Division of Biology and Medicine
Center for Global Health Equity

PLME International Programs

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PLME International Programs

Overview

The international medical exchange program consists of providing The Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) students with the opportunity to partake in an international medical rotation at one of our international collaborator's sites. Each site is hosted by a foreign medical school and treated like a student of that school to have clinical experience outside the US. There is an application process. Once accepted into the program, students would be required to attend a pre-travel orientation. 

The Brown PLME international medical exchange programs take place for approximately 2 to 4 weeks.

We currently have PLME international medical exchange programs in 3 countries: China, Germany, and Taiwan. 

Please explore each country's site profile to learn more details about each university, which includes information about travel funding, housing, and board.

Students seeking the international health travel scholarship will indicate this in their application. Priority is for need-based students. 

Application

International exchange program applications will be submitted through a Google Form. Each student will select their top choice and submit a short essay response explaining their interest in the program. 

If you have specific questions about the application process and would like more information, please contact david_arango@brown.edu. 

Apply here

Timeline

January 24th, 2025Application opens 
February 18th, 2025Application closes
February 26th, 2025Students notified about program selection
March 10th, 2025Last day to accept program selection
June/July/AugustStudents travel (approximately 2-4 weeks)

International sites

Language requirement:

Courses taught in English – Mandarin language skills encouraged

Eligibility:Currently enrolled PLME and students from Alpert Medical School 
Enrollment Limit:TBD
Tuition:No charge to Brown students 
Travel expenses:

Each student’s airfare is funded through the Sheldon and Hong Chang Pang Endowment

Hangzhou, China: July 21 - August 3, 2025 
Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZUSM)This summer school course focuses on adolescent medicine, emphasizing the importance of promoting good health and well-being during this critical phase of development. Led by experts from Children's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine and McGill University. Students will gain insights into the unique physical and mental challenges faced by adolescents. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate the health needs of adolescents, promoting positive growth and development.
ZUSM HousingHousing is provided by ZUSM
ZUSM MealsMeals are provided by ZUSM

Other resources: Guide written by previous students (Course information has changed)

Language requirement:Courses taught in English – no German language requirement
Eligibility:Currently enrolled PLME and students from Alpert Medical School 
Enrollment Limit:Up to 15 
Tuition:No charge to Brown students 
Travel expenses:Each student is responsible for all travel expenses to/from and within Germany
Rostock, Germany, Winter; TBD 
Rostock University Faculty of MedicineFrom Macroscopy to Histology: Organization of the Central Nervous System— This intensive Winter School is designed for students interested in advancing their understanding of neurological diseases and exploring innovative treatment options. Through a hands-on approach, participants will gain in-depth knowledge of human brain anatomy by examining histological structures and the structural intricacies critical for disease modeling. These practical sessions are complemented by expert-led lectures and discussions on the pathophysiology of key neurological diseases, including Parkinson's. The course offers participants the opportunity to engage with leading experts, explore cutting-edge research, and discuss future advancements in the field of neurology. The program also includes a cultural experience with a visit to Berlin. This immersive experience combines academic rigor with unique opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Rostock HousingOff-campus housing provided by Rostock
Rostock MealsA small stipend provided by Rostock

Students Guide to Rostock put together by Esha Karayi & Hamsa Shanmugam, PLME ’24

Rostock, Germany: Summer; June 2nd - June 13th, 2025 
Rostock University Faculty of MedicineBIOL 6510 - Growing Old – Aging and its Medical Challenges: Provide students with cross-cultural perspectives on medical topics such as aging in the US and Germany contexts. During the morning seminars, specialists in aging provide information on the physiology of aging and on prominent diseases afflicting the elderly such as hypertension and diabetes. During the afternoon, students undertake field trips, labs, and visits to institutions of aging as well as engage in cultural activities.
Rostock HousingOff-campus housing  provided by Rostock
Rostock MealsA small stipend provided by Rostock
Tuebingen, Germany: Summer; June 16th - 27th, 2025 
Eberhard Karls UniversityBIOL 6511-Comparative Medical Ethics The goal of this intensive two-week seminar is to bring pre-medical and medical students from Brown and Tuebingen together to discuss ethical issues of medical practice in a comparative perspective. The seminar will consist of small group discussions and study periods, and will include the students preparing short presentations for the group sessions. By comparing different ethical standards and positions from the US, Germany, and selected other countries, the students will not only receive a basic training in medical ethics but also get a sense for the cultural relativity of moral reasoning, the co-existence of alternative and competing ethical frameworks, calibrated to different civilizational traditions and socio-political conditions. The participants will be offered clinical cases to discuss the implications of different ethical positions. The seminar will be highly interactive to induce a stimulating exchange of ideas and arguments between the medical students from the US and Germany. 
Tuebingen HousingRooms booked at a nearby youth hostel (breakfast included).
Tuebingen MealsA small stipend provided by Tuebingen

Other resources: Student's Guide to Tuebingen put together by Grace Sun, PLME'16.

Language requirement:Courses taught in English – No Mandarin Chinese language requirement
Eligibility:Currently enrolled PLME and students from Alpert Medical School 
Enrollment Limit:6-10 students
Tuition:No charge to Brown students 
Travel expenses:Each student’s airfare is funded through the Luke Charitable Fund
Tainan, Taiwan: July 7 to July 18, 2025 (2 weeks) 
National Cheng Kung University Faculty of Medicine (NCKU)This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) within the cultural context of Asia. National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), located in the heart of downtown Tainan, is known for its practical academic approach, strong research capabilities, and globally-minded learning environment. NCKU offers a wide range of interdisciplinary studies across fields such as engineering, science, management, medicine, and design, fostering a dynamic and collaborative academic environment.
NCKU HousingHousing is provided by NCKU
NCKU MealsSome meals are provided by NCKU

Funding

International Health Travel Scholarships (IHTS)

  • Approximately ten (10) scholarships of $500 are awarded annually to PLME undergraduate students to support travel to international locations to pursue educational experiences, such as attending summer seminars, conferences, programs, or research that will benefit the students' professional development. Students will indicate consideration for the IHTS when they submit their international program application. 
  • NOTE: Students applying for the Traditional Chinese Medicine programs at ZUSM (China) or NCKU (Taiwan) CANNOT apply for IHTS. Both ZUSM and NCKU summer programs are guaranteed funding for students.

Insurance Abroad

Brown Students must arrange their own health insurance while abroad either through their own personal health insurance or Brown-sponsored insurance. Brown students are also provided a comprehensive membership plan (not health insurance), as a medical resource while abroad accessed through International SOS. Further info for Brown students going abroad can be found on the Office of International Programs website.

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

FAQs

Are there any language requirements?

There are no language requirements to participate in the medical exchange program. ZUSM program encourages Mandarin language skills, but is not mandatory. 

Is there travel funding provided to participate in the international medical exchange?

NCKU and ZUSM programs are guaranteed funding. Student need-based tuition can apply to the PLME International Health Travel Scholarship (IHTS).

How do students prepare for the international exchange program?

Students will be provided pre-travel preparation material and additional information based on their international program.

Contact