International Students & Pharmacists: What You Need to Know

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Program Overview

The Howard University College of Pharmacy (HUCOP) welcomes students, faculty, and practicing pharmacists from around the world as part of our commitment to building meaningful global partnerships. These exchanges provide visitors with valuable insight into the practice of pharmacy in the United States.

Experiences are tailored to the goals of each partnering institution and may focus on community practice, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, academic instruction, or a combination of areas. Visitors engage with pharmacists, patients, and healthcare professionals, with Howard University Hospital serving as the primary site. Programs are offered year-round, with most taking place in the summer, and typically last five weeks.

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Eligibility & Selection Criteria
  • Applications must be submitted by an educational institution (college, university, or program) on behalf of the participant(s).
  • The home institution or program is responsible for selecting participants based on its internal criteria.
  • HUCOP accepts a limited number of visiting students, pharmacists, or faculty each year, with priority given to institutions that hold official partnerships with HUCOP.
  • Partnering institutions must have curricula that emphasize intensive instruction in pharmacy practice, pharmacy management, and/or pharmaceutical sciences.
  • All travel expenses must be covered by the partnering institution or visiting participants.

How to Apply: 

To apply, you must send an email directly to Dr. Grace Jennings, Director of International Operations at gjennings@howard.edu. 

Featured Program

Pharmabridge® is a voluntary global initiative designed to strengthen pharmacy services in low-income and emerging countries. Established to connect individuals and institutions, the program promotes the exchange of resources and training in pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical science, the pharmaceutical industry, and pharmacy education.

Howard University College of Pharmacy is a proud participant in this program, which is supported by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Through Pharmabridge, we have hosted pharmacists from Ghana and Nigeria to:

  • Update their professional competence
  • Develop new initiatives to implement in their home countries
  • Strengthen pharmacy departments and systems while building the capacity of pharmacy professionals

Rhianna Watson

Pharmacy Student, The University of the West Indies

This elective was a privilege and a rare opportunity to see medicine practiced in a different context and to grow personally and professionally. To anyone who is unsure about stepping outside their comfort zone for an exchange experience: do it. The growth, the lessons, and the memories you gain will stay with you far beyond your time abroad. Howard University gave me a rotation I will never forget.

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Before You Arrive: Information for Incoming Students

Airport Pickup

Please forward your flight itinerary to Dr. Grace Jennings at gjennings@howard.edu and Ms. Janine Cannon at j_cannon@howard.edu at least 4 weeks before your arrival date. For detailed airport information, please check the official airport websites.

Local Airports

 

Transportation: Getting Around the DC Metro Area

We recommend using public transportation for easy travel around the city. The Washington, DC Metrorail and Metrobus systems are safe and efficient, with routes that connect you to historic landmarks, neighborhoods, and shopping areas in Maryland and Virginia.

Other transportation options include ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.

Visit WMATA for more information!

 

Housing & Accommodation

Accommodation in the Washington, DC metro area can vary, and HUCOP provides a curated list of housing options for visiting guests. Typical costs for a one-month stay range from $800–$1,600 USD, depending on whether you select a shared or private room.

Please note: Securing lodging is the responsibility of the visitor. We recommend choosing accommodations close to Howard University to avoid disruptions to your rotation schedule.

 

Howard University Campus Map

For the most up-to-date campus map, please visit the Howard University Directory page.

 

Important Information + FAQs

Key Information for International Visitors

Visiting students/faculty/pharmacists who plan to participate in research or short period programs at Howard University College of Pharmacy are strongly recommended to apply for and obtain a J-1 visa, as the B1/B2 visa is intended solely for tourism or short-term business purposes. The J-1 visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa designed for highly educated foreign professionals to engage in activities such as research, teaching, training, consulting, or observation in specialized roles at Howard University. J-1 scholars must participate on a full-time basis, which requires a commitment of 40 hours per week.  

All J-1 exchange visitors, along with their accompanying spouses and dependents, are required by their sponsors to maintain health insurance that provides adequate coverage for the duration of their program. This requirement ensures protection against medical emergencies while in the United States. In recognition of rising healthcare costs, the U.S. Department of State increased the minimum insurance standards to better meet the current medical needs of exchange visitors. As of May 15, 2015, the required minimum coverage includes medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness; repatriation of remains coverage in the amount of $25,000; medical evacuation expenses to the home country in the amount of $50,000; and a deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness. Inadequate coverage could result in severe financial hardship, which is why compliance with these insurance requirements is mandatory under federal regulations [22 CFR 62.14].   

After Exchange Visitor has arrived in the United States, he/she is required to visit the Office of International Student Services. They will address any questions or concerns and obtain information required by the Department of State and be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). We will also welcome them to Howard University’s international community and inform them of the services provided by the University. 

Are there any required certifications?

Yes, there are required certifications. Please send an email to Ms. Janine Cannon at j_cannon@howard.edu for the full list of requirements. 

What kind of rotations are offered?

HUCOP International strives to tailor experiences to the interests of our visitors. Most shadowing opportunities are available in Internal Medicine, Critical Care, and Ambulatory Care settings.

How long are the rotations?

Shadowing experiences typically last 4–5 weeks. In some cases, rotations may be shorter or longer depending on the visitor’s request. We do our best to accommodate individual preferences whenever possible.

What visa is accepted?

Visa requirements vary by country, but visiting students and pharmacists are generally advised to come to the U.S. on a tourist visa.

Are there accommodation options available?

Visitors can choose from a variety of housing options in Maryland, DC, or Virginia. HUCOP provides 2–3 recommended housing options near campus, though visitors are welcome to secure accommodations independently if they prefer. 

Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions, please send an email directly to Dr. Grace Jennings, Director of International Operations at gjennings@howard.edu and CC Ms. Janine Cannon at j_cannon@howard.edu.