FUTUREDOCS ABROAD

THE HIGH SCHOOL AND UNDERGRADUATE SUMMER HONORS PROGRAM FOR FUTURE PHYSICIANS

PROGRAM INFORMATION

2024 programs are open for enrollment.

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Summer 2024:
June 29 – July 14, 2024 in Vietnam or;
July 13 – July 28, 2024 in Vietnam or;
July 20 – August 4 in Tanzania

COLLEGE PROGRAM

Summer 2024:
July 20 – August 4, 2024 in Tanzania

Learn more about the FutureDocs Abroad Specialty Program (for future surgeons and family physicians) here >

FUTUREDOCS ABROAD GIVES STUDENTS ACCESS TO THE "BIG 3" SOUGHT AFTER EXPERIENCES FOR FUTURE DOCTORS...

SURGICAL OBSERVATION

In the operating room, viewing real surgeries taking place, with the surgeon explaining the procedure as it’s being performed.

GROSS ANATOMY

Work in the anatomy lab with an anatomy professor, learning about the anatomy and proper dissection of human cadavers, and practicing dissection techniques on animal parts.

SHADOWING PHYSICIANS

In the Emergency Room, clinics, and wards in over a dozen areas of specialty (pediatrics, oncology, surgery, orthopedics, OB/GYN, and more).

WHAT IS FUTUREDOCS ABROAD?

FutureDocs Abroad is THE summer honors program for high school and undergraduate students who aspire to a career in the medical field.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for qualified students to gain real-life experience in gross anatomy labs, operating rooms, and medical treatment rooms. Students will spend a minimum of 60 hours in the hospital and at other medical facilities.

FutureDocs Abroad puts students into an intense medical environment overseas, where every single day they are taking part in exactly the same activities that third- and fourth-year medical students experience as they observe physicians. It allows passionate and qualified students an opportunity to experience right now what they’ve only been able to imagine!

Gross anatomy – in the anatomy lab working with a professor, learning about the anatomy and proper dissection of human cadavers, and practicing those dissection techniques on full cadavers.

Observing surgery – spending hours and hours with physicians and surgeons watching surgeries, debriefing with them, and understanding exactly what life in the operating room is like.

Shadowing physicians – going out into the wards, emergency room, clinics, and spending time with physicians across dozens of specialties to truly understand what it’s like to be a doctor. Watching them interact with patients, handle real-life situations, and administering treatment.

A global view of medicine – an invaluable perspective that students may not have the chance to witness before medical school and one that is invaluable. Seeing and understanding how medicine is practiced differently and with different tools and resources in another country will give students an appreciation for medicine that simply cannot be found in the United States.

Students’ passion, commitment, focus, knowledge, and vision for what they want to do in medicine, and their determination to never give up will be secured.

FutureDocs Abroad does NOT happen in the United States because of our privacy laws and insurance regulations that restrict high school and undergraduate students being in hospitals. Experiencing “the Big 3” in the United States used to be difficult, but now it’s almost impossible.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What are the requirements to attend?

FutureDocs Abroad is an honors-only program, all attendees are required to submit GPA verification before the program begins.

High School students must have a 4.0 GPA current or cumulative, weighted or unweighted. All attendees must be currently enrolled in high school or graduating seniors in the year they attend the program.

College students have a 3.5 GPA current or cumulative, weighted or unweighted. All attendees must be enrolled in a four-year higher education program and be at least 18 years old by the departure date of the program they wish to attend.

Will this program help me get into college/medical school?

FutureDocs Abroad is designed to give students an opportunity to experience real medicine in a way that is simply not possible in the United States.

When applying to pre-med programs and medical school, students have to have an incredible story to tell. One that is going to put them ahead of all the other applicants with a diverse and relevant resume that demonstrates, over time, a passion for, commitment to, and knowledge of the field.

FutureDocs Abroad gives students that undeniable competitive advantage. They come back focused, incredibly motivated, and most importantly, with a fantastic set of experiences and a story to tell in their college applications, medical school applications, and those ultra-critical live admissions interviews.

