Pre-departure

PRE-DEPARTURE PREPARATION AND TRAINING

If you are an Undergraduate Learner applying for an international Elective or Selective placement, or a Resident or other Postgraduate going on an international placement like Team Broken Earth or a similar global health initiative, you must complete the Faculty of Medicine Global Health Pre-departure training, including the sessions on risk and safety led by the Mobility Team. If you are a postgraduate or undergraduate learner attending a conference you DO NOT need to do the Global Health pre-departure training, HOWEVER YOU MUST register for and complete the Internationalization Office pre-departure training on risk & safety.

  • Fill and submit the Global Health Application Form to globalhealth@mun.ca as soon as possible, if you haven't yet.
    Note: Postgraduate learners are not required to complete this form since your approved Global Health Authorization Form is sufficient.
  • Register and receive access to the Global Health Pre-Departure Training Modules. These modules are located on D2L and are self-guided, however try not to leave it until the last moment, as completion is required for UGME approval.
  • Register for a Pre-departure Risk & Safety session with the Mobility Team here to complete your Risk and Safety module. Once you've completed the Risk training you will be asked to sign a risk waiver, which will be co- signed by your trainer and shared with the GHO and UGME.
  • Read and sign the Code of Conduct and Ethics Agreement for International Training Placements and return it to the Global Health Coordinator. A copy must be shown to the Placement Supervisor and they must send confirmation that they've received it.
  • Complete your MCP out-of-province certificate (if you are a NL resident) or research and make applicable insurance arrangements.
  • Research immunization requirements for host country and institution and ensure you have up to date records of all immunizations. Check the Public Health Agency of Canada for any warnings and for specific advice for your chosen destination. Consult your family doctor for advice, or check travel clinics such as JEMA International Travel Clinic for information.
  • Register as a Canadian Abroad (ROCA) with the Canadian Government prior to departing Canada.
  • Complete your final travel plan on mymun.ca on the main student services page under ‘Students Travelling Abroad’, and with the Global Health Coordinator.

In addition to the above, complete the following pre-departure preparations in your own time:

  • Research your country of destination. Learn its history, politics, language, socio- economics, gender issues, health problems, major industries and economic resources and education system.
  • Frequently check the Government of Canada Travel Advisory page for updated country safety advice. If there are warnings for your destination, discuss this immediately with the Global Health Coordinator.  Note: Advice to avoid non-essential travel will require a review by Memorial University’s International Travel Committee.  Electives will not be approved in areas designated as “Avoid all travel”.
  • Be prepared to protect yourself from illness by bringing any equipment that might be advised (e.g. gloves, N-95 masks and other PPE, PEP kit in areas with high risk of exposure to HIV), as these items may not be provided by the clinical placement site. Discuss this with the Global Health Coordinator and seek advice from your preceptor if unsure. If you take prescription medication it may not be available in your chosen country, or pharmacies may not take foreign prescriptions. Talk to your family doctor about getting enough medication to cover your time away.

PRE-DEPARTURE LINKS AND RESOURCES

Memorial University

Global Affairs Canada

Travel Health