Guide to Arranging an IH Elective
This guide will help to walk you through the process of finding and making arrangements for an international health elective through the Collaborating Center for Training in International Health. Students may take preclinical preceptorships at the end of their first year, and electives during their 3rd and 4th year. Please see the Current Electives page for a description of the various electives offered. The center faculty and staff is available to assist you at any stage of the process, but we encourage you to meet with us as soon as you think you might be interested in an international experience, as early preparation is essential for a positive experience.
Clearing up Confusion About the Number of International Electives Allowed
There has been some confusion in the past with regard to international electives. International electives with UTMB course numbers are NOT considered non-university electives. The only limitations to study abroad for elective credit are:
1. You cannot travel abroad and receive elective credit under the same course number, but you may take several different international health electives, e.g.
- International Primary Health Care (INTL-4005)
- Medical Field Experience in International Health (INTL-4015)
- Advanced Medical Field Experience in International Health (INTL-4006)
- Medical Spanish Abroad (INTL-4042)
- International Health Preclinical Preceptorship (INTL-1041)
- Preclinical Preceptorship Medical Spanish Abroad (INTL-1042) Unrelated to study abroad but a new prepatory course is the Intensive Course in Tropical and Travel Medicine (INTL-4001) taught on UTMB campus during Block 8
2. You are limited to 8 weeks of non-university based electives (so if you do an elective with Johns Hopkins in Africa for four weeks, you still have four weeks of non-university based elective time you can use and may travel under any International (INTL) UTMB course number for your remaining electives).
In summary, if you want to do all of your electives abroad, you can do so as long as they all have different UTMB course numbers OR as long as no more than two electives are non-university based.
Step 1. Review your schedule and your available dates. Link: School of Medicine Calendar
(CLICK HERE)
Step 2. Review the type of electives available. Preclinical Preceptorships
- for students completing first year
- 4 week duration
- may take a total of 2 of these if they are different
Research Electives
- 4-8 weeks
- 8 weeks for students completing 1st year
- need UTMB faculty sponsor
4th Year Electives
Step 3 . Schedule an appointment in the Center and pick up information packet.
Contact Marianne Trainer Mesusan at mtrainer@utmb.edu or call (409) 772-0637.
Step 4 . Search for sites and contacts.
The following links can help you begin:
Link: SIGHT electives page (http://www.utmb.edu/sight/)
Link: AMSA (http://www.amsa.org/global/ih/ihopps.cfm)
Link: GHEC resources page (http://www.globalhealth-ec.org)
Link: IFMSA (http://www.ifmsa.org)
Contact Center for more information.
Step 5. Obtain and complete forms, investigate travel arrangements, search for funding.
After a site has been selected, complete the application form (available in the packet) and return to the CTIH. It is the responsibility of the student to make contact and arrangements with the on-site preceptor. The center will then forward the memo of understanding to the on-site preceptor for official approval.
Investigate travel arrangements: costs, passport and visa requirements, necessary and recommended immunizations, etc.
(See Resources > International Travel Information on this site for more information.)
Students are cautioned NOT to make deposits to any elective site until approval has been given by CTIH faculty and staff.
Search for funding opportunities and scholarships.
(See Resources > Scholarships - Funding Opportunities - Fellowships on this site for more information.)
Step 6. Complete the enrollment form, included in the application packet, and obtain signature of the CTIH director. Also obtain elective evaluation form for the on-site preceptor to take with you. This form must be completed by the on-site preceptor, and returned to the CTIH at the end of the elective.
Step 7. Before you go. Complete application packet, travel arrangements, immunizations. Read and sign travel safety information form which is in the packet, and send this with a detailed copy of your itinerary and contact information to CTIH office. Ensure you are registered for the course through your e-connect account.
Upon Return**
Step 8 . Send completed preceptor evaluation form to CTIH (CTIH will forward to Registrar's office). Step 9 . Complete IHE elective evaluation form (also included in the CTIH packet) and return it to CTIH. Step 10. If the elective required a written report, oral presentation, post test, poster, or other final product, this must be completed within the time frame specified by the sponsoring UTMB faculty. Step 11. Complete all within 30 days of completion of elective. ** Students will receive an incomplete until the requirements in steps 8 through 10 have been met.
Questions? Contact Marianne Trainer Mesusan at CTIH (409) 772-0637 or
mtrainer@utmb.edu.