Guidelines For Fourth Year International Electives

Students who wish to do an international elective for credit, with or without financial support,during the fourth year or during the summer between 1st and 2nd year at Weill Medical College of Cornell University must follow the guidelines below:

Overall Guidelines

1. International electives preferably should be 2 months in duration
   (exceptions are listed below).
2. Electives for credit require:
   • Project Proposal (see guidelines below).
   • A Cornell faculty sponsor.
   • A host country sponsor – either individual or organization.
3. Knowledge of the language of the host country is highly desirable.
4. Approval by the International Committee.

Guidelines for Receiving Financial Support for an International Elective

1. Financial support for International Electives covers the cost of round-trip airfare to the host country. Students are expected to cover the living expenses incurred in the host country. Some grant-funded electives provide a lump sum to cover airfare and living expenses. International electives supported with Cornell funding in developing countries must be AT LEAST 2 months in duration, unless the student is sponsored by an organization that only offers a program that is shorter than 2 months: i.e.;
   
   
   • United States-European Union Medical Education Exchange (US-EU MEE) to Denmark, Germany and England: 1 month (study of the health care system of the host country through following a patient with a chronic disease).
   • American Hospital in Paris: 1 month (clinical elective).
   • Max Kade Fellowships in Vienna: 1 month (clinical elective).
   • Scudder Scholarship in Vellore, India: 1-2 months (clinical elective).
   
   
   
2. Those students doing an international elective during the summer between their 1st and 2nd year should plan to spend at least 4 weeks in the host country. All other guidelines and requirements for taking an international elective apply.

Guidelines for the Project Proposal

1. All international electives for credit require a project proposal.
2. Project proposals must have a Cornell faculty sponsor and a host country sponsor.
3. Project proposals must be completed within the time period of the elective.
4. Project proposals requesting Cornell funding should involve discussion before submission with a member of the International Committee. It is usually helpful to ask a member of the International Committee for guidance in project proposal preparation.

Dates and Deadlines for Application Submission

1. Applications must be submitted at least 3 months before the date of departure.
2. Applications for the United States-European Union Medical Education Exchange (US-UE MEE) must be submitted by August 1.

Information about programs and applications are available from:
Dr. Madelon L. Finkel, Director
Office of International Medical Education
maf2011@med.cornell.edu
(212) 746-1257