Research Elective at JHU: Travel & Housing
OBTAIN US VISA
Students accepted for a Clinical or Research Elective must secure a B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa to allow them to enter the U.S. [unless eligible to enter under the Visa Waiver Program]. Visiting medical students do not qualify for F-1 or J-1 sponsorship from Johns Hopkins as they have not been unconditionally admitted to a degree program and will not receive academic credit.
Obtaining a US visa is frequently a long process, and it may take up to 6 weeks to schedule a consulate interview. Make sure to apply well in advance to avoid a change in elective dates. In case you must change your elective dates due to the visa process, contact Ruth Harley.
SHORT TERM HOUSING
Johns Hopkins has a lease agreement with the 929 Building to offer visiting faculty, staff and students short-term housing options during their stay in Baltimore.
The 929 Building is conveniently located two blocks from the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Campus (within walking distance). The address is 929 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205.
To reserve a room for short-term housing (less than one year); please contact the Johns Hopkins Housing Office at 410-955-3905 or jhmihousingoffice@jhmi.edu.
BOOK AIR TRAVEL
There are several itineraries to choose from, and you can fly into Baltimore, or you can fly to New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington, and take a train or bus to Baltimore.
TRAVEL HEALTH
Obtain travel insurance. In case you need prescription medicines for the duration of your stay, make sure to procure them before your departure.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
It is ideal to bring your own laptop for your elective. Wearing white coats is not necessary.
COMMUNICATIONS & FINANCES
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Obtain local contact information for your mentors. -
Notify financial institutions about international travel. -
Make mobile phone arrangements. There are several options for obtaining a US SIM card. A prepaid SIM card is a good option, since you can use this with your own device, unlike most postpaid SIM cards, which come ‘locked’ with a handset. You can consult the AT&T and T-Mobile websites to find a prepaid plan that is suitable to you. These are the two largest network carriers in North America. Both have good range in Baltimore, with reasonable rates. You can buy these at the airport or have them delivered to a US location before your arrival. An alternative is to obtain a third-party prepaid SIM card which can be used in the US. Before you buy, double check that these use carriers with a good coverage in Baltimore.