International Services/Erasmus +

Università Vita‑Salute San Raffaele strongly encourages international mobility as an integral component of its students’ academic and personal development. The University actively supports those who wish to undertake an experience abroad by providing guidance, as well as logistical and administrative assistance.

Within the scope of international mobility, thanks to the numerous cooperation agreements established by UniSR (for example with the University of Copenhagen, the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore, Utrecht University, Universidad Católica Sedes Sapientiae in Lima, and the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center), students may undertake periods of study and/or training at European universities not participating in the Erasmus+ Programme or at non‑European institutions.

Applications for such training experiences must first be submitted to the relevant Programme Board for approval. Once authorised, and upon submission of the required documentation, the experience will be formally recognised upon the student’s return.

All international mobility exchanges must be governed by International Cooperation Agreements established directly between the Global Alliances e Mobilità Office and the corresponding office of the host university abroad.

In addition to the Erasmus+ Study and Traineeship programmes, the three‑year Bachelor’s degree programmes (where applicable), the Master’s degree programmes, and the single‑cycle Master’s degree programmes offer and encourage participation in work placements abroad. These may be undertaken as curricular activities included in the study plan or as extracurricular experiences which, although they do not award credits, provide significant educational and experiential value.

In most cases, students identify the host institution themselves, either independently or on the recommendation of lecturers, tutors, or academic advisors. This flexible approach enables students to design highly personalised pathways aligned with their interests and professional goals.

For students enrolled in the Master’s Degree Programme in Medicine and Surgery and in the International MD Programme, particularly from the third to the sixth year, it is possible to undertake observational placements at foreign institutions in Europe, as well as in non‑EU countries such as New Zealand (University of Otago), Kenya (Aga Khan University Hospital), and Canada (Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University).

Among the most established opportunities are the elective programmes offered by numerous universities in the United Kingdom, as well as placements arranged through the international platforms VSLO (Visiting Student Learning Opportunities) and AMOpportunities, which connect students with hospitals and clinical centres worldwide.

Additional opportunities are available through voluntary organisations, many of which are based in London, that organise placements in healthcare facilities in developing countries.

The Global Alliances e Mobilità Office supports students in their search for opportunities abroad by facilitating the exchange of useful information and managing the administrative procedures essential for undertaking mobility.

For degree programmes in Philosophy, international mobility focuses primarily on thesis‑related placements and professional internships, offering students the opportunity to engage with different academic and cultural contexts and to explore their research interests in greater depth.

Regarding the Faculty of Psychology, specific restrictions apply to undertaking pre‑degree practical placements abroad due to tutoring requirements. The Master’s Degree Programme in Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication allows students to undertake placements in Swiss organisations affiliated with the Faculty, offering valuable formative experience in professional settings.

Ministerial funds intended to support students’ international mobility are allocated annually by the Ministry of University and Research. These grants, awarded until available funds are exhausted, are reserved exclusively for curricular international mobility outside the Erasmus+ Programme and are allocated through a dedicated annual call for applications.

Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele (UniSR) welcomes international undergraduate students who wish to undertake a short academic experience at our campus as part of their curriculum. The Global Alliances & Mobilità Office manages applications for observership placements in San Raffaele hospital wards and research laboratories, offered to visiting students outside the Erasmus+ Programme.

Observerships are open to students enrolled in a medical degree programme at a university outside Italy who have completed at least two years of study at the time of the observership.

Important Information

• Duration: Minimum 2 weeks – Maximum 12 weeks
• Observerships are strictly observational. Students are not permitted to perform hands-on clinical activities.
• Final approval is subject to the relevant Department Head and the UniSR Medical Faculty Council.
• Observerships are not available during August and December.
• Once confirmed, placement and dates cannot be modified.
• A formal agreement with the home institution is required to confirm the mobility period.
• Students must comply with UniSR safety regulations and Preventive Medicine requirements.
• Students must hold valid accident and third-party liability insurance covering the entire stay in Italy.
• Students are responsible for verifying visa requirements and obtaining the appropriate visa, if necessary.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted at least 3 months before the intended start date and must include the following documents and information:

• Application from downloadable below to be completed
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English or Italian
• Proof of B2-level proficiency in English or Italian
  (not required for native speakers or students enrolled in programmes taught in English)
• Transcript of Records
• Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or relevant academic office

After Acceptance

Once the application is approved, students will be asked to submit additional documentation and complete the required administrative and compliance procedures. Detailed instructions will be provided at that stage.

Upon arrival, visiting students will be formally enrolled at UniSR as recognised mobility students for the duration of their observership.

Contact

For further information or to apply, please contact: mobility@unisr.it

DOCUMENTS

Application Form - UniSR San Raffaele Hospital Observership