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.
Early Clinical Experience (ECE) and Middle Clinical Experience (MCE) students may consider attending the college programs offered in Cuba and Costa Rica during Spring Break. Students in Late Clinic Experience (LCE) may work with the Director of Student Programs on their campus to obtain approval for international health study programs. See below for more information on International Clinical 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. Visit the LMU webpage for more information.
Students may contact Dr. Mieka Smart to discuss additional opportunities.
This College of Human Medicine Education Abroad Program is a 1 credit elective that introduces students to health care in Cuba. This program is intended to give first- and second-year College of Human Medicine students an introduction to a universal health care system where everyone is covered. In addition, this elective offers students the opportunity to provide service to hospitals, clinics, and the community. Therefore, this program will fulfill the CHM 40 hours of service requirement. Efforts will begin in the months prior to travel, in which students will assist with collecting medical supplies that will be provided during their visit to Cuba.
This elective is expected to relaunch in 2023.
Instructional Objectives
Faculty Course Director & Instructor: Dr. Mieka Smart, 810-600-5682
This College of Human Medicine Education Abroad Program is a 1 credit elective that provides students with an introduction to health care in Costa Rica. The program is provided in partnership with IHCAI Institute. It is intended to give first- and second-year College of Human Medicine students an introduction to a universal health care system where everyone is covered. In addition to the academic components, the program will also offer service opportunities with two non-government organizations that support breast cancer patients. Service will begin in the months prior to travel and culminate in the provision of supplies and service with patients in Costa Rica. This program will meet the CHM 40 hours of service requirement.
This elective is expected to relaunch in 2024.
Instructional Objectives
Faculty Course Director & Instructor: Dr. Mieka Smart, 810-600-5682
Students preparing for an international experience should visit the following links for more information:
The following websites are for resource purposes only. You will need to work with the individual
international opportunity for application and access to rotations.