The UCI School of Medicine (UCISOM) encourages student involvement in international electives and activities. This policy ensures central oversight of sponsored international electives and activities.

International Electives

UCISOM encourages students to arrange extramural international rotations at institutions that have existing affiliation agreements with the school. The following information must be reviewed and approved by the Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Science Education prior to the commencement of the international elective:

Location for course or rotation including country and institution
Dates of educational experience
Title of clerkship or course
Educational goals and objectives
Instructional methods and activities
Student’s detailed contact information abroad so that they may be reached by UCI in case of emergency
Name and title of responsible supervising faculty member
Name, title, email address and/or telephone number of an institutional representative at the educational site (e.g., dean, department chair, hospital or clinic director, etc.) who will serve as the primary point of contact with UCISOM. The course or rotation will not be approved until a UCISOM associate dean reviews it via correspondence with the designated institutional representative
Location of emergency care while on the elective
Proof that country is not on the United States Department of State Travel Advisories List (see below)
Proof of travel insurance that includes health coverage and emergency evacuation services while abroad (see below)
Statement from health provider that student has met immunization requirements for travel to the rotation location. Do not send health or immunization records.

Students seeking academic credit for an international extramural elective can formally petition for such credit by completing the Extramural Elective Form. Students should discuss their proposed rotation with their career advisors and the Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Science Education prior to completing the form. This form must be filled out completely and signed by the Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Science Education prior to commencement of the elective in order to receive credit.

Students receiving credit from the UCISOM must also complete and submit a written evaluation form of the rotation at the conclusion of the international experience.

International Extramural Activities

Students seeking educational resource support, Medical Education sponsorship, and/or institutional endorsement for an international extramural activity must seek approval from the Senior Associate Dean for Students prior to commencement of the activity.

Travel Insurance

Students engaging in international electives and activities should visit the UCOP Travel Assistance website for information regarding travel insurance. Students on international electives and activities may qualify for UC-sponsored travel insurance. Students can register their trip to see if they qualify for coverage. Students who do not qualify for UC-sponsored travel insurance are highly encouraged to purchase discounted personal travel insurance through the UC Personal Travel Program.

United States Department of State Travel Advisories List

In order to ensure student safety, UCISOM is unable to grant credit, educational resource support, Medical Education sponsorship, or institutional endorsement for any course, rotation, or extramural activity that takes place in a country listed as a Level 3 or 4 on the United States Department of State Travel Advisories List. International extramural activities in countries listed as a Level 2 must be approved by the Medical Education Executive Cabinet.

Should a student be in the process of completing an approved course, rotation, or extramural activity at the time that the country is placed on the advisories list at a Level 3 or 4, it is expected that the student will immediately cease the course, rotation, or extramural activity and return to the United States.

RELATED POLICIES, FORMS AND LINKS

Last approved by SOM Committee on Curriculum and Educational Policy: June 10, 2024