Medical students in an elective in Moshi, Tanzania (Claudia Lajeunesse)

Global Health Experiences

The International and Global Health Office (IGHO) facilitates international placements for all learners of the faculty, to ensure an educational experience that is enriching and safe for learners as well as ensuring that there is a benefit to the host communities. 

The IGHO defines a Global Health Experience as an international placement or research experience in a low-middle income country (LMIC), typically with an organization that is working to improve the health and health equity of local communities and populations.  

For global health placements and global public health practicums, priority is given to global health experiences that are based at preferred partner institutions. 

For the 2022-23 period, the IGHO is offering a community health elective for four uOttawa medical students in June 2023 in partnership with Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo) in Moshi, Tanzania. Please access the informational PDF (362 KB) for the description, eligibility criteria, and application form.  

Other placement locations may be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the IGHO. 

family_health_clinic
A family health clinic in rural Tanzania

Once a placement has been approved, it is possible to revoke this decision and the placement can be cancelled due to a change in conditions in the country, loss of in-country supervisor, or arising academic or professional concerns on the part of the learner. Pre-departure training is a mandatory requirement to be approved for a global health placement.

For placements in a high-income country please refer to the IGHO International Mobility.  

Advantages of participating in global health experiences include:

  • Developing a better understanding of  the social and environmental determinants of health;  
  • Learning about public health, healthcare and research in resource poor settings;  
  • Becoming involved in a cultural exchange;  
  • Using the knowledge gained about other cultures in order to develop a better understanding of Canada's multicultural population;  
  • Developing technical skills and competencies;  
  • Encouraging contemplation of a career in Global Health.  

Important message

Please refer to the University of Ottawa Student FAQ on COVID-19 ‘Are students allowed to travel abroad?’ for the most recent updates on international travel.