Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has an established program for medical students interested in applying for electives.

International Medical Students:
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine does not currently accept international medical students.

Domestic Medical Students:
All domestic medical students must apply through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) system. The first block available for visiting students in the current academic year began on June 9, 2025. Students may be accepted for a maximum of one 4-week elective at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

Eligibility:
Students must be in good academic standing and in their final year at a Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accredited medical school, or an osteopathic college of medicine accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). Applications are processed through the VSLO platform.

Application Fee:
The fee for accepted applicants is $135.00, non-refundable. Elective cancellations less than one month before the start date must be processed through the Registrar’s Office.

Electives:
All electives are 4 weeks long and are subject to availability. Boston University students have priority for elective placements. Visiting students are limited to one 4-week rotation. Once assigned to an elective, the placement is final.

Insurance Requirements:

  • Commercial General Public Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence / $3 million aggregate.
  • Professional Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence / $3 million aggregate.

Immunization Requirements:
Visiting students must meet the BMC Immunization Requirements, including submitting COVID-19 vaccination documentation as part of the application process.

Housing & Parking:
The School does not provide housing or parking privileges for visiting students.

Policies & Procedures:
Visiting students are required to follow all policies and regulations of the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Violation of any school policy will result in immediate withdrawal from the elective. Relevant policies can be accessed at: Medical Education Policies.

Emergency Contacts:
In the event of an emergency, visiting students should contact the Office of Student Affairs Dean on Duty:

  • During Business Hours: Call the OSA at (617) 358-7466.
  • After Hours & Weekends: Call (617) 638-5795 and page the Dean on Duty at #4196, or send a text to pager #4196 through the pager directory.

Needle Stick Exposure Procedure:
Needle Stick Exposure Procedure

Appropriate Treatment in Medicine (ATM) Initiative:
ATM Initiative

Emergencies and Resources:
Emergencies and Student Resources