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How to apply
Here’s how our application process works:
- Students apply to the program online. If they meet the minimum requirements (a 2.5 GPA and being 18 years or older), we invite them to book an interview.
- Students participate in an interview with a member of our admissions team. The purpose of the interview is to evaluate whether they’re a good fit for the Fellowship, have the right motivation, and to provide them with advice on what to expect.
- Within 10 days, we inform students of the status of their application. If they’re accepted, we invite them to enroll and pay a deposit of €300 ($340).
- If students have selected a program for credit, they also enroll with the institution providing the credit (either Arcadia University or JCU, depending on the program they choose).
- We assist students with the enrollment process, collect the necessary documentation and payment, and provide a series of pre-departure calls to provide orientation and guidance.
- Once students arrive in Italy, we pick them up from the airport and help them check in to their accommodation.
The interview
The Doctors in Italy Fellowship is a highly selective program for students interested in healthcare.
One of the most important aspects of the application process is the interview.
The purpose of the interview is to assess the applicant’s motivation, interest in healthcare, and to get to know the applicant better.
The interview process for the Doctors in Italy Fellowship typically consists of a single round. Applicants will be asked to submit a written application, which includes a personal statement.
Based on the written application, the selection committee will invite a select number of applicants to the interview process.
Applicants will be asked to participate in a virtual interview with members of the selection committee.
What the typical day is like
🩺 Morning – Clinical Observation
Arrive at the hospital or clinic around 8:00–8:30 AM
Meet your assigned physician or healthcare team
Shadow during patient rounds, outpatient visits, surgeries, or diagnostics (depending on the specialty)
Observe interactions, procedures, and medical workflows firsthand
Opportunity to ask questions during breaks and debriefs
🍽️ Midday – Break
Finish clinical observation at around 1 p.m.
Optional group reflections or chats with mentors
- Feel free to go to lunch, go back to the housing or explore the city
🕶️ Evening – Explore Italy
Free time to explore the city, join group dinners, or participate in planned cultural excursions (museums, historical tours, food tastings, etc.)
What the housing is like?
We chose housing that is central, close to the city center, in safe areas, and with easy access to the metro and bus stops. Our partners provide a safe environment.
Depending on the city you are going to, the style of housing will vary. It could be a shared apartment with other students from your fellowship program, or a hotel room. All of our housing options have one thing in common: they are central, safe, clean, and provide all the necessities you might need during your time here in Italy.
Do I need to speak Italian?
No, speaking Italian is not a requirement to join the Doctors in Italy fellowship. English is a requirement, as all of our group activities, as well as our clinical activities, are conducted in English. Therefore, we require at least a B1 level of English
Is this ethical shadowing AAMC compliant?
Yes, the shadowing experience is AAMC compliant. We ensure that all our shadowing activities adhere to the guidelines set by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This includes providing a structured and educational environment where fellows can observe medical professionals in various clinical settings, while also respecting patient confidentiality and ethical standards. Additionally, the shadowing activities are designed to enhance the fellows’ understanding of medical practices and patient care, in alignment with the competencies required by the AAMC for medical education.
What are the hours of shadowing?
The shadowing schedule is Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. You are welcome to stay longer at the hospital, but only if invited and supervised by a doctor.
Additionally, you must inform your program coordinator if you plan to stay longer and let them know once you’re done and have left the hospital.
What areas of healthcare will I be able to observe at the hospital?
During your shadowing experience at the hospitals, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a wide range of areas, from clinical to surgical specialties.
We offer access to various specialties, depending on the availability granted by the hospital.
As you can imagine, hospitals are very busy environments, so access to certain specialties is based on their availability at the time.
Rest assured, you’ll have the opportunity to shadow at least five different specialties during your fellowship experience.
Some of the specialties we offer range from OBGYN to oncology, passing through cardiology and ENT.
How is this different than a normal shadowing experience or study abroad program?
The Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program offers a distinctive experience that sets it apart from traditional shadowing or study abroad programs. Here’s how:
1. Immersive Clinical Shadowing Across Multiple Specialties
Unlike standard study abroad programs that may focus on classroom learning, this fellowship provides hands-on clinical exposure. Participants shadow English-speaking healthcare professionals for approximately 20 hours per week, rotating through at least four different specialties. This approach offers a comprehensive view of various medical fields within Italy’s healthcare system.
2. Cultural Integration and Global Perspective
Beyond clinical experience, the program emphasizes cultural immersion. Participants engage in co-curricular activities, including group excursions to historical and cultural landmarks, enhancing their understanding of Italy’s rich heritage.
3. Ethical and Compliant Shadowing Practices
The program adheres to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) guidelines for undergraduate shadowing. It ensures ethical practices by obtaining appropriate patient consent and maintaining confidentiality, aligning with Italian laws on student shadowing in teaching hospitals.
4. Diverse Program Offerings
The fellowship extends beyond human medicine, offering programs in veterinary medicine and the One Health approach, which explores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This diversity allows students to tailor their experience to their specific interests.
5. Academic Credit Opportunities
In partnership with Arcadia University, the program offers a credit-bearing course that complements the shadowing experience. Participants can earn 3 US credits through a personal development course, enriching their academic portfolio.
