DrPH Residency FAQ

DrPH residencies are in-person, multi-day engagements where students are immersed in experiential, professional or peer-learning activities focused on developing global health and leadership skills.

DrPH residencies are degree requirements. That means, students are required to complete them to be able to advance into their DrPH academic journey. There are a total of four DrPH residencies: two residencies in Indianapolis — we will call these “Indianapolis residencies,” and two international residencies — we will call these “global residencies.”

The DrPH residencies provide unique opportunities to connect with fellow students, engage with faculty, learn from varied cultural and public health/healthcare contexts, and apply your learning in an in-person setting.

The global residency, usually held in May and/or June each year, takes place in an international location and provides firsthand exposure to public health systems, community partnerships, and public health practice in action.

The Indianapolis residency, usually held in August, takes place on the Fairbanks School of Public Health campus and gives students an opportunity to build relationships with classmates and faculty while engaging with the university community.

The Indianapolis residency takes place on the Fairbanks School of Public Health, IU Indianapolis campus.

Past global residencies have included Norway, Thailand, and Kenya. The 2027 global residency will take place in Quito, Ecuador. Future global destinations may vary by year.

Residency locations may change. For instance, a May/June residency could potentially be held in Indianapolis, or vice versa, depending on circumstances. Students will receive advance notifications if such changes are needed.

All students in their first and second years of the DrPH program participate in the residencies.

Yes. The global and Indianapolis residencies are required components of the DrPH program. Students are expected to attend four residencies in total: two in Indianapolis, at the beginning of their first and second year in the program (August); and, two global residencies, towards the end of their first and second year in the program (May and/or June).

We recognize that unforeseen circumstances may affect a student's ability to attend. If you anticipate a conflict or are unable to participate, contact your DrPH program director as soon as possible. The program director will review the circumstances and determine whether an alternative arrangement, such as completing the residency at a later date, is possible.

Global residencies typically last approximately one week. Specific dates and schedules will be shared with students as they are confirmed.

The global residency in Quito, Ecuador will occur Wednesday, May 26, through Wednesday, June 2, 2027.

The Indianapolis residency lasts approximately one week.

During the global residency, you will learn about the health system in the selected destination and usually visit community and/or organizational partners. These experiences provide opportunities to observe public health practice in the local context and deepen your understanding of how public health systems operate in different settings.

During the Indianapolis residency, students connect with classmates and faculty and engage in in-person learning on campus. During the first residency, students will be oriented to the program, school and university. In addition, both in Year 1 and Year 2, students will learn from leaders, faculty, and cohort classmates about their leadership experiences with an emphasis on change leadership in the health sector. Students will also have an opportunity to explore local health-related challenges and successes as well as local culture, as it relates to health outcomes.

All activities listed on the official agenda for each residency are required. Review the agenda carefully and plan to participate in all scheduled activities.

• Year 1, Indianapolis residency (August): no requirements.
• Year 2, global residency (May/June): students must have successfully completed Year 1 fall and spring coursework.
• Year 2, Indianapolis residency (August): students must have successfully completed all previous requirements + Year 1 summer coursework.
• Year 2, global residency (May/June): students must have successfully completed all previous requirements + Year 2 fall and spring coursework.
• At the end of each residency, students will submit a reflection journal that addresses at least three different DrPH competencies as follows:
  • One competency from the foundational competencies
  • One competency from the concentration competencies
  • And the following DrPH competency: Assess one’s own strengths and weaknesses in leadership capacities, including cultural proficiency

The DrPH prepares students to lead and advance public health practice. The residencies complement classroom learning by giving students opportunities to engage with public health systems, practitioners, and communities in person. The global residency provides firsthand exposure to public health practice in an international context, helping students connect their academic learning with real-world challenges and approaches.

The cost varies by residency and destination. The school will share the estimated cost and payment schedule with students once those details are confirmed.

• Indianapolis residency: Although estimates vary year-to-year, students should budget for air tickets, hotel rooms, meals not included in the program, ground transportation, and any personal activity not included in the program.
• Global residency: Although cots vary year-to-year, and destination-to-destination, students should budget for air tickets, residency fee (around 2,000-3,000 USD), health insurance fee (around 50 USD), and study abroad fee (approximately 100 USD).

For the global residency, fees usually include lodging, some meals, and transportation to scheduled locations during the residency. Additional details about inclusions and expenses students must cover separately will be shared before the trip.

Students are responsible for the cost of their own flights. Other expenses not covered by the residency fees may include some meals, optional cultural activities, souvenirs, and personal purchases.

Review the final cost breakdown before making travel plans so you understand which expenses are included and which you will need to budget for separately.

Global residency program fees are added to summer tuition bills and due at the same time as summer tuition.

Historically, DrPH students have not been charged a program fee for the Indianapolis residency. However, fees are determined annually, and students will be notified of any potential charges as soon as that information becomes available.

Plan to arrive before the residency begins and be ready to participate in the first scheduled activity. Specific arrival expectations, including any required arrival times, will be shared ahead of each residency.

For international travel, consider the time needed to travel to the destination and account for potential flight delays. Do not book flights until you have reviewed the official arrival guidance.

You may depart after all required residency activities have concluded. Review the official schedule before booking travel to ensure your departure does not conflict with required activities.

