INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE REPORT

Activities available:

Patient care

Opportunities appropriate for:

Preclinical students
Clinical students

1. Please describe your activities while abroad (eg, seeing patients, clinical research, public health project, etc.):
   I worked on the orthopedics floor of a large Paris hospital. There was the opportunity to see patients independently and participate in surgery, but you need to speak a bit of French. I did a lot of observing and spent time with the English-speaking patients and
   students. International students do electives for credit here. I had no real responsibilities or expectations as a first year student, but managed to learn a little medicine since the docs and students like to practice their english. The most interesting thing was talking with international students about their education, health care systems and their view of American health care (they hate it but love it).
   
   
2. Please describe the range of activities available, in addition to yours:
   As above.
   
   
3. Would you recommend this institution to other Penn medical students? Why?
   Yes, because you get to see health care from a completely different perspective. Also, they will let you do as much or more as a 4th year student in the OR. But that's if you speak the language.
   
   
4. What did you not like?
   Although they make it clear when applying that knowing French is not required at all, they expect that you do when you get there and I didn't know that. If you don't then they'll just make the best of the situation because everyone's carefree and enough people speak
   english.
   
   
5. Is there an application process for this institution? How does one arrange a visit? Are there important dates to know about?
   Talk to Dr. Silberberg and get the application and info.
   
   
6. What costs were associated with the trip, other than transportation. Please include institutional fees, housing costs, food, etc.:
   Housing was around $600/month, which is cheap for paris. It was in a minimal but acceptable and safe apartment building/dorm.
   
   
7. Did you receive funding for this trip? If so, from whom and for how much? Please provide important information, such as contacts, application procedure, and due dates:
   No.
   
8. Would you agree to be contacted by other students interested in this site? If so, please give your name and contact information:
   Matt Thompson
   Email: mmthomps@mail.med.upenn.edu
   Phone: 215-715-4170

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