Required Responsibilities for Students Undertaking GH Electives

All students who undertake a 4th-year global health 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: [How to Set Up an GH Elective | Travel Grants for M4 Students]

I. List of Required Responsibilities: Before Departure

1. Book Your Flight

Book your flight immediately to take advantage of advance fare prices.

2. Review International Medical and Evacuation Insurance & Download the App

As a BU student undertaking BU-sponsored travel, you are automatically covered by BU’s international medical and evacuation insurance through International SOS which provides travel assistance services. This program is designed to keep you healthy, safe and secure while you are traveling abroad. Before departure, download the app to your phone here:

  • International SOS – The app provides “access to vital information on your current location or travel destination, including country guides and information about ongoing and developing medical and security situations.”

See Global Program Health & Insurance for more info on the medical and evacuation insurance coverage.

3. Set Up an Appointment with Travel Clinic & Immunize Yourself

Make an appointment with the BMC Travel Clinic or a clinic of your choice. Your appointment should be at least 3 months before departure for vaccinations to take effect. Contact your insurance carrier before making an appointment to see what is covered. For students with Aetna Student Health (B.U. health plan): Do not make an appointment for this purpose with BU Student Health Services; they do not handle these types of appointments. If you plan to use the BMC Travel Clinic, your physical exam may not be covered by Aetna if you have already had an exam by your primary care physician during the same calendar year.

4. Complete Parts 1 and 2 of The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health

Each medical student who undertakes a global health elective is required to complete the Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health, a three-part course that prepares students to safely and effectively participate in global health learning experiences (GHLE). The Practitioner’s Guide is a Blackboard course for which you must be enrolled to complete the material. Email Ana Gregory to obtain access. Parts 1 and 2 must be completed before departure. Part 3 must be completed just prior to your return (see #11 below).

  • Part 1 “The Big Picture” will help you step back and think about the “why/when/where/how” of considering and partaking in a GHLE. Part 1 is designed to be completed 6-12 months in advance.
  • Part 2 “Preparation and On the Ground” is the “nuts and bolts” of the course, as it will help you prepare for your GHLE and think about common issues that arise when you are in the field. Part 2 is designed to be completed 1-3 months in advance.
  • Part 3 “Reflection” will help you prepare to return home, and to begin thinking about your future involvement in global health. Part 3 is designed to be completed just prior to your return and will take approximately 2 hours to complete.

5. Research Your Destination

Visit these web sites for country-specific information:

  • U.S. Department of State Check this site periodically before departure. Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine will not give credit or support to a medical student in a country where a Dept. of State Travel Warning of level 3 or 4 is in effect unless otherwise approved.
  • Students Abroad (U.S. Department of State)
  • CDC 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, etc.

6. Attend a Predeparture Meeting with Joseph Leanza, MD

Meet with Dr. Leanza, Director of Global Health Programs, at least 4-8 weeks before departure to discuss preparation and items in steps #4 and #5 above. When you submit your travel grant reimbursement (#12 below) you will be asked to indicate the date of this meeting.

7. Ensure You Receive ‘Emergency Information’ Document from Ana Gregory

Once you have attended a predeparture meeting, Ana Gregory will send you the ‘Emergency Information‘ document that outlines steps to take while you are abroad in the event of an emergency. Email Ana Gregory if you do not receive it.

8. Register Your Travel Plans with BU and the State Department

  • Register with the BU International Travel Registry. In accordance with the BU International Travel Risk Policy, medical students are required to register their travel before undertaking any university-sponsored international travel. The Registry enables emergency communication between you and BU while you are abroad.
  • Register with U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trips with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This allows the US Embassy to contact travelers in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. It will also help family and friends contact the traveler in an emergency.

    II. List of Required Responsibilities: Upon Return

    10. Complete the GH Post-Experience Report

    Complete the GH Post-Experience Report at Global Health Post-Experience Summaries. Once you log into Global Health Post-Experience Summaries, click “Click here to submit an experience” to submit your summary report. This must be submitted within 30 days of student’s return and no later than the Friday before graduation.

    11. Complete Part 3 of The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health

    Just prior to your return, you must complete Part 3 “Reflection” of the Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health (see #4 above).

    12. Submit Online Form for Travel Grant Reimbursement

    If you were awarded a travel grant, you must complete the Student Reimbursement Form for Travel Grant to receive payment.