Students are responsible for booking and paying for their own flights. Review the residency dates and arrival and departure guidance before purchasing tickets.

For the global residency, students are usually responsible for ground transportation to and from the airport as well as any other transportation not specified in the agenda. Transportation to residency activities is included in the residency fee, unless otherwise specified. Depending on the destination, transportation provided may vary.

For the Indianapolis residency, students are responsible for arranging all their ground transportation needs, except as indicated in the agenda when transportation will be provided for residency activities.

For the global residency, the school will arrange lodging, and the cost will be included in the residency fees. Additional information about accommodations will be provided before the trip.

For the Indianapolis residency, students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own lodging.

Students should plan to complete the following requirements before the Indianapolis or global residency, depending on whether they are traveling across international borders or not:

• Passport: Ensure your passport meets your destination’s entry requirements and remains valid for the required period. Common entry requirements include:
  • Visa and related entry requirements: Entry requirements depend on your citizenship, itinerary and other circumstances. Check the current requirements before departure.
  • Passport validity: most international travel requires six months of passport validity beyond the return flight date. Consult your destination requirements before making plans.
• IU Indianapolis Office of Study Abroad documentation (for global residencies): Visit the IU Indianapolis Office of Study Abroad for information about required documentation for completing university processes such as forms, deadlines, and other preparations for your global residency. Requirements may vary by location and year.
• Required information sessions and training: Complete all required information sessions by attending live or watching the recordings, as permitted by the program. Complete any additional required training by the stated deadlines.
• Health preparation: Review current travel health guidance and consult a healthcare provider or travel medicine clinic well in advance of departure.

For the 2027 global residency only: For current entry requirements, consult official Ecuadorian government guidance or the appropriate Ecuadorian embassy or consulate that is closest to you.

Vaccination and other health recommendations depend on your itinerary, medical history, and previous vaccinations. Consult a healthcare provider or travel medicine clinic well in advance of departure.

We recommend that you review the CDC health recommendations of your destination well in advance before departure.

You can consult your personal healthcare provider, or visit the IU Indianapolis Campus Health center to receive vaccinations.

Pack for a full schedule of academic and professional activities, keeping the itinerary and expected weather in mind. Recommended items include:

• Business casual clothing for university and community partner visits
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Layers for changing temperatures and different settings
• A lightweight rain jacket or umbrella, depending on the forecast
• Passport and other required travel documents
• Prescription medications and personal health supplies
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Phone, charging cables and any necessary power adapters
• A reusable water bottle, if appropriate for the itinerary
• A small day bag for daily activities
• Business cards

NOTES

• Different destinations may vary in expectations of appropriate clothing and or interactions, including but not limited to gender-based or seniority-based differences. Consult the cultural norms of your destination before travel. We also recommend that you research cultural dimensions of the destination.
• Students should consult expected weather in the destination and prepare accordingly.

A more specific packing list will be shared once the itinerary and destination details are finalized.

Business casual attire is expected for university and community partner visits. Wear comfortable shoes, as the group may visit multiple locations throughout the day. Because temperatures and conditions can vary, dressing in layers is recommended.

If an activity requires different clothing or footwear, the DrPH team will provide additional guidance.

NOTES

• Different destinations may vary in expectations of appropriate clothing and or interactions, including but not limited to gender-based or seniority-based differences. Consult the cultural norms of your destination before travel. We also recommend that you research cultural dimensions of the destination.
• Students should consult expected weather in the destination and prepare accordingly.

Review the itinerary and research the organizations and partners you will visit. Learn about their missions, the populations they serve, and their roles within the local public health system.

Come prepared to ask thoughtful questions and engage in discussion. Consider how each organization's work connects to your own professional experience and the leadership challenges you are exploring through the DrPH program.

The daily schedule will vary depending on the locations and partner organizations being visited. Some days may include travel between several locations, while others may focus on activities in one place.

Plan for a full day of scheduled academic, professional, and partner activities. Students are generally encouraged to eat breakfast before departure, as opportunities for meals and breaks will depend on the day's itinerary.

The final schedule will provide specific meeting times, locations, and meal arrangements.

The amount of free time will depend on the itinerary. The residency schedule prioritizes academic activities, partner visits, and group experiences, so students should expect a full schedule and should not assume there will be substantial time for independent sightseeing.

Any planned free time or optional activities will be identified in the itinerary. Students should avoid making independent plans that conflict with required residency activities. Full in-person attendance and engagement is expected at all residency activities.

The DrPH team will use a group WhatsApp chat to communicate with students before and during the trip. The group will be used to share updates, coordinate logistics, and communicate important reminders.

Students should make sure they can access WhatsApp before departure and review any instructions for joining the group. Additional guidance about international phone service and Wi-Fi will be provided before travel.

For questions about residency requirements, scheduling or academic activities, contact Dr. Miguel REINA ORTIZ, director of the Doctoral Program in Global Health Leadership (DrPH).

During the residency, follow the emergency and communication procedures provided by the DrPH team. Save the designated emergency contacts and group communication details before departure.

If you experience an urgent safety or medical emergency, contact local emergency services as appropriate, and notify the designated residency contact as soon as it is safe to do so.