Global Health

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

Early Clinical Experience (ECE) and Middle Clinical Experience (MCE) students may consider attending the college program offered in Costa Rica during Spring Break. Students in Late Clinic Experience (LCE) may work with the Student Program Administrator on their campus to obtain approval for international electives.

LCE students who are in the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved (LMU) Certificate Program will work with the LMU Director to establish their international opportunities for their 4th year.

International Experiences

Clinical students should apply for study abroad at least 8 weeks before departure through the MSU Office for Education Abroad (EA). To begin, please complete the CHM Education Abroad Request Form.

See the college's Global Electives JIT page for faculty-led programs, scholarships and websites of other organizations that provide international programs for medical students. This is not an endorsement of other programs but a listing of some sites for programs other medical students have participated in.

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