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Pre-Travel Training for Global Health Volunteers

Pre-travel training is an important component of international and global health service learning programs. If the training is well organized, it can maximize global health electives and rotations for trainees and the communities they serve. It can ensure that trainees are safe and socially accountable during their time abroad.

The list of suggested pre-travel training topics has been put together by the AAFP Subcommittee on Global Family Medicine (SGFM) to offer some guidance to medical schools and residency programs planning and implementing global health service learning programs. The topics may interest physicians, residents, and students planning their own global health experience.

Download Pre-Travel Training PDF

Pre-Travel Training Topics

Travel

To/from and within country
U.S. Government, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and World Health Organization’s travel warnings and alerts
Medical and travel insurance
Emergency evacuation insurance

Cultural Issues

Religion
Media exposure
Appropriate interaction with hosts, especially in their home and related to food and alcohol
Appropriate dress
Cultural faux pas vary by country

Logistics

Lodging: homes, hotels, guest houses
In-country transportation: car, bus, train
Communication: in-country and back to the U.S.

Safety Issues

Personal Safety and Health

Personal vaccines, medicine, and prophylaxis
Pre-departure vaccines
Malaria prophylaxis
Pros and cons of diarrhea prophylaxis
Personal medications to take
HIV precautions
Violence and theft prevention
Accident avoidance, especially motor vehicle
Access to adequate health care
Food and water safety, including ice in the water

Review the SGFM Guiding Principles for Global Health Service Learning Programs »

Professional and Personal Behavior

Alcohol and drugs
Appropriate dress
Personal behavior reflects on the whole group and the U.S.
Listening is more important than speaking

Analysis of One's Role in the Project, Rotation, or Elective

Personal and project primary goals
What you have to offer and learn

Gender Issues

Appropriate ways to greet and address the opposite sex

Privacy and Confidentiality

Sensitive photos
Awareness of privacy/confidentiality issues during the pre-departure period, onsite and on return

Language Proficiency

Learning how to work with interpreters

Limits of Skill and Knowledge

Respect of and access to in-country and group expertise

Political Risk

Access to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate
Awareness of the national and local political climate and "hot" issues
Avoidance of crowds and demonstrations
Avoidance of photos of sensitive subjects, such as the military