international

student electives

Planning your elective?









Why not step out of your comfort zone and go to a Low Income Country?. Your elective is a golden opportunity to see a different world - different diseases, different challenges and a different culture. Two thirds of the earth's population lives in this world so you need to see what it's like - it will change your perspectives and broaden your horizons. Don't miss the opportunity!

Where do I start looking?

It can seem a bit daunting but help is at hand! CMF won't arrange your elective for you but we have a bit database of contacts and a handbook to help. We focus on Christian hospitals and mission agencies because that is our area of expertise, but many of these are open to students of other faiths - or no faith - provided they are happy to respect the Christian ethos of the organisation.

Christian organisations

See our summary database which links to a more detailed directory. The organisation will put you in touch with a suitable hospital and hellp with arrangements and many organisations give some orientation before you go. There is usually an administration fee. Going with an organisation gives you some support and backup, and you will know you are treading a well-trodden path.

Christian hospitals

Arranging your elective directly with a hospital gives you a wide choice of options. We have over 80 hospitals in our summary database which links to a more detailed directory.

Funding sources

Click here for a list of possible sources of funding. Please feed back to us any other sources of which you are aware, so that we can expand and improve the list.

Other sources of information

  • Your medical school should have a file of elective reports from students in previous years. These will give you ideas and contacts.
  • Universites overseas - see the World Directory of Medical Schools.
  • Medics Travel - website and guide book - 'The Medics Guide to Work and Electives Around the World'
  • The Electives Network - large database and information, free to members of the MDU.
  • Commercial organisations which arrange your elective for you, eg. Projects Abroad and Work the World