International Student FAQs
Application
- What paperwork do I need for my application?
Please see Required Documents for Visiting Student Elective Program. Applications must be submitted through AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) website https://students-residents.aamc.org/attending-medical-school/article/visiting-student-learning-opportunities/
- May I re-apply if I'm not accepted?
No, students are not allowed to re-apply once they have submitted an application and have been declined.
- How long will it take to process my application?
In most cases, applicants are notified no later than 2 months prior to the desired elective rotation.
- What is the deadline for applying?
Four (4) months prior to the desired elective rotation, however, we suggest students submit their applications six (6) months in advance. Applications submitted after the four (4) month deadline will not be considered.
- Do you require a TOEFL score? Even if my school's language of instruction is English?
Yes, the TOEFL is mandatory, however, will accept the IELTS or other Language Proficiency test such as OET, CAE or CPE only. Unfortunately, we cannot accept letters from the applicants’ home institution, to fulfill the language proficiency requirement.
- What is your TOEFL code?
The School of Medicine does not have a TOEFL code. Please upload a copy of your TOEFL scores through the AAMC VSLO application.
Eligibility
- As an international student, what type of Visa do I need?
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.?
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?
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.
Electives
- Where can I find descriptions and learning objectives of the electives YSM has to offer?
You can find a complete listing of clinical electives offered at YSM on the Medical Education webpage: https://medicine.yale.edu/md-program/curriculum/advancedtraining/clinicalelectives/electivecataloglisting/
Please click on the individual electives to see the full elective descriptions and learning objectives.
- I understand that the maximum number of electives I can complete is up to three. However, if I return at another time, may I complete an additional elective?
- No. Students may only take up to three electives consecutively, once you have completed one or more clinical elective rotations you are no longer eligible for our program.
- May I repeat an elective during the next session if I feel that I need more time to master the material?
No. Students may only take up to three (3) different elective rotations. However, the electives must be in different sub-specialties, the elective may be taken within the same department.
- Can you tell me which electives are available for a particular month?
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?
No. Visiting students must apply for clinical electives in accordance with the Yale rotation schedule.
- Can I enroll to complete my core clerkship requirement?
No, these are clinical electives and do not satisfy core clerkship requirements.
- Can I enroll to participate in a clinical elective after graduation from my home institution?
No, applicants must be an active medical student in good academic standing for the entire duration of their elective. Applicants must be returning to their home institution to complete studies.
- Can I withdraw after I have been accepted for an elective at Yale?
Yes, however, students who withdraw less than 4 weeks prior to the start of the assigned elective may have a letter of complaint sent to the Dean of their medical school. No refunds will be made except in extenuating circumstances. All refunds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with extenuating circumstances only and must receive approval from the Office of Global Health Education.
- What if I cannot obtain a visa before the start of my scheduled elective?
- Students who are unable to obtain a visa in time to start their scheduled elective need to be in communication with our office and we will discuss your options.
Observerships
- As an international medical student, can I come to Yale School of Medicine for an observership?
Affiliate Schools
- Is my medical school an affiliate of Yale School of Medicine?
The following schools have active affiliation agreements with Yale School of Medicine:
- Instituto Technologico de Santo Domingo
- Makerere University
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
- University of Ghana
- University of West Indies
- Xiangya Medical School
- I am from an affiliate medical school. Can I apply independently?
Yes, however, student must communicate with their designated representative at the affiliate medical school prior to applying.
Tuition & Fees
- Is there an application fee?
There are payable applications fees to the AAMC, however, Yale School of Medicine also charges a processing fee of $200 USD.
- Is there a tuition fee?
The tuition for a four-week clinical elective for students from international schools for Academic Year 23-24 is $4,200 USD. The tuition for eight weeks is $8,400 USD. The tuition for twelve weeks is $12,600 USD. Tuition is subject to increases with every new academic year. This typically happens in July.
- What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Credit Card payment. If you have questions, please email global.health@yale.edu
General Information
- What should I bring to orientation?
Please bring your passport along with any requested paperwork or required documentation. Students are required to have their physical passport when they arrive for orientation.
- What is the dress code on the wards?
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. Please note that in the U.S. medical students wear short white coats – you must have a short white coat, long ones are worn by residents and fellows and will not be permitted for students.
- Are there a certain number of hours that I should be working on my elective at Yale?
Yes, please use our Medical Student Clinical Work Hours Policy.
COVID Requirements
- Do I need to have the COVID-19 vaccine in order to apply?
Yes, YSM requires all visiting students to provide proof of the primary vaccination series and an approved bivalent booster. Students may apply if they are not fully vaccinated, as long as they provide proof of completion of the first dose and second dose, you must provide confirmation of a scheduled an approved bivalent booster, which must be complete before they arrive at YSM.
- Do I need to bring my own PPE?
No, you will receive specific PPE for clinical activities during your orientation, which will be included in your elective fees. You will be required to use this hospital issued PPE during your elective. You can optionally bring your own PPE for outside of the clinical setting.
- Am I required to have health insurance?
Yes, you must have health insurance which covers any necessary hospitalization or doctor’s visit due to illness or injury. Proof of insurance is a requirement and must be provided before an accepted student will be approved to enter the clinical setting.