AIT is a short academic immersion experience that allows participants to explore a host city, engage with local students, and gain insight into different medical and healthcare systems. By bringing together students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, the program encourages meaningful exchange, lasting friendships, and long-term international collaboration.
The Academic Immersion Travel (AIT) Conference is part of the International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP Global), an international student networking and exchange initiative founded in 2014 at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons under the direction of Professor Anette Wu. Today, ICEP Global connects more than 40 leading medical universities across five continents and prepares future healthcare leaders for international collaboration.
The Academic Immersion Travel (AIT) Conference is part of the International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP Global), an international student networking and exchange initiative founded in 2014 at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons under the direction of Professor Anette Wu. Today, ICEP Global connects more than 40 leading medical universities across five continents and prepares future healthcare leaders for international collaboration.
Our Mission
ICEP Global fosters early international exchange among students in medicine and related health professions. Its mission is to connect students as stakeholders for science diplomacy and to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration, dialogue, and shared learning across borders.
Our Vision
ICEP Global envisions a future in which the next generation of healthcare leaders is prepared for international collaboration through intercultural understanding, leadership development, and long-term academic partnerships.
What is AIT?
Academic Immersion Travel (AIT) is a short international immersion experience within the broader ICEP program. It is designed as a one-week visit to another city, hosted by local ICEP students, and offers opportunities to explore the host environment, attend lectures, meet peers, and engage in cultural and academic exchange.
Who Participates
The program is open to medical students from partner universities at no cost and also includes selected participants from dental, public health, anatomy, pharmacy, graduate health sciences, and premedical undergraduate programs. Through this diverse community, ICEP Global creates a truly international network of future healthcare professionals.
AIT is a short academic immersion experience that allows participants to explore a host city, engage with local students, and gain insight into different medical and healthcare systems. By bringing together students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, the program encourages meaningful exchange, lasting friendships, and long-term international collaboration.
Why It Matters
By encouraging early peer-to-peer interaction, ICEP Global helps students build collegiality, cultural competence, leadership skills, and long-term professional friendships. These experiences support future collaboration and contribute to a broader understanding of global healthcare systems and challenges.
Looking Ahead to AIT 2026
As we look forward to AIT 2026 in New York City, the conference will emphasize deep academic immersion within one of the world’s most vibrant healthcare landscapes. Attendees can expect a focus on global collaboration and student-led impact, bringing together future leaders from across our partner universities to foster science diplomacy through direct peer engagement.
Mission and Vision
ICEP Global connects future healthcare professionals through international exchange, dialogue, and shared learning. The program aims to strengthen global networks, promote intercultural understanding, and prepare the next generation of leaders for collaboration across borders.