Frequently asked questions

Who is the STEER elective course for?
The instructional program is designed for students in any health field, as well as health professionals, who seek advanced education in issues that affect residents of the U.S.-Mexico border.

What is STEER about?
The program promotes research and education in the fields of environmental and occupational health. It sponsors an elective course for medical, nursing and public health students, and participates in community-based initiatives.

How long is the course?
The course lasts four weeks. Each weekday is devoted to instruction that revolves around community-based service learning projects.

Is it possible to do a two-week rotation instead of four weeks?
We give priority to students who want to do the full elective. However, if your school approves a two-week rotation, and if we have extra space, we could arrange a shorter elective.

Where is it held?
The course is taught in Laredo, Texas, about 155 miles southwest of San Antonio, along the U.S. border with Mexico. Laredo is the busiest inland port in the nation, and its second-fastest growing city.

How much does it cost?
The course is free for most students, and so is housing. You will need to pay for your meals, incidental expenses, and transportation to and from Laredo. Fourth-year medical students except those from the Health Science Center will pay a $25 processing fee at registration.

What kind of housing is available?
Usually, students have their own rooms except during the summer months when two students may share a room.

When does it happen?
The course is taught nine times per year, usually starting at the first of the month. The class size is normally limited to six students, and we may reschedule a course in which there are fewer than three applicants.

Do I get academic credit?
In most cases, yes. Check with your college or university to be sure you will get credit. The course is an approved elective at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Whether credit is granted may depend on the type of degree you are pursuing, and your year in school.

Do I need to know Spanish?
No. The course is taught in English.

How much opportunity will there be for someone who doesn't know much Spanish to learn and practice Spanish?
Spanish is widely spoken in Laredo so there are a lot of opportunities to learn and practice Spanish.

What percentage of the time is spent in Mexico, and what percentage in the United States?
Students spend 2 class days in Mexico, and 18 in the United States.

I'm not sure what is covered in the classes. Is the course clinically relevant?
The elective helps physicians and other health professionals become more aware of environmental factors influencing health. The knowledge you gain could be useful when doing a diagnosis, for example.

How much time is spent in clinical activities?
The course is not a clinical elective, but it is clinically relevant.

What percentage of students are medical students, and what percentage are non-medical?
Our average enrollment is about 70 percent medical, and 30 percent other health professions.