Once your international elective, observership or training abroad has been approved, you can start to plan the details of your trip. Specifics may differ depending on the country you visit, so please make sure to compliment these guidelines with your own country-specific research.
Required documentation
It is the student or resident's responsibility to ensure you obtain the appropriate documentation:
- A valid passport
- A visitor’s Visa (if applicable) *
- Appropriate travel insurance (health, evacuation and malpractice, if applicable)
*Invitation Letter (China): Please note that if you are travelling to Shanghai, China, to participate in one of the programs under various partnership the Faculty of Medicine has with different Chinese universities, an official invitation letter to include in your Chinese Visa application will be sent to you by the International and Global Health Office (IGHO). The Visa Application remains the responsibility of the student.
Logistics
Once your international placement has been approved you can start to plan the logistics of your travel. You are responsible for finding your own flight and accommodations. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
Pre-departure training
ALL learners at the University of Ottawa planning international travel related to their program must complete mandatory International Mobility Risk Management online modules 2 weeks prior to departure.
Please visit the pre-departure training section for details.
Pre-travel clinics
If you are going to a low resource country where there are health and occupational health risks, you should plan to see a travel medicine provider 4-6 weeks before you leave. In addition to the usual travel medication and vaccines, you should discuss Post-exposure prophylaxis with the nurse or physician.
Medical and security risk services
The University of Ottawa has developed a formal risk management framework that is applied to the University as a whole.
Before traveling abroad, please consult the uOttawa International Travel Risk Management Directive.
COVID-19: Students must ensure the register to the uOttawa travel registry and abide by the uOttawa travel policy (information available here: International Mobility - Faculty of Medicine Learners).
Safety planning
Pre-travel checklist
Once you believe all aspects of your travel have been planned, please review and ensure all of the following have been completed:
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My international elective is chosen, approved, and organized.
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I have researched my host community’s culture and travel risk.
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I have read about my destination (Websites, Lonely Planet®) and have talked to those who have gone before.
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I have completed the pre-departure training session and online modules.
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I have registered to the uOttawa travel registry.
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My passport is valid for at least six months beyond my return travel date.
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I have checked visa requirements and secured all necessary visas and documents.
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I have consulted with a travel healthcare professional.
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I have made flight arrangements.
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I have obtained adequate travel health insurance and know where to get medical care in my host community.
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I have researched and purchased evacuation insurance.
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I have provided my contact information to family, friends and my sending institution/organization. A close friend or family member also has a copy of my travel documents, placement details, and travel arrangements (I have also e-mailed all of this information to myself).
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I have registered with Canadians Abroad or Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (USA) and confirmed contact information for local Canadian, British and/or Australian embassies and consulates, as appropriate.
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I have refilled my regular prescriptions, including optometrical.
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I have money in both Canadian and appropriate international currencies.
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I have checked the Global Affairs Canada or US Department of State travel advisories. (In general, universities do not allow students to visit regions where the Government of Canada has a travel advisory restricting non-essential travel).
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I have completed the pre-departure training, as directed.
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I have researched and purchased evacuation insurance when appropriate.
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I have refilled my regular prescriptions, including optometrical and ensure I am travelling only with medication for which I have a prescription.
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I have provided a copy of my itinerary and contact information to a trusted person (such as a parent or spouse) in my home country
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I have completed the pre-departure training, as directed.
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I have researched and purchased evacuation insurance when appropriate.
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I have refilled my regular prescriptions, including optometrical and ensure I am travelling only with medication for which I have a prescription.
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I have provided a copy of my itinerary and contact information to a trusted person (such as a parent or spouse) in my home country