Medical training - either to become a doctor, nurse or other
health professional, offers us a fantastic opportunity to get involved and
experience other cultures in any part of the world...while you may really be
wanting a big holiday, do seriously think about organising a decent elective
spell too....the world is your oyster...
Do I have to go overseas?
You don't have to and problems like exam resits may mean you can't but do not
think you can't afford to go overseas - there are many grants available and
the cost of living can be considerable less than at home.
How do I find out about places?
Well your at the best website! Have a flick through the country you want to
visit for lists of hospitals. Try a Google
search if you are unable to find the one you want.
There are many other good websites such as Hospital
Web (very good for western/American Hospitals) and Mission
Finder (for developing world hospitals)
The
Medic's Guide to Work and Electives Around the World details thousands of
hospitals, NGOs and other organisations (such as mountain rescue, diving
medicine, NASA...) and accompanies this website...
I don't a speak a de language....
Well you're gonna need to learn at least a
little...in many African countries there are usually translators around - however, if going to South America or China do not expect anyone to speak
English...a useful service while preparing for an elective (e.g. for writing
letters) is available here
Is it a safe place for me to go?
Check out www.fco.gov.uk - This is the UK
Foreign Office's website and kept very up to date
What Vaccinations will I need?
The department of health has a good comprehensive website Click
here
Where can I get funding?
A full list of grants is available in the appendix of the Medic's
Guide - your library should have a copy...
A good website if not is www.rdinfo.org.uk
What about Travel Insurance?
The Medical
Sickness Society do an excellent Travel Insurance package that covers you in case of failing
exams and needlestick injuries - click on the banner above for more
information and a 10% discount
What about Indemnity Insurance?
Contact your provider and make sure they cover you in your destination (get
written confirmation)
MDU MPS MDDUS
Where can I get cheap flights?
Try your local STA as they can often do cheap student deals -
look at the banners above
Actually I would just like someone else to organise it for
me...
Well - organising your own elective is half the fun so do try to do it
yourself unless you are really pushed for time...we are currently
investigating the possibility of setting up elective packages - these would be
available on a non-profit basis...any proceeds going towards a fund to enable
students from other worse of countries travel to the UK...if you are
interested, please let us know Click
here
