Many NEOUCOM/COP students are interested in participating in an international educational experience at some time during their education. International experiences can be in the form of international service or mission work, study abroad or senior electives. This web site is designed as a resource guide for students seeking these global opportunities.

General Information

AMSA's Global Health Action Committee has a great comprehensive resource page for information on global opportunities.

International Service and Mission Experiences

Study Abroad

International Electives

Funding Resources

Travel Information

  • Passport and Visa:

    Locate the nearest consulate or embassy of the country in which you plan to do your elective, as well as any that you might visit on the trip. You should be able to find the country embassy or consulate by calling directory information. Determine whether you need only a passport or if both a passport and a visa are needed and have them send you their visa application if necessary. Begin obtaining your passport or visa at least three months prior to your leaving date (a passport may take much longer than a visa and it must be obtained before the visa). It may be a good idea to carry extra passport-size photos with you in case you decide to visit another country in the area and need another visa.

    Note: A passport is obtained from our government while a visa is permission from a foreign country to visit or work in their country.

  • Health and Immunizations:

    A) Sources of information:

The Centers for Disease Control Web site is http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm. To get a complete set of information:

a) First, Check the "Blue sheet" to see if your travels will take you to areas with reported cholera or yellow fever.

b) Next, check the "Yellow Book" under "Vaccination Information" for "Vaccination Certification Requirements".

i) Under "Vaccination Certificate Requirements for Direct Travel from the U.S. to Other Countries" you should check to see what kind of documentation might be required.

ii) Under "Yellow Fever Vaccinations Required and Information of Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis by Country" you should check under each host country to determine your needs for yellow fever vaccination and malaria prophylaxis.

c) Next, scroll down to "Geographic Health Recommendations" and read information on all the areas youíll be entering. This includes excellent information on Malaria, Dengue Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Yellow Fever, Ebola, Typhoid Fever, Cholera, Hepatitis A and B, HIV, Parasites, Meningococcal Disease, and Rabies. You can print these out to take with you to the physician and on your travels.

d) Specific information on vaccines is also available on the CDC website, including geographic incidence of the disease, efficacies of types of vaccines, dosing, and contraindications.

The Center for Disease Control's annual handbook, Health Information for International Travel, has an updated list of the immunizations needed for every country.

The CDC has a Traveler's Information hotline at: (877) 394-4357 (24 hour access with touch-tone phone).

Obtaining vaccinations/prescriptions:

If you will need the Yellow Fever vaccine, you must be seen in a government-approved travel clinic.

For all but the Yellow Fever vaccine, your primary care physician can take care of you. You may want to contact the CDC to find out what you will need beforehand and bring this information with you to the appointment ( http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm).

In general, make the appointment at least 2-3 months prior to leaving, as many immunizations are given in a series over a period of weeks or months. Be sure to update your immunization records during the visit. At the same time as getting your shots you should discuss any health concerns, including allergies, and ask about prophylactic medications. It is generally a good idea to bring Immodium and ciprofloxacin.

Health insurance:

It is important to confirm that you are adequately covered for health insurance, including coverage in the event of emergency evacuation or repatriation of remains. Some links to these plans are:

  • Packing Tips:

    In general, remember to bring your passport, visas, immunization records, and authorization to perform medical work (student ID or letter from the host hospital). For certain places you may need items like an electrical converter, a tape recorder, a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable typewriter, mosquito repellant, mosquito netting, an extra pair of glasses/contacts, your prescription, sunblock, toilet paper, paper towels, an umbrella, and a sheet. An extra supply of necessary medications (including birth control pills) in original containers is essential. In addition, The Lancet states that in developing countries an emergency health pack containing needles and a drip set is an essential part of equipment to prevent HIV. If you will be doing clinical work, bring your own gloves, scrubs, gowns, safety glasses, and medical equipment.

  • Money Matters:

    Credit cards, ATM cards, and travelers' checks can be lifesavers while traveling. If you arrange ahead of time with American Express, you can request additional travelers¹ checks from any international American Express office. ATM cards in some locations will give you the best exchange rate. You may want to bring a money pouch (one that can be worn inside your clothing) to keep your valuables hidden from pickpocketers. Some people wear a money pouch inside their clothing (with their true valuables) and a fanny pack outside their clothing with smaller change. This way, if they are robbed, the thief will steal the fanny pack but not think to look for a separate money pouch.

 

NEOUCOM Student and Faculty Travelogues - Coming Soon!

 

Would you like to share information about your international experience? If so, please send electronic photos and trip information to Anita Pokorny at app@neoucom.edu.