How can I be assured of safety and security?

FutureDocs Abroad takes safety and security very seriously. The program staff is always available to our students. Each student will have a dedicated chaperone as well as other staff members who will be available 24/7 throughout the program. If any student has a problem or concern, we’re always there to help and offer support.

As with travel to any international destination, general awareness, staying with the group as required by program policies, and guidance from our experienced staff will greatly reduce the likelihood of any safety concerns. All students will be trained on safety and security measures as well as plans of response should a safety concern arise, either locally or elsewhere within the country.

What does the Tuition include?

Tuition includes all program costs, international air travel, accommodations for the duration of the trip, chaperones, three daily meals, and your personalized FutureDocs Abroad Achievement and Leadership Certificate (mailed to you after the program), as well as any local transportation and international health insurance.

Payment plans are available. Please speak with the Admissions Team for the most up-to-date information and options available.

All international travel plans and accommodations will be arranged by the FutureDocs Abroad Team and are included in the Tuition.

Tuition does not include recommended trip cancellation insurance, domestic airfare to the departure location for international travel (or other domestic transportation methods), passport fees, vaccinations, health records or tests, spending cash for souvenirs or snacks or airline baggage fees.

What is the refund policy?

Enrollment may be canceled for a full refund of Tuition paid if a request is made in writing within 30 days of the first payment, regardless of whether that first payment is a full or partial payment. Refunds can take four to six weeks to process.

Beyond 30 days after the first payment, Tuition, including all deposits and payments paid, is non-refundable but may be transferable to a future program (please refer to the terms and conditions of enrollment). If enrollment is processed on or after March 1, 2023 Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable, including all deposits and payments paid. We strongly encourage families to purchase travel insurance to cover travel and Tuition expenses in case of an unforeseen cancellation.

Will I need immunizations?

It is required that all students be up to date on all routine immunizations stated on the CDC website, including DTaP, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, MMR, and Varicella (Chickenpox). To access the clinical facilities on specific programs, students may be required to have additional immunizations and medical tests. Detailed information will be given upon enrollment. Note: Immunization fees are not included in the Tuition.

If students are taking any prescription medicines, they should pack enough for every day they are away from home (15 days), along with an additional three to four days’ supply. Students are required to keep all prescription medications in the original prescription bottles and to always carry those bottles in their carry-on luggage. Be sure to check TSA guidelines if the medicines are liquids.

Will I need a passport?

Yes. Students will need a passport valid for 6 months after the date we return to the United States. The passport must have at least one blank visa page. We strongly advise students to check their passport expiration date or apply for their passport as soon as possible, as it can take four to six weeks to receive a new passport. Note: Passport fees are not included in the Tuition.

Do I need a visa?

Depending on the location of the program, you may need a visa. Students should not apply for a visa on their own but should wait for instructions from the Admissions Team. Note: Visa fees are not included in the Tuition.

How do I arrange domestic travel?

Specific travel details, including flight numbers, travel times, and international airport departure location, will be provided to students no later than four months before the departure date. Students will need to arrange domestic transportation from their home to the international airport departure location and home again. Note: Domestic travel expenses are not included in the Tuition.

As a reminder, all international air travel, local transportation, and hotel accommodations will be arranged by FutureDocs Abroad, and are all included in the Tuition. Students’ international flights will be reserved as a group, along with the flights for the FutureDocs Abroad Team, who will accompany students on flights from the U.S. to the program location and back.

What if I get sick or injured during the program?

If a student becomes ill, is injured, or requires medical treatment during the program, the chaperone to whom the student is assigned will bring the student to the emergency room and remain with them while parents are contacted immediately. Students will receive the best possible medical care on a VIP basis.

FutureDocs Abroad requires all students to submit emergency contact information and disclose medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions and/or special needs, prescriptions, etc., before the program begins so that if it becomes necessary for the student to go to the hospital for any reason, our team has all this important information on hand.

