Want to learn more about past students' experiences during Summer Institute? Read their blogs: https://ewh.org/news/summer-institute-blogs
COVID-19 and the EWH Summer Institute
EWH successfully operated international, in-person Institutes in 2022 and fully anticipates being able to do so again in 2023. We will continue to monitor all circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and international travel and keep all applicants apprised of any changes in programming.
Health and Safety Considerations
The health and safety of our Institute participants is always our highest priority. We send detailed informational packets to accepted participants before they begin the program. These packets contain information specific to the country in which they'll be working. In the meantime, however, feel free to review the EWH Guide to Risk Management, which applies to all programs.
We encourage American participants and their parents to consult the US Department of State (http://www.state.gov/travel) for the latest news and advice on traveling abroad. Participants and parents from other countries should consult the appropriate Ministry Office for their government's travel advisories.
Health Insurance
Students are expected to maintain their own health insurance during the course of the program. EWH supplies every student with emergency medical and evacuation insurance.
Communicating with Participants During the Institute
EWH will purchase either a local SIM card with a modest data package OR a basic (call/text only) cell phone with enough minutes to make emergency phone calls for each participant. Your participant can provide you with their local cell phone number when they receive it. EWH does not provide excessive/unlimited data packages to participants, but participants may purchase additional data if they wish (rates are very economical).
EWH recommends the option of using a local SIM card in an unlocked smartphone. The large majority of participants select this option. In addition, apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger all have calling abilities that do not require data when connected to WiFi. This is the easiest and most common method used for calling home. While participants very likely will not have 24/7 internet access, they will have many opportunities to connect to WiFi.
Visiting Your Child During the Institute
Engineering World Health typically does not support parental visits to on-site locations. If there is a special need or circumstance, please contact us at [email protected] so we can explore the situation.
Laptop and Smartphone Insurance
We recommend that all participants bring a laptop. They will use the laptop to complete hospital paperwork and possibly to communicate with friends and family back home. Again, while EWH does not require participants to bring a smartphone, many find them convenient for photos and quick WiFi access, among other reasons. Please be aware that laptops and smartphones can be targets for theft. In addition to not flaunting such objects on public transportation or in the street, participants are recommended to insure their laptops and smartphones while in-country.
Other Questions
EWH is happy to talk with you about any questions or concerns you may have about the Institute program. Please feel free to email us any time at [email protected].