ELECTIVE GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) accepts requests for electives from international students at other schools of medicine with whom UMMS has an established exchange program. 

If a student is approved for an elective at UMMS, it is expected that the student will honor that commitment for the entire  duration of the elective.  On rare occasion, a student may need to request a change to their schedule.  UMMS's policy regarding schedule changes is the request must be received at least TWO months prior to the start of the elective with a valid reason for the request noted.  All changes are by mutual consent only.  If the request cannot be granted, the student is expected to honor their initial commitment or receive a failing grade for the elective.

ELECTIVES / GENERAL INFORMATION:  UMass will begin accepting applications for the next academic year on April 1st.  Applications are held for consideration until May 1st.  Applications received before May 1st are processed in the order they were received.  Elective information, policies and forms are available at: http://www.umassmed.edu/studentaffairs/electives

• International students may apply for a large number of Type B or Type C electives if all prerequisites are met.
• Application(s) must be received at least three months prior to the start of the elective.
• Type A electives are not offered to International students; however, the Department of Surgery may consider International students on a case by case basis for select electives in their department. 
  
• Electives listed under 'Various Department Based' are only offered to UMass students.
• A completed application form must be submitted for each elective or change to a previously approved elective.
• Incomplete applications will be returned to the student and delay consideration for any elective.   
  
• A maximum of 8 weeks (4 consecutive weeks per elective) is allowed per student per academic year.
  
• Elective approvals must be in writing.  Verbal communications with individuals or departments does not constitute acceptance of an elective.
• A $65.00 non-refundable administrative fee must accompany each four week elective application.  Payment should be made payable to: University of Massachusetts Medical School and can be in the form of a cashiers check or money order drawn on a US bank.
  

APPLICATION CRITERIA:  

• Students must be in their FINAL clinical year of medical school.
  
• Complete the top section of the UMMS International Elective Application Form.
• Have your dean's office or designated school official complete the appropriate section [good standing statement].  All documentation must be in English [can be translated by a certified translator].
  

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ANY ELECTIVE, THE FOLLOWING MUST BE RECEIVED:

• Completed UMMS International Elective Application certified with official school seal or stamp for each elective requested (maximum of 2 four-week electives / academic year). 
  
• Two letters of recommendation:  one from the Dean/Registrar of your home school, one from a professor / preceptor.
• An application-processing fee of $65.00 for each 4 week elective (8 weeks maximum) payable to University of Massachusetts Medical School via cashiers check or money order drawn on a US bank.
• Transcripts in English with your school seal; transcripts in a foreign language will be returned for translation.
• Proof in English of Malpractice or Professional Liability insurance.  If your school does not provide insurance, you can purchase it through UMass Memorial Health Care for $50.  If insurance is needed, please request an Insurance Registration Form.  You will need to provide a separate cashier’s check or money order drawn on a US bank made payable to UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc before the insurance can be secured for you.
• Proof in English of health insurance coverage, including coverage for emergency evacuation, or repatriation of remains in event of death.
• Completion in English of UMMS Immunization Form.
• Proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL - total score of at least 93 with a minimum 24 for speaking). 
• Verification of HIPAA and OSHA certified training (provided in Dean’s Letter or trained by UMMS prior to start of elective).
  
• Copy of Curriculum Vitae
• Two passport photos (both photos must be certified with official school seal or stamp on the back)
  

IF YOUR APPLICATION IS APPROVED: 

• You will receive a copy of your approved Application Form listing the name of the approved elective, the elective contact person to report to and the dates of the elective.  If you are unable to report to your approved elective, you must e-mail the elective coordinator and Jessica Hines [ Jessica.Hines@umassmed.edu ] at least 2 months prior to the start of the elective.
• You are required to bring a short white lab coat, stethoscope and medical student I.D. badge to each rotation.
• Bring a copy of your school's Evaluation Form and give it directly to the coordinator of the approved elective. 
  

IF YOUR APPLICATION WAS NOT APPROVED:  You will receive a copy of your application accompanied by a letter explaining the reason the elective request could not be honored.

HOUSING:  UMMS does not provide housing; however, we may have information on available sublets.  If you would like a copy of this information, please e-mail Jessica.Hines@umassmed.edu.  Please note, UMMS does not endorse or verify information on sublets.  This information is provided as a courtesy only.

VISA INFORMATION:  

• If accepted for an elective, you must request entrance to the U.S. as a B-1 Visitor for Business or WB Waiver for Business depending on your country of citizenship.  Please see the UMMS International Students and Scholars (ISSO) website at: http://www.umassmed.edu/B1.aspx for more information.  Note:  It is not appropriate to enter the U.S. as a B-2 Tourist or WT Waiver for Tourist for this affiliation.  
  
• A letter to present at the consulate in your home country and/or at the point of entry to the U.S. will be enclosed with the approval information.  If J-1 non-degree visa is required / preferred, you will have to meet additional requirements. 
• We will work with the International Students and Scholar’s Office to obtain the appropriate documentation if this is necessary.
  

QUESTIONS / CONCERNS:  Please contact Dr. Michael Godkin at Michael.Godkin@umassmed.edu or Jessica Hines at Jessica.Hines@umassmed.edu or call 508-856-4028.  
 

Revised 4/28/09