Application Process for International Visiting Medical Students (Non-U.S. and Non-Canadian)
Policies and Procedures
- International visiting students are limited to a total of twelve consecutive weeks of clinical course work. Due to limited capacity in the clinical curriculum, the UWSOM cannot guarantee enrollment in requested electives.
- International visiting students must be in good academic standing at their schools and must be in the final year of their medical school training.
- Students from international medical schools who are not United States citizens must obtain the appropriate visa according to immigration law. Students from countries that are part of the U.S. State Department's Visa Waiver Program must apply through ESTA (the Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Students from countries that are not part of the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a B1 visa, once their application has been approved and they have been offered a clerkship. Due to delays in obtaining visas, visiting international students must apply at least six months in advance of the desired clinical elective start date.
- Tuition for each four-week clerkship is $5000 plus a $44 non-refundable registration fee. Credit is awarded through the home institution, not the University of Washington.
- Visiting international students must provide proof of professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million "per occurrence." If the home school does not provide coverage, students will need to purchase a policy that covers them for the duration of their clerkship at UWSOM. Review this checklist to see what kind of coverage is needed.
- Visiting international students must also provide proof of personal health insurance coverage, immunizations and universal precautions training.
- After accepting a clerkship offer, visiting international students must complete a background check through UWSOM’s contracted vendor, including an international search.
- International students for whom English is not their primary language must also show proof of English language proficiency. English language proficiency may be demonstrated by passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. A minimum TOEFL score of 90 is recommended for students who will be engaged in patient care activities.
Additional criteria for students seeking a rotation in the Department of Medicine