International Service Trips & Clinical Experiences Abroad
Many pre-health students consider short-term health-related service or volunteer opportunities abroad (such as during spring break or summer). These trips can broaden your perspective on medicine and culture, but health profession schools stress the value of clinical exposure—not direct hands-on procedures—for pre-health students.
- Balance short-term international service with sustained local involvement.
One week abroad is no replacement for semesters volunteering at local clinics, hospitals, hospices, or nursing homes in the U.S.
Important: Do not engage in direct medical or dental treatment, dispense medications, or participate in hands-on clinical procedures abroad unless you have proper supervision, training, and legal authority. Doing so can raise questions about your judgment and ethics—and may jeopardize your health profession school candidacy.
Before You Go
- Review official guidelines by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) and American Dental Education Association (ADEA) for students providing patient care abroad.
- Consider the Global Ambassadors for Patient Safety (GAPS) free online workshop from the University of Minnesota for tips on safe and ethical global service.
Reporting Your Experience
- Wondering how to list international clinical activities in your application? See our tips for including clinical experiences abroad.