Please read this application Carefully before applying. General information about The Cornell elective program.
- Electives are four weeks long and are available to full time students in good standing at approved medical schools. No variations from these dates are possible.
- Students must be in their FINAL year of medical school and must be fluent in English.
- Applicants from medical schools where English is not the language of instruction will be interviewed by phone to determine fluency.
- Students are limited to a maximum of three (3) four week rotations. Some two (2) week rotations may be an option.
- Applications must be received no later than three (3) months before the start date of the elective.
- Verification by the appropriate official of your medical school indicating that you are currently enrolled and in good standing. Use the Dean or Registrar verification form attached.
- A Dean's letter of recommendation.
- Your CV (curriculum vitae)
- A statement of intent explaining your reason for the particular elective.
- International students must pay a fee of $2,000 for each elective month of participation.
- Students are expected to provide a copy of health insurance before acceptance.
- Students with malpractice insurance should send a copy of the policy.
- Students must make their own housing arrangements. There is limited housing at the Medical College. It is strongly recommended that you make housing arrangements prior to arriving in New York City. Housing can be expensive and difficult to find on short-term basis.
- All clinical rotations are described on the Electives Web Site of The Weill Cornell Medical College. The catalog is divided by Location and specialty and module dates. No exceptions to modules are permitted. Click for the catalogue.
- Some electives, and ALL sub-internships, are restricted to Cornell students. It is strongly recommended that you list three choices for each module.
- Be sure you have the prerequisites for all courses.
- Only rotations at New York Presbyterian Hospital (NY), the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MM) are on the Cornell Campus. All other rotations are off the island of Manhattan in our affiliated hospitals.
A telephone interview will be scheduled for students attending a Non-English speaking medical school.
School Policies
Visiting students are subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to Cornell students. Registration and continued participation in electives are based on satisfactory academic performance, English language skills, and behavior. Students whose performance, language skills or behavior are considered unsatisfactory may be administratively withdrawn from the program and sent home.
Government Regulations
Visiting students are not considered degree candidates at the Weill Cornell Medical College and no student Visa will be issued to them. You are encouraged to visit the United States on a tourist. New York State requires an application fee ($30) for visiting students doing electives at medical schools in New York State. After you are accepted, the office of Global Medical Education will assist you with the New York State application.
Application Deadlines
Completed applications should be received no later than three months prior to the start of the desired elective month. Electives will not be reviewed earlier than six months prior to that date. Students will be notified of acceptance or rejection approximately two months before the starting date and must send the total fee at that time. Once you are scheduled, no changes in assignments are allowed. You must notify this office, if you cannot attend a scheduled elective. If you fail to notify our office, we may report this to your school.
Applying
Please send the following materials to the address below:
International Elective Application Form 
Dean or Registrar Verification Form Dean's letter of recommendation Health Statement Health Insurance Policy Malpractice Insurance Policy (if available) Statement of Intent Curriculum Vitae (CV) Application fee of $100, drawn on a US bank and payable to "Weill Cornell Medical College"($2000 per module should be sent only after acceptance is received by you.)
Please download Adobe Acrobat to view these PDF files.
Office of Global Health Education
Director: Madelon L. Finkel, Ph.D.
International Electives Coordinator: Dianne E. Young, M.P.H
Associate Dean: Oliver Fein, MD
SEND APPLICATION and other forms to:
Ms. Dianne E. Young
Office of Global Health Education
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
425 East 61st Street, DV-321
New York, NY 10065
Tel: 212-746-4837
Fax: 212-821-0809
