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Questions to ask yourself
Finding an international field placement It is also a good idea to talk to other students who have done international field work; attend the fall or spring mandatory international field experience orientation and the end of semester debriefing sessions; begin establishing your network; talk to anyone you think might have a connection, and be persistent! Use all of your resources. Then, once you have a clearer picture for an international field placement, communicate first with your Academic Advisor and then begin the placement process with the International Field Experience Coordinator.Living expenses and the cost of all field placement activities are the responsibility of the student and should be considered in financial planning. The costs reflected in the table are approximate.
College of Public Health Funding Opportunity
Examples of outside funding sources
Examples of approved international field experience sites
PLEASE SEE THE “FORMS” SECTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIELD EXPERIENCE WEBSITE TO DOWNLOAD THE “PRELIMINARY APPLICATION” AND OTHER FORMS YOU WILL NEED THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS FOR PLANNING AN IFE. Passport – A passport is required for an International Field Experience (IFE). You should have a valid passport at least a year in advance of your planned IFE. If you have a passport, keep in mind that some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. Photocopy the vital information from the front of your passport and keep separately from your passport. Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages. For more information, visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/fees/fees_837.html Visa - Visas are not the same as passports. Not all countries require visas but when needed it may be a long process and should be started early--at least 3 months prior to your departure. When you apply for your visa be sure it covers a period longer than your stay in the host country. A natural disaster, an illness, a missed train or plane connection could cause over-stay on one’s visa. Medical and Evacuation Insurance - Arrange for medical and evacuation insurance. The State of Florida requires that all students studying abroad maintain adequate medical and evacuation insurance for illness and injury. Before departure, students must show proof of existing medical and evacuation insurance coverage, which is valid outside the US. Please select the link below for travel insurance forms. Read the forms carefully, complete and sign them. Make copies for yourself and for the IFE Office. Submit the original completed and signed forms to the USF Education Abroad Office at: Immunization - Immunizations are another consideration where early planning is necessary. Many countries require certificates of vaccination for entry. Some vaccines, such as yellow fever, are not readily available, and some vaccines are given in series, sometimes months apart. The Pinellas and Hillsborough County Health Departments offer foreign travel services. Check on and fulfill host country’s entry requirements for required and recommended immunizations, medications and HIV/AIDS and other testing). http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx Detailed local Health Department information can be found at:
Facts and Considerations for the Traveler CIA World Fact Book Culture Etiquette Guides US State Department US Overseas Embassy/Consular Offices Contact Information Immunization/Outbreaks (CDC) Pre-Departure Information Travel Immunization (Hillsborough County) Travel Immunization (Pinellas County) USF International Affairs Please remember to check the Travel Warnings link on the Department of State site. Students should register on the State Department website before going overseas. Please make sure that you check the box that indicates that the State Department can release information to the USF Health International Office in the advent of a difficulty. USF discourages travel to countries with State Department travel warnings. Other considerations: Health Risks and Preventive Measures
Adapted from: MSF: Your Health While On Mission (2nd ed.) 1999 Medecins Sans Frontieres |