FAQs

Application

• What paperwork do I need for my application?
  
  
  Answer: Please see Required Documents for Visiting Student Elective Program.
   
• May I list more than two choices on my application to increase my chances for acceptance?
  
  
  Answer: No. If you do, you could jeopardize your chances of being accepted for an elective at Yale.
   
• May I re-apply if I’m not accepted?
  
  
  Answer: No.
   
• How long will it take to process my application?
  
  
  Answer: About two months, but you should apply at least six months in advance of the date you hope to start the elective.
   
• What is the deadline for applying?
  
  
  Answer: There is no deadline for applications. Your application should arrive at least six months before you plan to start your clinical elective.
   
• Where should I send my application?
  
  
  Answer: Mail it to: Office of International Medical Student Education, Yale School of Medicine, ES Harkness Hall, 367 Cedar St., Room 221, New Haven, Ct. 06510.
   
• May I email or fax an application to you?
  
  
  Answer: Because we require your school seal on the application, we need you to mail your application to the office. We are not able to accept e-mailed or faxed applications.
   
• Do you require a TOEFL score? Even if my school's language of instruction is English?
  
  
  Answer: We prioritize students who include a TOEFL score report in their application.
   
• Do you accept Cambridge ESOL scores instead of TOEFL scores?
  
  
  Answer: Yes.
   
• What is your TOEFL code?
  
  
  Answer: The School of Medicine does not have a TOEFL code. Please include a copy of your TOEFL scores with the rest of the documents in your application.
   
• I submitted by application and now I see that your new website requests additional documents - do I have to resubmit my old application?
  
  
  Answer: No, you do not need to resubmit your application, we will process your old application.

Eligibility

• May I apply if I am an international student?
  
  
  Answer: Yes. We encourage applications from medical students who are not US citizens.
   
• As an international student, what type of Visa do I need?
  
  
  Answer: Visiting international students need B-1 Visa status.
  Please read this document: United States Visa Information.
• Am I eligible if I am a U.S. resident or U.S. citizen, attending medical school outside of the U.S.?
  
  
  Answer: Unfortunately, you are not eligible if you are a U.S. resident or citizen, attending medical school outside of the U.S. (Please note: Puerto Rico is part of the U.S.)
   
• Can you tell me what electives have seats available?
  
  
  Answer: Unfortunately, the roster is always changing, so we cannot determine what seats are available. We encourage you to apply for the electives you plan to make a career in.
   

Tuition and Fees

• Is there an application fee?
  
  
  Answer: No.
  
• What is the total cost, including housing?
  
  
  Answer: Housing costs $1000 for each month. Housing and tuition for each four-week elective is $3500.
   
• What forms of payment do you accept?
  
  
  Answer: We accept travellers cheques only.
   

Electives

• May I repeat an elective during the next session if I feel that I need more time to master the material?
  
  
  Answer: No. Students may only take two different electives in any 8-week period.
   
• Can you tell me which electives are available for a particular month?
  
  
  Answer: Unfortunately, it is difficult to give this information, as elective schedules can change on a daily and weekly basis.
   
• May I apply for a four-week elective that does not start on the date of the Yale rotation schedule?
  
  
  Answer: No. Visiting students must apply for clinical electives in accordance with the Yale rotation schedule.
   
• Can I enroll to complete my core clerkship requirement?
  
  
  Answer: No, these are clinical electives and do not satisfy core clerkship requirements.
   

General Information

• May I move into my housing before my elective starts?
  
  
  Answer: Unfortunately we cannot allow this. We need time to clean and prepare the apartment for you.
   
• What should I bring to orientation?
  
  
  Answer: Please bring your passport and travellers cheques to pay for your elective. If you do not bring your payment to orientation, you will not be permitted to start the rotation.
   
• What is the dress code for orientation?
  
  
  Answer: The dress code on the wards is professional attire. Men should wear button-down shirts and ties, and women should wear dress pants or skirt. Students can bring a white coat to wear on the wards or purchase a white coat at a nearby bookstore.
   
• What is the process for moving out at the end of my elective?
  
  
  Answer: Students must leave the dorms before 4 PM on their final Friday or between 11 AM and 1 PM on the following Saturday. We ask that students e-mail the Elective Coordinator with their departune timeline. A representative from Housing Services will inspect your room with you and take your key before you leave.
   

If you have other questions, please e-mail:
internal.health@yale.edu or robin.pinsker@yale.edu