*Participants who join multiple VIA programs are eligible for a $200 discount on every subsequent program participation.

Personal Health Expenses

Participants will be responsible for any medical testing, care, or additional travel costs associated with infection and treatment, including, but not limited to, the cost of modifying, extending, or cancelling any lodging or transportation arrangements before, during, or after the program.

Program Participation Fee Payment & Cancellation Policies

Invoice & Payment Deadline

If accepted to the program, you (or your university, if your university is paying on your behalf) will receive an invoice from VIA’s finance department with instructions to complete the payment within approximately one week of confirming your participation. Full payment is due 30 days from the invoice issue date. If the invoice is issued 30 days or less before the program start date, full payment is due when you receive the invoice.

Participant Cancellation

VIA will return 50% of the program fee if your cancellation is confirmed at least 30 days before the program start date. If you cancel less than 30 days before the program, we are unable to refund your program fee. Partial refunds will be considered in extenuating circumstances.

In-Person Program Modification or Cancellation

VIA may convert an in-person program to a virtual format at any time prior to the program start dates if travel and in-person activities are not possible due to natural disasters, including pandemics. If an in-person program is converted to a virtual format, VIA will return the amount of the in-person program fee paid that exceeds the virtual program fee of $900. The exact amount returned will reflect any program fee reductions applied to the participant’s fee.

If you choose to not participate in the virtual program, the participant cancellation policy will apply to the virtual program fee amount. If the program is cancelled entirely and a virtual participation option is not offered, you will receive a full refund.

“If you want to widen your thoughts, you should participate! There are a lot of chances to widen your thoughts and [meet] great friends in this program. This program changed my thoughts 180 degree.” – EHC Spring 2022 Participant

“Youths who are interested to explore about health care and try innovative ways should join this program as this program brings up many different kinds of health topics that are very useful in the medical field. And you can discuss whatever you think related with the topic and get the advice, suggestions from professionals and experts. And the learning environment is flexible, supportive, helpful and totally stress-free. You will gain more knowledge and idea than expected after the program. 100% recommended.” – EHC Spring 2022 Participant

“If you think you are not confident enough to express your ideas in English in front of others, I promise that this program is a great opportunity for you to gain some confidence. Actually I was in this kind of situation before this program, but great fellows ice-broke my mindset in a nice way and I felt myself changed successfully! I hope you will enjoy this program!” – EHC Spring 2022 Participant

“If you want knowledge on health care system, new insight, English skills…, there is no choice [but] to join EHC. You will definitely find all of them, and more. EHC is not a forum to show off your knowledge, skills, and respectable personality. Here is a place to find allies, be honest, be curious, try to understand each other, watch reality in healthcare, and hopefully take a first step towards brighter future of your career and healthcare!” – EHC Spring 2022 Participant

“EHC introduced me to people with various backgrounds, interests, and fields, and there were many new ideas and perspectives that made my eye open! It is a great opportunity to be brave and educate yourself!” – EHC Spring 2021 Participant

Application Timeline (August 2024)

There are multiple application deadlines for university students and professionals from all regions. Some universities also have a separate timeline, which will be listed below. This is to accommodate differences in everyone’s schedules and allow our staff time to review applications.

Spring 2025 Program Applications

Applicants interested in the spring OR summer program can apply during the spring application cycle. You will have the option to select which program(s) you are interested in at the beginning of the application. Deadlines for the spring 2025 program application cycle will be announced in fall 2024.

Sample Program Schedule

Although the schedule has not been finalized, we expect to have clinical English sessions, as well as visits and/or guest speakers from many of the same organizations from past years.

Minimum Participation Requirements

To be eligible to participate in the in-person program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the program.
• Be eligible to receive travel authorization to enter and remain in the United States for the duration of the program.
• Be able to provide proof of vaccination and/or health status required for entry to the US or re-entry to your home country that is in effect during your dates of travel. It is your responsibility to confirm which health-related regulations may apply to you.
• Be willing to undergo diagnostic tests if experiencing symptoms of a communicable illness considered serious by public health officials or if required for site visits by the host institution. A positive test or inability to meet requirements for a site visit may limit your ability to participate in program activities and/or may necessitate self-isolation during the program.
• Disclose any life-threatening or significant allergies, dietary restrictions, medical conditions or illnesses, and physical limitations as they relate to the program and listed activities.
• Obtain overseas travel medical insurance and provide proof of insurance coverage to VIA prior to arriving in the United States.
• Be committed to attending all activities, both before and during the program, and participating fully.

Application Process

To see if this program is a good match, we want to get to know you: your passion, motivation, interests, and experiences! Please share about yourself (in English) in the following sections:

1. Personal & Contact Information – Share some basic information about yourself and your preferred contact details
2. Academic & Professional Information – Share about your academic and professional experience
3. Deeper Questions – Share your story and show your personality by answering the following short essay questions (up to 250 words each):
   • Why do you want to participate in the program? What do you hope to learn or achieve? What do you hope to contribute?
   • Describe 1-2 health care topics or issues you are interested in, and why they interest you. Possible topics include, but are not limited to: organ transplantation, free clinics for underserved communities, geriatrics, the healthcare system (including insurance), the medical education system, etc.
   • Why did you choose to become a health care professional? How do you hope this program will impact your studies and career?
   • Help us get to know you better by writing 1-2 paragraphs about your hobbies, your character, and your plans after graduation.
4. Next Steps – ​Interview: The final step will be a 20-minute interview on Zoom with the Program Director. If your application is selected, the program director will follow up with you to confirm the interview time.