Orientation FAQ
FAQ
Is Orientation mandatory?
Absolutely. This is a vital part of the FICRS-F programs, and should not be missed.
Can I miss days of Orientation?
Absences may be granted in extenuating circumstances, however no absences are allowed without prior approval from the FICRS team.
What is Mini-Orientation?
All Scholars are required to attend Mini-Orientation directly following the main Orientation at the U.S. institution associated with their overseas site.. The Mini-Orientation schedule varies by site and will range from 3 – 14 days in length. The format of Mini-Orientation varies widely across sites. Some Mini-Orientations involve meeting with the U.S. administrators and faculty. Others involve specialized courses and/or training. Fellows traditionally do not attend a Mini-Orientation.
Where will I stay during Orientation?
You will be housed in a hotel conveniently located just minutes from downtown Bethesda and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and a mere 20 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. You will not need to make these arrangements, they will be made for you by AAMC.
How will I make my travel and hotel arrangements?
You will be contacted by a representative from the AAMC who will work with you to arrange your travel and accommodations. The AAMC will arrange and pay for your travel from home to Bethesda to Mini-Orientation and back home, as well as your hotel reservation for Bethesda. Please contact your U.S. site administrator for details regarding your accommodations and transportation while at Mini-Orientation.
If I bring my car, do you pay for parking?
If you are driving to Orientation instead of flying, FICRS will help to reimburse your gas and parking costs up to the cost of a flight from your home to Bethesda. However, if FICRS is paying for a flight for any leg of your journey, no car-related costs will be reimbursed.
What is the weather in Bethesda?
In July, temperatures range from the high 80s during the day to the low 70s at night. The temperature of the meeting rooms may be somewhat warmer or cooler than you might expect. You are encouraged to wear layered outer clothing.
What expenses are covered?
Trainees are provided with airline tickets to and from Bethesda, MD, and can be reimbursed for shuttle transport to and from the airport. Please note: taxi fare is not covered; only shuttles, buses, and Metro expenses. Trainees are provided with a shared room at a hotel within walking distance of the NIH. All trainees are provided with a daily food per diem in the form of a debit card that will be given out during Orientation registration (actual per diem amounts vary year to year).
Will I need to bring my own money?
Yes. Once you arrive in Bethesda you will be given your per diem to cover the cost of food and incidentals for the duration of Orientation, however you will need money for your travels from your home country to Bethesda, including ground transportation costs. These monies will be reimbursed, but we cannot get you money up front to pay for them. Please talk to the U.S. administrator and site director associated with your training site to help you make these arrangements.
What is the dress code?
The dress is business casual for the length of the session. Keep in mind that you are likely to encounter top NIH officials and scientists during the course of Orientation, and should dress accordingly. Most years, FICRS hosts a networking dinner that is semi-formal. Men may wear a suit, or shirt and tie. Ladies may choose from a short afternoon dress or long dressy skirt and nice top. Attendees are also welcome to wear traditional formal attire of their home country.
International Trainee FAQ
As an international trainee, will FICRS provide a letter of invitation for my visa to the US?
Yes. A representative from AAMC will send out invitation letters to both you and the U.S. administrator associated with your training site.
What if I can’t get a visa?
Our trainees have a very high success rate for gaining their U.S. visas for Orientation. We will work with you and your embassy to do everything possible to secure your visa for Orientation. However, if you are unable to obtain a visa in time for Orientation then Orientation requirements will be waived.
Will I need to bring my own money?
Yes. Once you arrive in Bethesda you will be given your per diem to cover the cost of food and incidentals for the duration of Orientation, however you will need money for your travels from your home country to Bethesda, including ground transportation costs. These monies will be reimbursed, but we cannot get you money up front to pay for them. Please talk to the U.S. administrator and site director associated with your training site to help you make these arrangements.
