How many students will be selected?
The program will accept a maximum of 14 students. This is to ensure that all participants receive a personal level academic experience. It also ensures that everyone will work closely with a research mentor to produce a quality project for graduate and medical school applications (see questions below).
How firm are the program deadlines?
Students must adhere to the posted deadlines to ensure that we have established a cohesive cohort. Applications are due in November and the first payment of $500 is due in December. Please carefully review all details about the key program timelines and deadlines.
How will this program help me with graduate or medical school?
The program provides mentored research training and professional development for students pursuing advanced degrees. Further, the course assignment have been design to be submission ready materials for medical/ graduate school application requirements (e.g. writing sample, research portfolio, CV, conference presentation).
What semester does this take place?
This is officially a Summer C program; however, you are only in India during four weeks of the Summer A session (late- May to late- June). Although you will have course assignments due in late July, there are no meetings requiring your attendance or engagement once you leave India. Note: We will have monthly meetings in the Spring semester to prepare for the trip (see Key Dates page)
Will you consider accepting non- psychology majors?
YES! Undergraduate students from any FIU Program are welcome to apply. These GHSA courses will easily transfer for their degree. Non- psychology majors just need to work with their academic advisors to get started.
Can students from other institutions participate?
YES! Students from other universities have participated in the program! They will have to contact the FIU Office of Education Abroad and academic advisors at their home insitution to start this very easy process.
Can I use my scholarships & financial aid to pay for the program?
YES! Students typically use a combination of financial aid, scholarships, and personal funds. As an FIU Program requiring departmental courses credits, you can use your current funding sources. Also, selected fellows will receive help with applying for institutional and national study abroad scholarships.
What if my GPA is a little low?
The GPA minimum ensures that Global Health Program Fellows will be competitive for medical or graduate school admission. However, students with lower GPAs that submit strong applications will be considered on a case by case basis. You are strongly encouraged to speak to Dr. Stephens about your individual case if you are unsure about your eligibility.
Are we required to travel to and from India as a group?
We try to coordinate students' travel from Miami to Mysore, including the transfer from Bangalore Airport. This will ensure that everyone arrives for the program together and on time. However, students can book different flights if they wish. In fact, we encourage students to continue travelling once the program ends.
Wait- I still have more questions and don't know who to ask!
Contact Dr. Dionne Stephens for any questions regarding the program structure, eligibility and application processes. For individual degree planning you should contact your academic advisor(e.g. degree planning, credit overload issues). If you have questions about payments, medical or administrative issues, the FIU Office of Education Abroad can help you.