s practicum will be based on the student’s specific interest expressed during the initial didactic portion of the certificate. During the practicum, students will conduct a case study to evaluate the innovative work of the organization (or a specific component/initiative of the organization), the process that led to the innovation, the iteration cycles to reach impact, and the product/initiative’s sustainability.