Who will chaperone us during the program?

Students will be chaperoned by a team of staff experienced in managing student programs. Chaperones accompany students on the international flight, stay in the same overnight accommodations, and accompany them on cultural excursions off campus, in order to be available 24/7 to students.

What will I need to wear?

Students will be asked to wear scrubs and a long white lab coat for all sessions at the hospital and medical facilities. For weekend excursions and time off from the hospital, students should pack comfortable/casual clothes. A full suggested packing list will be provided to students after acceptance.

Will we be split into small groups during the program?

Students will be split into small, more intimate groups for the program itself so they can participate in more activities, as well as experience a more hands-on approach.

Can I earn college credit?

Because of the incredible educational value and unique nature of FutureDocs Abroad program, students who attend have the opportunity to earn three college credits offered by Bottega University. These optional credits are available for an additional cost and upon completion of required coursework.

The credits may be transferred to the college or university the student ultimately attends, subject to that university’s transfer of credit policies. Students wishing to transfer Bottega University credits to another institution should check first with that institution regarding its policy on transferring credit.

Additional information about obtaining college credit can be found here.

Are there any other expenses I will be responsible for?

Students may want to bring pocket money for their own personal expenses, shopping, personal care items, etc. ($250-$300 should be more than adequate). In many countries, Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express or Discover Card. Parents should ask their credit card companies about their international transaction fees and alert them of the student’s international travel plans beforehand to avoid security holds.

Where will we stay during the program?

Arrangements will be secured for students and chaperones to reside in a local hotel during the program. The hotel will be safe and comfortable with modern amenities including A/C. Student accommodations will be single-gender and double occupancy.

Strict curfews will be enforced for students throughout their stay. Each student will be assigned a specific chaperone to report to. Students will be chaperoned at all times when outside the care of the staff at the medical center and hospital. Parents may contact chaperones directly if they cannot reach their child for any reason.

If you have any questions that are not answered here, and you would like to speak directly with one of our Admissions Team, please call us toll-free at 888-986-6563 or send us an email at Admissions@AllAccessMed.com.

FUNDRAISING TIPS

Meet Alexis (on the left of this photo). Alexis is one of our Alumna who raised over $6,000 on her own. Alexis is so passionate about “paying forward” her experience with FutureDocs Abroad, she’s coached dozens of students on how to pay for their trip.

Here are her Top 5 Tips to pay for the Tuition…

STRATEGY #1: TALK TO YOUR SCHOOL

Your school community wants to support the endeavors of its students. It’s great publicity for your school if they have students doing amazing things like traveling abroad for a medical internship. So, start with your administrators to see if they have ideas for fundraisers and publicity.

STRATEGY #2: CANVAS YOUR TEAMS AND CLUBS

Like your school administrators, your extracurricular clubs and teams are usually more than happy to support their members. Whether it’s setting up an informational and donation booth at a volleyball game, getting a portion of football ticket sales, or simply asking a club for donations, if you’ve been involved with a group for a long time, they love to support what you’re doing.

STRATEGY #3: FLYER DAYS

Many chain restaurants offer what’s called “flyer fundraising.” If you talk to the manager, you’ll be able to hand out coupons for a local restaurant for one night. A portion of the profits from that night’s sales will go toward your trip. Doing a flyer night one night a week could potentially pay for your entire trip. Here’s a list of 54 restaurants that offer fundraising opportunities.

STRATEGY #4: LOCAL BUSINESSES

Alexis shares that her strategy was to always explain how the trip would benefit the community as a whole. She talked about her dream of becoming a doctor and would tell local business owners, “One day the life I save may be yours.” She approached local businesses for support and sponsorship of her trip. As you know, physicians have a tremendous impact on their communities, so local business will often be happy to support you and your dream.

STRATEGY #5: A PART-TIME JOB

Getting a job in high school or college is not only a great way to earn money for your trip, but the right job can also be a resume-booster. Employers, schools, and programs want to see a pattern of responsibility. You can gain experience while earning money for your trip.