Required Responsibilities for Students Undertaking IH Electives

All students who undertake a 4th-year IH elective must complete the following list of responsibilities. These are required whether or not a student seeks a travel grant.
Students who do not comply with these requirements may not be allowed to pursue their electives and/or receive travel grants after their return.

related links:

Check List of Required Responsibilities

>>> Before Departure <<<
1. Complete the Liability Form
Complete the liability form and return it to Ana Bediako in A-210.
2. Book Your Flight
Book your flight immediately to take advantage of advance fare prices. STA Travel (a student travel organization) is a good place to start.
3. Review or Set Up Evacuation Insurance

Evacuation insurance is available to students enrolled in Aetna Student Health Plus (B.U. health plan) through On Call International (OCI).

  • If you have Aetna, you received your On Call ID card and brochure with your insurance cared. No further action is necessary.
  • If you DO NOT have Aetna and would like evacuation insurance, complete the application, and BUSM will purchase the insurance for you.
4. Research Your Destination and Prepare Yourself

Visit these web sites:

  • U.S. Department of State http://travel.state.gov/travel.
    Click “Country Specific Info” (at top right)
    NOTE: Check this website periodically before departure. BUSM will not give credit or support to a medical student in a country where a Dept. of State Travel Warning is in effect.
  • CDC http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.
    Click “Destinations” (1st topic on left)

Review:

  • Travel notices for your destination country
  • Country description (gov’t, language, climate)
  • Local laws and customs
  • Safety (e.g., using public transport, using currency)
  • Food and water
5. Immunize Yourself

If necessary, make an appointment at a travel clinic of your choice or at the BMC travel clinic; David Hamer, M.D. has been the IH Program’s contact at the BMC travel clinic, and we recommend making an appointment directly with him if available.

  • BMC Travel Clinic: 617-414-4290.
  • Your appointment should be at least 3 months before departure for shots to take effect.
6. Meet with Dr. Sarfaty
Meet with Dr. Sarfaty at least 4-6 weeks before departure to discuss preparation and items in step #4 above– Be prepared for your meeting! Pick up Emergency Numbers Card from Dr. Sarfaty at your meeting. To make an appointment with Dr. Sarfaty, contact Ana Bediako, abediako@bu.edu, 617-638-4167.
7. Register with US State Department
To ensure your safety abroad and allow family members to contact you in an emergency, register your travel plans online with the US Department of State: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

>>> Upon Return <<<
8. Complete and Submit Post-Elective Report

One of the following two forms must be completed and submitted after completion of the IH elective. Funding is contingent upon receipt of these forms.
   
9. Complete Travel Expense Report for Travel Grant Reimbursement

Those students who were awarded a travel grant must complete a travel expense report in order to be reimbursed after the elective is undertaken. Original receipts from the trip are required for reimbursement; e.g., airline e-bill, receipts for program fees and living expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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