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

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.

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