Aspiring therapists learn in Mexico

This summer, 15 students from Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Health Institute put their academic pursuits into practice at Centro de Rehabilitación Integral de San Miguel de Allende (CRISMA), a rehabilitation center 3½ hours northwest of Mexico City.

CRISMA, founded by former Mexican President Vicente Fox and his wife, Marta Sahagún, serves clients with a range of rehabilitative issues through physical therapy, psychological services and speech therapy. MSU Denver established a partnership with the clinic in 2019.

“This partnership provides (students) with practical experience and an opportunity to develop intercultural communication skills and learn about health topics not covered in the U.S.,” said Hope Szypulski, DNP, dean of the University’s College of Health and Human Sciences. “The personal transformation is one of the most valuable elements, though the relationships with the people and culture of Mexico will last a lifetime.”

The unique learning experience, for which students receive academic credit, was made possible by an