Global Health | Faculty of Human Medicine

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine offers medical students several opportunities to study international health during the academic year. Students often take breaks between classes in the winter, spring, and summer to travel abroad and experience international health in underserved areas of the world. Students can contact Dr. Mieka Smart to discuss additional opportunities.

Early Clinical Experience (ECE) AND Medium Clinical Experience (MCE) students may consider attending a college program offered in Costa Rica during spring break. Students in Late Clinical Experience (LCE) may cooperate with the Student Program Administrator in their area to obtain approval for optional classes for international students.

LCE students who are in Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved (LMU) Certification Program will work with the LMU Director to identify opportunities for international development in the fourth year of study.

International experiences

Clinical students should apply for study abroad at least 8 weeks prior to departure through the MSU Office for Education Abroad (EA). To get started, complete the CHM Education Abroad Application Form.

See the Global Electives JIT page for faculty-led programs, scholarships, and websites for other organizations that offer international medical student programs. This is not a recommendation for other programs, but a list of some websites for programs that other medical students have attended.

If you have already negotiated an international internship, please submit an approval letter from the international site that includes the internship dates and a brief description of the program to the student program administrator on your campus. This information will be attached to the Inter Campus/Off Campus Clerkship Request form and sent to the appropriate department for approval. If approved, the department will forward the information to the Director of Global Health.