Pre-application student information for international electives

Dear Student:

An international elective is an amazing opportunity and can be a fun and life-changing experience. However, detailed planning is important. Here are the steps that should be followed if you would like to apply for an international elective.

Before and as you are applying

First steps

Connect with the International Away Rotation course director or the assistant dean for clerkship–Curriculum about any questions regarding the steps for applying for an international rotation.
Advance planning

Note that you must complete the Qualtrics application for an International Rotation at least 3 months in advance, and International Away Rotations count in your Away Rotation total (3 Away Rotations allowed).
Your schedule

Communicate with your 4th year coordinator on whether this rotation will fit into your schedule, and plan for a back-up rotation for this time in case this rotation is not approved or in case there are barriers to an affiliation agreement or other issues make the rotation unworkable.
Required rotations

Double-check that you will be meeting your graduation requirements for “required rotations.” Note: Required rotations (Sub-internships, Rural/Urban Underserved, and Emergency Medicine) take priority over away rotations.
Residency applications

Consult with Dr. Harrison and/or Dr. Lindquist, along with your vice chair or faculty lead of specialty choice, to make sure that this opportunity and its timing will not hinder your residency application needs.

Once you have been accepted and BEFORE submitting the Qualtrics application

Schedule confirmation

Check in with your Year 4 coordinator and regional dean so that they can fit the rotation into your schedule. Double-check dates and remember to include travel time—travel to international destinations can take 2 (or even 3) days, and don’t forget time changes!

After preliminary approval from the Office of Curriculum Office/course director

If the program requires forms to sign by WSU

Please note: We may not be able to sign a document that is not professionally transcribed to the English language. You may need to cover the professional transcription costs if needed.

Also, only specific WSU university staff and faculty may be the appropriate role to sign non-English attachments.
Insurance may be needed

If your elective will involve clinical care of any kind, you will need to purchase malpractice/liability insurance for the duration of your elective.

The AAMC lists Academic Medical Professionals Insurance Risk Retention Group, LLC, as a resource for personal insurance needs.
WSU IPO application process

After curriculum and regional teams approvals, Student Affairs will connect you with the International Programs Office. The IPO requires students to complete an application process and application fees through their office. They will also assist in the completion of the International Experiential Learning Agreement for the College of Medicine by your host site.

Much of the information is not relevant to COM electives, but please pay particular attention to the Health and Safety Abroad and Preparing to Leave sections.

Upon provisional approval

If provisionally approved, the student will receive the following email:

EMAIL Response to Student Qualtrics Application—International Away Rotation

Dear Student,

Thank you for submitting your request for an international away rotation to the Year 4 Director and Curriculum Office through medicine.curriculum@wsu.edu.

We have confirmed that this is a legitimate and appropriate rotation that will meet WSUCOM graduation requirements. This notification is conditional approval for you to proceed with the next steps to confirm your rotation.

Several things need to happen before you will be able to embark on the rotation.

Affiliation agreements

If you receive communication about an affiliation agreement directly,please forward to your ADCE/Coordinator immediately. If required, your ADCE and/or the University International Programs Office will complete affiliation paperwork with the institution.
Institutional onboarding/credentialing requirements

You are responsible for completing and any onboarding/credentialing requests that go above and beyond our compliance processes. You are also responsible for any additional expenses related to credentialing/onboarding.

WSUCOM’s Curriculum, Student Affairs, your Year 4 Coordinator, Regional Dean, and the relevant Course Director are all receiving this email. Please forward this conditional approval to any other advisors (e.g., the Vice Chair/Faculty Lead who is advising you in your specialty match choice, if different) who may need this information.

We hope you enjoy your away rotation. Please direct any questions you may have to the medicine.curriculum@wsu.edu email.

Sincerely,
Assistant Dean for Clerkship—Curriculum