Students have the option of completing an international research or clinical elective for academic credit during the fourth year of medical school. These can be scheduled through international affiliate AAMC VSLO institutions, or arranged through established independent programs such as a non-profit organization. International elective opportunities must be vetted by the International Studies Committee and are either approved or denied based on the ability of the host site to ensure risks to health and safety of the student; availability of emergency care; the possibility of natural disasters, political instability, and exposure to disease; and the level and quality of supervision.
Student Eligibility
Students must be in good academic standing to be considered for international elective credit. Language immersion programs do not qualify.
Students typically complete international rotations during the fourth/final year of medical school after the residency application process is completed. We strongly encourage you not to travel during Match Week. Some students choose to go abroad during the summer after first year as part of the Summer Research Fellowship Program, for which no course credit is given.
Opportunities
AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO)
Independent Programs*:
• USC Breman Global Health Immersion Fellowship
• Himalayan Health Exchange Program
• Floating Doctors
• Medics Away
• Armenian EyeCare Project
*For these opportunities, the amount of elective credit granted may vary due to the variation in clinical time and would be determined by the International Studies Committee.
Site Information from Past Rotations
Central South University (Hunan, China)
• Evaluation
Cloudnine Hospitals (Bangalore, India)
• Reflection
• Evaluation
King’s College Hospital (London, England)
• Evaluation
Maximo Nivel (San Jose, Costa Rica)
• Reflection
• Evaluation
National Taiwan University (Taipei, Taiwan)
• Reflection
• Evaluation 1
• Evaluation 2
Application Process
To receive academic credit for an international elective, you must complete the following steps. You should begin planning your trip at least four months in advance to allow yourself time to complete all of the preparation necessary for traveling and studying abroad.
1. Apply using the process outlined by the institution or program where you intend to complete your elective.
2. Submit a completed International Elective Petition to medstuaf@usc.edu for review by the International Studies Committee. If you are applying for a research elective, submit the approved research elective form along with your International Elective Petition.
– If your host site is not KSOM affiliate or VSLO institution you must also submit a completed International Institution Verification.
– To be considered for KSOM International Studies funding, be sure to complete question 4 on page 2 of the International Elective Petition.
Pre-Departure Requirements
All students traveling internationally as part of a KSOM program must complete the following after acceptance to the relevant program and prior to international travel.
2. Complete ALL instructions on Independent Student Travel Registration.
3. Schedule pre-departure meeting with assigned International Studies Committee member. You will also be required to complete the Pre-Departure Training (Online): Optimizing short-term global health experiences. Instructions will be sent to you about scheduling this meeting and completing the training after your elective has been reviewed and approved.
4. Download and complete the International Studies Contact Form and return to medstuaf@usc.edu.
6. Download and keep the Travel Expense Report with you while abroad. Record expenses and collect all corresponding receipts for submission upon return.
8. Send the Student Performance Evaluation for International Electives to your host institution. Be sure to follow up with the institution to ensure that it is completed and returned to the Academic and Career Advising Office within four weeks of your elective end date.
International Dean’s Research Scholar
The Dean’s Research Scholar (DRS) program is an optional 5th year of medical school dedicated to research. Some students complete their DRS year internationally, and are held to both DRS and International Studies requirements. To learn more about DRS, visit the DRS webpage.
International Scholarly Project
The Scholarly Project (SP) is part of the Keck School of Medicine of USC curriculum. All medical students must complete a SP in order to fulfill their graduation requirements. Students who plan to complete any portion of their SP internationally must adhere to both SP and International Studies requirements. To learn more about SP, visit the SP webpage.
Summer Research Fellowship
The Keck Summer Research Fellowship Program awards students up to $1,500 to complete six weeks of full-time research (40 hours per week) during the summer between MSI and MSII. Students are able to work with any faculty mentor; however, students conducting research with a USC faculty mentor will be given priority. International summer research fellowship experiences must adhere to both summer research and International Studies requirements. For more information about the Summer Research Fellowship, visit the Summer Research Fellowship webpage.
International Studies Contact
Anthony Tritto
Director of Student Affairs
anthony.tritto@med.usc.edu
323-442-2553