In summary, the Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program provides a holistic experience that combines clinical exposure, cultural immersion, ethical practices, diverse program options, and academic enrichment, distinguishing it from conventional study abroad programs.
What are your credentials as an organisation?
Doctors in Italy is a registered organization operating under the legal entity Doctor Today srl, established in 2018 and based in Rome, Italy. The organization has built a robust network of English-speaking healthcare professionals across the country and collaborates with some of Italy’s most prestigious public and private hospitals .
The Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals in top-ranked government and private healthcare facilities across Italy.
The program is fully compliant with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) guidelines for undergraduate shadowing, ensuring that participants engage in ethical and educational observation experiences
How much does the Doctors In Italy Fellowship Program cost?
The cost of the Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program varies based on the program’s duration and location.
These fees typically include accommodation, approximately 20 hours of shadowing per week, rotations in multiple medical specialties, 24/7 on-site support, medical and travel insurance, local transportation, cultural excursions, daily breakfast, some additional meals, airport pick-up, and pre- and post-program support.
A €300 deposit is required to secure your spot upon acceptance into the program.
You can visit our Program section to learn more about pricing for specific cities.
Are there scholarships or financial aid for the program?
Yes, the Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program offers scholarships to help make this transformative experience more accessible to students. There are two main scholarships available:
Merit Scholarship: Valued at $500, this scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, typically in the 85th percentile or higher.
Diversity Scholarship: Valued at $1,000, this scholarship supports students who contribute to the cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of the program.
To be eligible for these scholarships, you must first be accepted into the program and have paid the €300 deposit to secure your spot.
Afterward, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to apply for the scholarships. The application process includes submitting a signed letter of request, a personal statement, academic transcripts, and a short video explaining your motivation for joining the program.
Deadlines are typically in November for winter programs and April for summer programs.
Additionally, it’s recommended to consult with your university’s Study Abroad Office to explore other financial aid options that may be available to you.
What fields of study do Fellows come from?
Fellows in the Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program come from a wide array of academic backgrounds, reflecting the program’s interdisciplinary approach to healthcare education.
Participants include undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in fields such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, nursing, psychology, public health, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, sports science, and statistics.
Additionally, the program attracts students from veterinary medicine, food science and nutrition, kinesiology, liberal arts, and humanities, among others
This diverse academic representation underscores the program’s commitment to providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare, encompassing both human and animal health, and preparing students for various professional paths within the medical field.
How does the application process work?
The application process for the Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program is designed to be straightforward and supportive, guiding you from initial interest to your arrival in Italy. Here’s how it works:
Online Application: Begin by completing the online application form, which takes about 5 minutes and requires no attachments at this stage. You’ll provide basic information about yourself and your program preferences.
Eligibility Review: If you meet the minimum requirements—being at least 18 years old and having a GPA of 2.5 or higher—you’ll be invited to schedule an interview with the admissions team.
Admissions Interview: Participate in a virtual interview with a member of the admissions team. This conversation assesses your motivation, interest in healthcare, and suitability for the program. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on what to expect.
Admission Decision: Within 10 days of your interview, you’ll be notified of the admission decision. If accepted, you’ll be invited to enroll by paying a €300 deposit to secure your spot.
Enrollment and Preparation: If you’ve chosen a program that offers academic credit, you’ll also need to enroll with the partnering institution (Arcadia University). The program team will assist you with the enrollment process, collect necessary documentation and payments, and provide pre-departure orientation calls to prepare you for the experience.
Arrival in Italy: Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from the airport and assisted with checking into your accommodation. On-site coordinators will be available 24/7 to support you throughout your fellowship.
If you’re uncertain about which program to choose, you can apply to multiple cities, durations, and dates. During your interview, the admissions coordinator will help advise you on the options that best align with your goals.
To get started, visit the Apply page on the Doctors in Italy website.
What day should I plan to arrive on?
You should plan to arrive on the Sunday that marks the start date of your selected program.
Your housing will be available from that day, and airport pick-up is provided to assist with your arrival and check-in.
The first day of clinical shadowing begins on Monday, following your move-in. The final day of shadowing is typically on Thursday of your last week, with Friday reserved for packing and personal tasks.
You may choose to check out on Friday or stay until Saturday morning, as housing is booked through that time
Will I get credit and transcripts for the program?
Yes, the Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program offers academic credit options for eligible participants.
1.Credit-Bearing Programs
If you enroll in the 4- or 5-week programs, you have the opportunity to earn 3 U.S. academic credits through a seminar course offered by Arcadia University. This course complements your clinical shadowing experience and provides a structured academic component to your fellowship.
2.Certificate of Completion
Regardless of the program length, all participants receive a certificate detailing the exact number of clinical shadowing hours completed.
3.Shorter Programs and Home University Credit
For shorter programs that do not include a built-in academic course, you may still be able to obtain credit through your home university. It’s advisable to consult with your academic advisor or study abroad office to explore this possibility.
If you’re interested in earning academic credit, be sure to mention this in your application and during your admissions interview. The program team can then guide you toward the options that best align with your academic goals.
