HUCOP International FAQs

How long are HUCOP International APPEs? 

International APPEs are the same duration as other APPEs within the US. They last 5 weeks.

How is the time for travel accounted for within the rotation period? 

We allow 1-2 days of flexible travel time at the beginning and end of the rotation. This allows students to fly to their rotation destination and have a little time to adjust to the differing time zones before beginning rotations.

Is any financial aid provided for the travel? 

Students are expected to be able to fund their own international rotation. If HUCOP has the funds, students are allotted a specified amount to help cover the cost of the flight, however, students should not expect this.

How are HUCOP students prepared to go overseas? 

A full day orientation is mandated for all students traveling overseas for rotation. The orientation covers logistics, cultural sensitivity training, professionalism and ethics while overseas and individual country break-out sessions to discuss details of their location. Additionally, all students meet with the international committee chair 2 weeks prior to departure to ensure all paperwork and requirements are ready for their departmture.

Will I be traveling alone if I am going on an International APPE? 

We make every effort to send students in pairs so that no student is traveling alone. In some rare instances, groups of 3 or 4 have gone together. 

Will there be any language barriers? 

In general, most of the countries HUCOP sends students to conduct business in English or the preceptor is able to speak English to the students. In locations where English is not commonly spoken, you may have pharmacists or student pharmacists help through translation when necessary. Overall, language has not been a barrier to teaching and learning on our international rotations.

How are International APPE’s graded? 

International APPEs are graded in the same way that all APPE’s are graded. International preceptors will complete a midpoint and final evaluation online. 

How is it decided what country each student will go to? 

Students submit their application in the fall of their P3 year and will indicate their country preferences. The International committee meets and based on your preference and availability, selects students and places them in one of the country sites.

How should I prepare to go overseas? 

Students are expected to do their due diligence in researching the country they are going to. Utilizing online websites and travel books to explore culture, food, language, religious practices, etc, will help the student feel more comfortable upon arriving to their destination.

What kind of rotations are offered? 

HUCOP International does our best to provide experiences that are visitors are interested in. In general, most of our shadowing experiences are provided in Internal Medicine, Critical Care, and Ambulatory Care settings. 

How long can I come for? 

On average, we provide shadowing experiences that are about 4 to 5 weeks long. In some rare cases, they may be longer or shorter, depending on the request presented. We do our best to meet the expectations of the visitors when possible.

What visa will I need? 

Although this will vary depending on the country of citizenship, we recommend visiting students and pharmacists to come to the US under a tourist visa.

What options are available for accommodation? 

Visitors can choose from a variety of housing options. Staying in either Maryland, DC, or Virginia are viable options. HUCOP provides 2-3 options for housing in the surrounding areas, but visitors can also search on their own for accommodation that is preferred.