What is the timeline for the financial reimbursement application?
To receive financial assistance for rotations from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012, students must apply by January 1, 2011.
Who will decide which students will receive financial assistance?
After all the applications are received and the deadline has passed, the applications will be distributed to members of the global health department faculty committee and will go through a selection process. D.O. and D.P.M. students will be selected by February 15 of each year. CHS students will follow a different timeline and will be notified by their program coordinator regarding dates/timeline.
What does the application consist of?
The application consists of a personal statement answering the following questions:
- Why are you interested in an international rotation?
- What cultural aspect do you expect to learn from this international rotation that will impact your professional career?
- Describe past experiences in cultural or global health trips.
A letter of reference will be submitted as part of the application, as well as a short summary of your community service hours and activities worked listed on a separate page.
It is suggested that you make mention of your fluency in other languages if applicable.
For the community service hours, will I be able to list ALL service hours or just international or cultural activities?
The rubric states cultural community service in health education, youth and community development and medical service in underserved areas. You will want to include a list of activities and the hours worked. Also, include description and dates if applicable. Feel free to include hours/activities worked as an undergrad as well.
Will points be deducted if I’ve never participated in international service?
Points will not be deducted if this will be your first international experience. The global health department wants all students to gain experience in international health systems.
Do I need to be approved before I can participate in an international rotation?
There is no application process to participate in an international rotation. The application is only for financial assistance through the global health department.
Do I need to decide the rotation site I would like to travel to before applying for financial assistance?
It is not required that you decide the rotation location site before applying. While it would be good to know ahead of time, it is not required.
As a D.O. student, can I apply during my third year and defer the reimbursement until a trip taken during my fourth year?
Yes.
If I’ve traveled on an international rotation in my third year as a D.O. student and was financial reimbursed, will I be able to apply for a trip in my fourth year?
Financial reimbursement is limited to one trip per student.
What is the amount of the financial reimbursement?
Reimbursement for airfare and per diem will be calculated at 2/3 the cost of the trip up to $1,200. If the reimbursement amount does not reach the $1,200 maximum for one trip, the student will not be able to receive more money for subsequent trips.
Are all international trip locations eligible for financial assistance?
Only international experiences to developing countries are eligible for financial assistance. International experiences to developed countries will be considered for approval but will not be financially supported. To find out if a country is “developed” versus “developing”, please refer to the World Bank, which will serve as the guideline for the global health department.
If my application for reimbursement is approved, when will I receive the money?
Reimbursement will be given after the student returns and ALL coursework and rotational requirements are completed.
What opportunities through the global health department are NOT eligible for financial assistance?
Students participating in the medical service trips that are offered through the Global Health Student Group will not be eligible for reimbursement.