Frequently Asked Questions
Please find here answers to some of the commonly asked questions about the fellowship. If your questions still remain unanswered, do not hesitate to write us an email at admin@ethealth.org.
​What kind of mentorship can we expect to get when we come for the fellowship?
As a fellow, you’ll receive dedicated mentorship from esteemed scholars like Dr. Jae, Dr. Rosenheck, and Mr. Ibrahim, who will guide you through the research process with their expertise and insights. Beyond the fellowship itself, our academic mentorship extends into the publication process and symposium presentations, ensuring you receive continued support as you refine and share your work. Additionally, our team leaders provide hands-on guidance throughout your fellowship experience, helping you navigate both academic and practical aspects of your research journey. This is more than just mentorship—it’s a lasting academic partnership!
How does a typical day look like during the fellowship?
From Monday to Friday, your mornings start with a breakfast at 8:00 AM, followed by a team meeting where you’ll strategize and plan the day’s research. By 9:00 AM, you’ll set off for the field to conduct interviews and gather data. At midday, you’ll return to the house for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, though some teams prefer to push through their work and enjoy a later lunch around 4:00 PM. The afternoon session resumes at 2:00 PM, where you’ll work towards meeting your daily research goals before wrapping up for the day.
Evenings are a time to unwind—whether that’s taking a walk through the community, going for a run, watching the sunset, or simply relaxing at the house. Dinner is served at 7:00 PM, and from there, the night is yours to rest, reflect, or prepare for the next day.
Is it possible to participate in both the Clinical Week and Safari?
Yes! ETH has determined that it is logistically feasible for fellows to participate in both the clinical week and the safari in all sessions of the GHEF. Fellows would arrive one week earlier than their fellowship for the clinical week and stay three days after for the safari. At this time it is not possible to join the clinical week or safari of another session.
How can I communicate with my family and friends when I’m in Uganda?
Upon arrival, we will guide you in purchasing a Ugandan SIM card, approximately $2, enabling affordable data and call options for international communication. If you plan to use an eSIM, please make sure that your phone is unlocked before arriving in Uganda.
Is it possible to join in the weekend trips if notice is given later than the Monday before?
While we highly encourage participants to sign up for weekend trips by Monday to ensure proper arrangements, we understand that last-minute changes may occur. Late sign-ups may be possible on a case-by-case basis, depending on the availability of resources and accommodations. However, we cannot guarantee your spot on the trip if you sign up after the deadline. If you find yourself in such a situation, please contact ETH staff as soon as possible to discuss your options.
How can I get financial aid?
​The Required Program Donation is set at $3,500 for international students, but those who qualify for financial aid may receive a reduction, bringing it as low as $2,500. ETH offers a need-blind application process, meaning financial aid eligibility is assessed only after admission. Once accepted, students who wish to be considered for a reduction must notify us and submit their FAFSA document. Based on their FAFSA, ETH may reduce the Required Program Donation by up to $1,000. Additionally, many students seek scholarships or alternative funding through their universities to help cover costs.
What if I can't find flights within the window listed in the Arrival and Departure Section?
We understand that travel plans can sometimes be challenging to arrange. We are happy to assist you in finding appropriate accommodation in Entebbe prior to the program start date if need be. If you are unable to find a flight that arrives within the specified window, or if you need to arrive late, we can facilitate transportation from the airport to the program location at a later time for an additional $125 fee. Please note that pre-orientation sessions are crucial for acclimating to the program and location, so we highly encourage you to make every effort to arrive on time. If you foresee any difficulties with your travel schedule, please inform ETH staff as soon as possible so that we can work together to make appropriate arrangements.
Is Uganda safe?
​In terms of safety, we want to emphasize that the ETH GHEF has an excellent safety record. With over 100 fellows who have participated in the program so far, there has not been a single safety or theft incident reported. We take precautions to ensure the well-being of our fellows, and there is a dedicated guard who helps maintain security for the fellows. We also advise fellows to always report their movement and to always have at least a Ugandan fellow or staff member with them in case they want to move far distances away from the community.
Moreover, the village of Mpunde, where the program is located, is known for its extraordinary safety. The community is small and tightly knit, people are friendly and hospitable, resulting in an extremely low occurrence of violent crimes. However, infrastructure can be challenging - roads may be in poor condition and electricity cuts occur frequently. That is why we have enough solar panels to power all necessary appliances.