International Health Travel
Reasons to Travel
Why Go Abroad During Medical School?
- Broaden cultural competency for domestic and international work. These experiences may be relevant in New Brunswick/NJ communities, given population trends.
- Assist in developing expertise for a career that focuses on the health needs of developing countries.
- Sharpen physical exam skills, increase understanding of cost-constrained care, and the importance of public health.
- Improve the ability to advocate for the needs of the most under-served patient populations in the world.
Considerations When Choosing Where to Travel
- Personal goals for the experience (e.g., improve language skills, exposure to diverse cultures, develop understanding of public health concerns)
- Region or country of interest
- Type of program- Language Immersion vs. Medical (women’s health, traditional medicine, rural medicine, surgical, ortho) or combo programs
- Language requirements
- Weather in destination county
- Budget constraints
- Past student recommendations.