FAQ Collection
Browse frequently asked questions about International Medical Aid, including programs, eligibility, application steps, housing, safety, and more.
How Is IMA Different from Other Internship or Study Abroad Programs?
When Can I Go?
How Long Should I Go?
Where Does My Money Go?
How Are Flight Arrangements Handled?
How Large Are the Intern Cohorts?
Is There a Penalty for Canceling or Withdrawing from the Program?
What Safety Precautions Are in Place When Traveling to Africa?
Academic Credit and Letters of Recommendation FAQs
Outcomes and Alumni Success FAQs
What Will I Be Allowed to Do in the Hospital?
What Kind of Patient Interaction Can I Expect if I Am Limited to Shadowing?
How Can I Get the Most Out of My Shadowing Experience?
What Departments Will I Work In?
If I Shadow a Surgeon, What Kind of Experience Can I Expect?
What Types of Educational Experiences Can I Expect Beyond Shadowing?
What Challenges Might I Encounter That Don't Happen in Hospitals and Clinics at Home?
What Does a Typical Work Day Look Like for Program Participants?
How Are the Programs Structured, and What Support Is Available for Participants and Their Families?
Can I Extend the Program Duration If I Choose a Two-Week Option?
What Locations Are Available for the Internship?
What Are the Requirements to Participate in an IMA Program?
Are There Any Residency or Citizenship Requirements?
What Vaccinations Will I Need for Trips to East Africa?
What Is the Minimum GPA Required to Apply?
Are Unofficial Transcripts Accepted?
Can High School Students Apply?
What Is the Deadline to Apply?
What Is IMA’s Post-Exposure Protocol? Are PEP Kits Readily Available and Included in the Program Fee?
What Is the Cost of Participating in an IMA Program?
Does IMA Offer Financial Aid or Scholarships?
What Does the Program Fee Include?
Are Payment Plans Available for Program Fees?
Can I Fundraise for My Program Expenses?
Are Program Fees Tax-Deductible?
Are IMA-Branded Scrubs Required for Interns?
When Should I Purchase My Scrub?
How Do I Schedule a Consultation?
Will I Receive a Confirmation Email After Booking?
How Long Does the Consultation Last?
Is There a Fee for the Consultation?
What Happens if I Miss My Appointment? Can I Reschedule It?
What Happens After I Submit My Application, and When Will I Get a Decision?
What Should I Prepare for My Consultation?
How Does IMA Differ From Other Admissions Consulting Services?
Is Med School Admissions Consulting Worth the Expense?
What Is the Process if I Order Hourly Consulting for My Personal Statement?
What Is Your Turnaround Time?
How Are Advising Sessions Conducted?
What Do You Mean by Unlimited Advisor Access and Communication?
How Long Will My Advising Support Last?
Do You Have Experience Working With International Students?
Do You Work With Canadian Pre-Meds?
Do You Work With Non-Traditional Students?
Will You Write the Essays for Me?
Do You Use a Template for Written Materials?
Do You Only Work With Applicants to MD Programs, or Do You Work With DO and PA Candidates?
I'm Applying to MD/PhD Programs. Do Your Plans Include Support for MD/PhD Essays?
I'm Applying to a Dual-Degree Program (MD/MBA, MD/MPH, MD/MS). Do Your Packages Include Support for Dual-Degree Program Essays?
I’m Applying to a School That Invites Applicants to Submit a Pre-Health Committee Letter. This Requires Me to Prepare Some Written Materials for It. Can I Receive Help Writing Those Materials?
My Evaluator Asked Me to Write My Own Letter of Recommendation. Can You Help Me Edit It?
I’m Applying to a Texas Medical School, So I Have to Fill Out the TMDSAS Application. Can You Help Me With That?
I See That You Refer to “Billable Time.” Can You Explain What This Is?
Do You Offer CASPer Prep?
Can You Help With MMI Interviews?