UTMB Global Student Experiences

Your Global Impact Starts Here

UTMB Global Student Experiences give students the opportunity to learn abroad through programs built on formal education agreements with trusted international affiliates. These experiences enrich learning, support community priorities, and reflect UTMB’s commitment to making a global impact.

 

Your Global Impact Starts Here!

Step beyond the classroom and into the world through UTMB Global Student Experiences. These life-changing opportunities are built in collaboration with trusted international affiliates who define the priorities—so your work supports local needs. Whether contributing to public health initiatives, education, or community-based projects, you’ll gain valuable skills while advancing UTMB’s mission to make a global impact. This is more than travel—it’s purposeful engagement that leaves a lasting mark on you and the communities you serve.

UTMB Global Impact

20+ Global Affiliate Sites

Structured Global Opportunities

Local Impact

Trusted Oversight & Risk Support

Student Stories

A UTMB Medical Student’s Role in Global Microbial Diagnostics Research in Kenya

Olivia Kruse, a UTMB medical student, spent four weeks in Kenya supporting a pilot study led by Dr. Peter Melby. The project focuses on a new diagnostic tool to detect bloodstream infections more quickly and affordably. Faster results could reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and resistance.

Olivia helped survey physicians and lab staff at eight hospitals, gathering data on current practices and testing capacity. In more rural sites, she adapted her approach to explain lab processes and assess training needs. The work was part of an early-stage needs assessment for future implementation

Olivia also gained experience navigating clinical and cultural dynamics in a low-resource setting. She worked closely with faculty at Kabarak University, who helped bridge gaps in language, systems, and expectations. Their collaboration strengthened both the research and the learning experience.

This was Olivia’s first global health project and first time in Africa. She plans to pursue OB surgery and sees long-term potential in combining clinical work with service in underserved settings. The trip reinforced her interest in global health as a core part of her career.

Read More Stories

UTMB Global Student Experiences:FAQs

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  • What are UTMB Global Student Experiences?
    UTMB Global Student Experiences are structured academic opportunities for students to engage in Educational Program-Based Research Activities that are tied to course credit or are required components of a degree program. These programs are conducted in partnership with trusted global institutions and align with UTMB’s academic mission and the global health priorities identified by partner sites.

  • Who is eligible to participate in these programs?

    Eligibility is determined by each UTMB school or program. Generally, participants must:

    • Be a current UTMB student in good academic standing

    • Meet all program-specific prerequisites (e.g., language proficiency, coursework, clinical training)

    • Comply with UTMB’s international travel, risk, and compliance protocols

  • How can I find available global programs?

    Visit the UTMB Global Portal to explore institutionally approved opportunities. Programs are listed only if education agreements are secured and active. You can search program listings by:

    • Country or region

    • Area of focus (e.g., community health, biomedical research, clinical training)

    • Duration and application timelines

    Note: Global programs are school-specific. If you do not see a program listed in the portal, contact your school’s leadership or Global Health faculty for more information.

  • What is the application process?

    The general steps include:

    1. Submit an application via the UTMB Global Portal
    2. Application is reviewed by your school leadership
    3. Upon acceptance, ensure your school submits a Travel Authorization request and registers you for course credit
    4. Complete mandatory pre-departure orientation and documentation
    5. Begin your global experience

  • Is funding or financial aid available?

    Most programs are self-funded. Students are encouraged to:

    • Consult their school or department for internal travel awards or stipends

    • Explore external fellowships, scholarships, or research grants

    • Budget for airfare, lodging, travel insurance, and personal expenses

    Financial planning should begin only after you have received institutional approval to travel, and ideally at least 4–6 months before your intended travel period.

  • What are the safety and risk management procedures?

    UTMB’s safety and risk management procedures ensure that travelers on international university-sponsored trips have access to emergency medical support, evacuation services, destination-specific travel alerts, incident monitoring, and travel tracking while abroad. These services are provided through the UT System’s international safety and risk management program, On Call International.

    All international university-sponsored travel must be registered with On Call International before departure. On Call International is a free, comprehensive medical and security response organization available to all UTMB employees and students traveling outside the U.S. on university business or university-sponsored trips. Registration is mandatory under the UT System International Travel Policy (UTS 190, Sec. 6).

    How to Register:

    • If you booked through a UT System contract travel agency (Anthony Travel or Corporate Travel Planners):

      • Your itinerary is automatically registered with On Call International.

    • If you booked through another source:

  • Can I receive academic credit for my global experience?

    Yes. Global experiences listed in the Global Program Catalogue are active, institutionally approved UTMB-affiliated sites with education agreements in place. These agreements allow eligible students to receive academic credit for:

    • Dissertation projects, capstone experiences, Applied Practice Experiences (APEs), or Integrated Learning Experiences (ILEs)

    • Quality improvement or service-learning initiatives

    • Academic enrichment activities aligned with educational goals

    • Clinical observerships or hands-on training not intended for research

    Students must consult with their academic advisor to confirm credit eligibility before making travel arrangements.

  • Can non-UTMB students participate in these programs?

    No. UTMB Global Student Experiences are limited to currently enrolled UTMB students.

  • Who do I contact with questions or to begin the process?

    For general inquiries or to start your global experience application:

    Email: globaloperations@utmb.edu

    You may also speak with your academic advisor or your school’s global program liaison.

Office of the Provost - Global Operations

 globaloperations@utmb.edu

Physical Address

301 8th Street
Suite 5.106, Administration Building
Galveston, Texas 77555

Mailing Address

301 University Boulevard
Suite 5.106, Administration Building
Galveston, Texas 77555-0133

Global Operations X   Global Initiatives at UTMB