Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

HOW CAN I TAKE PART IN SCOPE?

Participation in the IFMSA Professional Exchange Program is open to medical students who must be a member of one of our National Member Organizations.

If you would like to apply for the IFMSA Professional Exchange Program you must apply through your National Member Organization.

If you are from a country where IFMSA is already represented, please contact your Local/National Exchange Officer who will provide you with all necessary information on how to apply for IFMSA Professional Exchange Program.

WHO MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN IFMSA PROFESSIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM?

The IFMSA Professional Exchange Program only eligible for medical students. Non-medical professionals do not fulfill the criteria for eligibility.

WHICH COUNTRIES PARTICIPATE IN IFMSA PROFESSIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM?

In 2001 78 countries were involved in SCOPE. Please check our National Member Organization list for further updates at www.ifmsa.org

WHAT IS THE AIM OF SCOPE?

The SCOPE mission is to promote cultural understanding and co-operation amongst medical students and all health professionals, through the facilitation of international student exchanges.

The exchange program offers students a unique educational and cultural experience in addition to the regular medical curriculum. It also helps to broaden the students understanding of medical and social conditions in different countries.

The aim of a clerkship is NOT:

•  To provide an opportunity for the purpose of earning money.
The clerkships are under no circumstances paid.

•  A holiday

• Intended to be a permanent career placement or recruitment opportunity in another country

•  A vehicle for any person to permanently leave their country and territory

WHAT KIND OF CLERKSHIP CAN I CHOOSE FROM?

The Clinical clerkship offered in SCOPE involves a unilateral vs. bilateral contract. See 'Contracts'one of two contracts.

HOW LONG DOES CLERKSHIP LAST?

The duration of a clerkship is four weeks.

WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF CLERKSHIPS?

Clerkships are given in English or in the country's native language. The Exchange student has to show adequate knowledge of the English language, the native language of the host country or the language agreed upon in order to carry out the clerkship. If these conditions are not met, he/she can be refused in the host country and eventually be excluded from the exchange program.

IF I UNDERGO A CLERKSHIP ABROAD, IS ACADEMIC RECOGNITION AVAILABLE?

Academic recognition is available for clerkships varying depending on the countries involved. Please consult your medical school.

WILL I GET PAID DURING THE CLERKSHIP?

Clerkship is purely educational for the student and he/she will not under any circumstances be paid.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSILIBITIES OF EXCHANGE STUDENTS?

Please have a look at exchange student responsibilities page at www.ifmsa.org/scope or at www.ifmsa.net/public

WHAT ARE THE ELECTIVE REQUIREMENTS?

Please check the Exchange conditions of each country at IFMSA SCOPE exchange conditions database at www.ifmsa.org/scope or at www.ifmsa.net/public

WHAT IS THE CLERKSHIP DAILY ROUTINE?

During the clerkship, student will experience living the daily life of foreign medical students. He/she will deal with different health care systems, and will learn from foreign tutors. Exchangees will meet the house-staff at their desired department who will responsible for orientation and scheduling.Depending on the level of student's knowledge he/she can participate in daily health care delivery.

WHAT DISCIPLINES ARE AVAILABLE?

Clerkships can be offered in all clinical and preclinical fields of medicine. Please check the Exchange conditions.

WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR IFMSA PROFESSIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM?

Please contact your Local/National Exchange Officer who will inform you about deadlines and the application procedures.

DO I NEED TO HAVE INSURANCE DURING THE CLERKSHIP PERIOD?

Proof of health insurance must be provided before the student can start his/her clerkship. Some countries also require a certificate of malpractice insurance. The Exchangee is responsible for his/her own health/liability insurance. The insurance has to be arranged by the Exchangee before leaving his/her country. The Exchangee is responsible for paying any costs in case of illness or accident.

IFMSA does not provide health insurance or malpractice insurance to students.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING?

The clerkship application fee varies depending on the country and the contract; bilateral vs. unilateral.   The application fee includes boarding, lodging, and tuition for a one-month rotation. Please contact your Local/National Exchange Officer for more details.

For both bilateral and unilateral exchanges students should cover the insurance, travel expenses and pocket money by themselves.