Travel Grants for BUSM IV Students
The IH Program at BUSM awards travel grants to BU medical students for research or clinical electives at least four weeks in length. Travel grant applications are accepted once per year (October 15) and funded through a competitive process.
| related links: . How to Set Up an IH Elective . Required Responsiblities for Students Undertaking IH Electives |
Amount
Awards typically range from $400 to $1500, although awards of less or more are given. If a student received funding previously from the IH Program (e.g., summer scholarship), then the amount of the travel grant may be reduced. Since funds are limited, students are highly encouraged to seek other sources of funding to support their IH elective. See Funding for a list of possibilities.
Restrictions
BUSM IH Program will not give academic credit for, pay for, supervise, direct, or otherwise support a medical student in a country where a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is in effect. See Travel Warning Policy.
Application Process
- Travel Grant Application (for electives not yet undertaken by October 15)
OR - Post-Elective Report & Travel Grant Application (for electives completed before October 15)
Application deadline is:
- October 15 (yearly)
Selection Criteria
The selection committee uses the following criteria when awarding the travel grants:
- Academic standing
- Length of time spent on project (minimum of 4 weeks)
- Location of study site, with priority given to sites in developing countries
- Clarity of ideas expressed and level of detail given
- Extent to which the proposed experience meets the goals of the IH program
- Effort put into preparation for proposed experience
- The degree to which the experience includes a public health component
- Relevance of learning objectives. The B.U. mentor can assist the student with developing learning objectives and planning the project.
- Appropriateness of proposed budget
When determining the level of support for each particular travel grant, the committee takes into consideration previous financial support given to the student such as funds received from the IH Summer Scholarship Program as well as support from outside sources (e.g., private organizations). This allows equitable awards for all students.
Notification
Announcement of awards are made about three weeks after each application deadline. Once the grant is awarded, no further negotiation of terms can be expected, but the timing of the award is flexible. Experiences that span more than one block may be eligible for more than one block’s funding. If plans change after an award letter is sent (in the case of those students who have not yet undertaken their electives), the student must notify the IH Program by submitting a revised Travel Grant Application and updated ADD Form for IH Elective. Funding is not guaranteed if changes to the original project are substantial.
Reimbursement and Post-Elective Report
Funding is by reimbursement and is intended to help cover airfare and other expenses related to the elective. Students are required to provide complete travel documentation in order to be reimbursed. In the case of a multi-destination airline ticket, round-trip airfare between the United States and the elective destination only is eligible for funding. Travel expenses will be processed only after the following documents are submitted:
- Original receipts or invoices for expenses related to the elective, converted to $US, e.g., airline e-bill, receipts for program fees and living expenses.
- A completed Post-Elective Report submitted by e-mail within thirty days of student’s return and no later than the Friday before graduation.
Students are encouraged to browse the Post-Elective Report prior to departure so they are familiar with the type of information they are expected to report. The information in the post-elective report may be made available to other BU students.
Other Opportunities
Students are encouraged to develop a presentation or poster (based on the IH experience) for consideration at the annual Global Health Education Consortium held annually in the spring.
