International Service-Learning Program (I-Serve)
Program 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
- Pre-trip orientation
- Orientation upon arrival in host country
- Clinical rotations working with a local physician or 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.
Eligibility: All LLU students are eligible to apply.
Program Locations: SIMS has partnered with over 30 hospitals around the globe to provide service opportunities for students. The SIMS network of partner hospitals and their dedication to the learning experience of the students is essential to the success of the I-Serve program.
Program Dates: The I-Serve program generally takes place during the summer months of June through September. The application deadline for summer 2010 is December 18, 2009, the last day of fall quarter. 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 29, 2010 and will be subject to a $25.00 late application fee.
Program 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.
Soliciting Donations: Students may solicit donations from friends, family or corporate entities to support their trip. However, these donations are not eligible for a tax-deductible receipt from SIMS or any other Loma Linda University entity. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek travel funding from their school, as several schools provide financial support to I-Serve participants for a portion of their trip expenses.
School of Medicine Applicants: Students may apply to the School of Medicine (SM), as well as the SM Alumni Association for travel subsidizes. Students interested in receiving a travel subsidy from the SM should 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.
How to apply: To apply, fill out the I-Serve SIMS application available on the "How to Apply" page of the SIMS website, and return it to the SIMS office with all the required documentation by December 18, 2009, the application deadline. You will be required to complete an orientation program before your trip.