Medical Student Rotations Abroad

As you know, studying abroad is a great way to learn about other cultures, increase your travel skills, learn about a new place as well as yourself, help local communities, and improve cultural competencies. You may be excited but have several questions. This guide will walk you through timelines, program selection, health and safety, as well as the process.

Timeline

Students are allowed an international elective during their fourth year of medical school.  They need to submit all required information 120 days prior to when they want to complete their rotation to assure ample time to meet all requirements for travel.

Finding a Program

There are several resources available for international rotations.  Students are welcome to find one on their own or may reach out to the Assistant Dean for the Continuum of Physician Education for additional resources. 

All programs/locations will need to be vetted and have an affiliation agreement in place at least 60 days before the start of the rotation. If students have additional questions about finding a program, it is recommended that they meet with the Assistant Dean for the Continuum of Physician Education. 

Safety

The U.S. Department of State shares travel information and warnings by country. Read through the entire advisor for the information for the country in which you intend to complete a rotation; note the reasons specified for its level determination.

Marian University students can participate in study abroad in countries with a Level 1 or Level 2 advisory without petition. Studying in a country that has been categorized as Level 3 requires a petition, which GEO can assist you with. This may take some time, so please plan accordingly.

Please note that there is now a general security alert for a Worldwide Caution and you should read through it thoroughly.

Health

Additionally, carefully review the health information for your country on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Traveler’s Health. Any required or recommended vaccinations listed here will be necessary for you to participate (see below). Documentation must be submitted via the Study Abroad Canvas Portal once your application has been received and approval is granted by MU-WCOM.

The Global Engagement Office (GEO) will enroll you in the CISI health insurance for study abroad, which includes emergency evacuation (political instability or natural disaster), medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. This requires a nominal fee (approximately $76 per month, based on your age), which will be placed on your student account and is only assessed for the time that you are abroad. While GEO will sign you up for this, you must upload your passport photo page and your travel dates in the Study Abroad Canvas Portal.

Required Information

• Clinical syllabus or detailed description
• Clinical supervisor and hospital contact information
• Intended location for housing
• Passport
• Travel plans

Next Steps

• Register with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Please provide proof of your registration by forwarding the confirmation email or providing a screen shot.
• It can take some time to receive a U. S. passport; at the time of application, please advise if you do not have a current passport that will be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return to the U.S.
• Obtaining a visa or entry permit can take much planning and time. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please advise the staff at GEO so that we can assist with determining what documentation is required.
• Obtain all required and highly recommended vaccinations and preventatives for your country of participation as listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If your country of interest is a Level 3 and requires a petition, you must obtain all of the COVID-19 vaccinations and current booster; no waivers will be accepted.
• After GEO provides access to the Study Abroad Canvas Portal, students must complete and upload all required MU-WCOM and study abroad forms there. You will need to provide the following: passport photo page, visa or other required entry permit (if required), vaccination documentation, waiver liability form, and medical treatment release and emergency contact form. You must also submit your flight itinerary once it is confirmed.
• At the conclusion of your rotation abroad, you must complete an evaluation of your experience with the organization abroad and submit this to MU-WCOM.

Contacts

Rhonda Garrison, Assistant Dean for the Continuum of Physician Education, rgarrison@marian.edu, 317-955-6260

Rhonda J. Hinkle, Ed. D, Executive Director, Global Engagement (GEO), rhinkle@marian.edu, 317-955-6670