Applied Experiences

Overview

The Applied Experience, or AE, is a unique feature of Weill Cornell's Global Health Curriculum. Traditionally, Weill Cornell students interested in global health pursue this interest through international electives. Through the concept of Applied Experiences, we offer an expanded variety of project options to Curriculum participants.

An Applied Experience is a full-time, student-selected project or course that falls into one of the following categories:

Field Experience (International or Domestic)
Policy Project
Basic Science or Clinical Research
Training Course

The broad scope of Applied Experiences allows students to pursue the project(s) most in-line with their individual interests and long-term goals. Students in the Curriculum must complete two AE’s. Of these, one must be a Field Experience in a resource-poor setting. The second AE may fall into any of the above five categories. AE's are flexible--they may be international or domestic, and they can be arranged through a Cornell-affiliated site or faculty member, or through an outside program/mentor.

Scheduling the Applied Experiences

The most common times for Applied Experiences are:

In the summer after the first year of medical school (for 6-8 weeks)
During a year-long leave of scholarly absence (e.g. between years three and four of medical school)
During the fourth year of medical school (for 4-8 weeks)

Locating an Applied Experience

Students complete their applied experiences in a vast range of settings. Please review the Weill Cornell Global Health Project Database to see where students have traveled in the past. Some examples include:

Field Experiences

Policy Projects

WHO Essential Medicines Research
WHO, PAHO, or MSF Internship

Basic Science or Clinical Research

Numerous opportunities at Weill Cornell, Sloan-Kettering, Rockefeller and beyond

Training Courses

Funding an Applied Experience

Please review the Funding Sources page for more information about options for funding an Applied Experience.