International Service-Learning Program (I-Serve)

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Description:  International Service-Learning Program (I-Serve) provides students with a unique opportunity to be exposed to healthcare systems in cross-cultural setting around the world.  This program is designed to offer students a broad educational experience within their healthcare professions.  As program participants, students may have the opportunity to observe or rotate with local physicians in a hospital setting, participate in community outreach activities, serve in local school programs, and contribute to the spiritual activities of the host site.  I-Serve allows participants to learn about cultural competency and the cultural constructs of illness and healing in a foreign healthcare setting.  Students return from their host country with new perspectives on healthcare systems and delivery in places where resources and supplies are extremely limited.

Objectives: 

The International Service Program will help participants:

• Develop a larger sense of cultural competency and global awareness
• Broaden global healthcare and public health knowledge
• Broaden their Christian worldview
• Deepen their commitment to global service

The program includes the following educational aspects:

• Pre-trip orientation
• Orientation upon arrival in host country
• Experience working with a local healthcare professional who has agreed to be a teaching preceptor
• Post-trip debrief report

The I-Serve program emphasizes respect and understanding of all cultures.  This program is not meant to be seen as an opportunity to practice clinical skills and techniques abroad that students are not yet qualified to provide in the United States.  Rather, SIMS encourages participants to focus on developing a high level of community and global health awareness and to examine how healthcare systems are socially and culturally constructed.

Dates:  The I-Serve program takes place during the summer months of June through September.  The application deadline for summer 2013 is December 31, 2012.  SIMS maintains an early deadline to allow sufficient time for the placement of all students, as well as to give students sufficient lead time to purchase more affordable airline tickets.  SIMS encourages students to complete the application process prior to the application deadline to increase their chances of securing a placement at their desired site.  Late applications will be accepted until January 16, 2013 and will be subject to a $35.00 late application fee.

Costs:  All trip costs, including airfare, in-country transportation, food and lodging are the financial responsibility of the student.  On occasion, the host site will ask that students bring a monetary donation to support the hospital/clinic where they will serve.

Please note:  SIMS discourages any bargaining with host sites regarding in-country accommodation fees.  Host sites strive to keep food and lodging fees reasonable for program participants.  Fees for room and board are determined by the site and are based on the services provided.  Once your placement is confirmed, verify food and lodging fees with your in-country host and/or preceptor.  If you are unwilling to pay these fees, please contact the SIMS office for another placement. 

Cash Deposit:  Each application for the I-Serve program must be accompanied by a $50 cash deposit.  This deposit must be received by SIMS staff before the application is processed.  Deposits will be returned to students once all required post-trip activities are complete.  Failure to complete any required post-trip activities will result in loss of deposit.  Trip cancellation may also result in loss of deposit.  Those submitting late applications will pay the deposit in addition to the late fee.  Late fees will not be returned with deposits.

Cancellation:  SIMS understands that unexpected changes in schedule and/or emergencies can occur that are beyond the control of program participants.  Participants must notify the SIMS office in writing of any trip cancellations and/or unexpected changes to a travel itinerary.  Participants who notify SIMS of cancellation and/or changes to their travel plans with four or more weeks notice before trip departure date will be eligible to receive a full refund of their trip deposit.  Those who cancel or change travel plans with less than four weeks notice will forfeit their deposit.  In both cases, it is the responsibility of the participant to notify the SIMS office, as well as the site preceptor, of any cancellations and/or changes to travel plans.  Any canceled trips cannot be reinstated after the program's application deadline.

School of Medicine Applicants:  Students may apply to the School of Medicine (SM), as well as the SM Alumni Association for travel subsidies.  Students interested in receiving a travel subsidy from the SM must make an appointment for a brief interview with Dr. Lamberton in the SM Student Affairs Office.  The SM will refund 50% of airfare costs, up to a maximum of $750, for applications that are approved.  The Alumni Association also offers travel subsidies to medical students, but the amount varies from year to year.  Please contact the SM (909)-558-4630 or the SM Alumni Association (909)-558-7187 for application details.

Useful I-Serve documents:

   Student Checklist (PDF)