Mark Wilson gives you some advice on planning an elective in China and Hong Kong

Well known for being the most populated country in the world, with an ancient heritage and a great culinary tradition, China can be a great place to do your elective. China is a huge country with mountains bordering the north (the Tien Shan Mountains) and south west (the Tibetan plateau). Two thirds of China's vast population (1.3 billion in total) lives in the low lying eastern region of the country. Ninety three per cent of the population are Han Chinese. Of the remaining 92 million, many are of minorities such as the Tibetans, Mongolians, and Muslim Uygurs. They inhabit disputed border areas. These small groups do not face the one-child policy that the Han Chinese do as otherwise they would soon become extinct. Tourism has increased over the last decade with the relaxation of immigration control. China's capital, Beijing, is the centre of commerce and industry and home to 19 million people.

1. Population: 1.3 billion
2. Language: Mandarin
3. Capital: Beijing
4. Currency: Yuan (Renminbi)
5. International code: +86

Medicine in China has changed totally, but still traditional medicine continues to be taught and practised. The greatest problem for the Western medic is language, so you need a little knowledge of Mandarin. The are a lot of hospitals were you can go, some are listed below.

Dong Dan, San Tiao, Beijing 100 730 (tel +86 10 403 4433; www.pumch.ac.cn)

Located in the centre of Beijing, it is one of the most important institutions in China, with some 3000 daily outpatients and 900 beds and with a great scope of specialties in the medical field.

38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing, PO Box 100 083 (tel +86 10 201 7620; fax 20 2015681; www.bjmu.edu.cn/ (English address www.bjmu.edu.cn/E_bjmu/E-bjmu1.htm)

It has over 1500 professors and is affiliated with the other eight teaching hospitals. You'll need to write to the foreign students' office at Beijing Medical University, Beijing 100 083 and fill in forms four months in advance. There is a cost of US$400 per month. If you can't speak Mandarin you won't be able to clerk patients.

You need to apply six months in advance. The university has its own hospital, and all courses can be taken as an elective (six to eight weeks). Knowledge of Mandarin is recommended.

You need one completed application form, a passport photo, and a passport with blank pages. To obtain a student visa you should present the application form for international students (JW-201 or 202 form) issued by the Ministry of Education of China and a letter of admission from a Chinese university or college.

Since 1997 Hong Kong has been a Special Administrative Region of the Chinese government. It remains a highly Westernised city. Most of the inhabitants don't see the change of government as positive, and this has lead to fear among the population. For a medical student, Hong Kong can be a good experience; the hospitals are well equipped and the classes are given in English.

UK nationals can stay for six months, as tourists, without Chinese visa. You will need to obtain a special permit to do your elective, you must have a letter of acceptance from the local university, your passport and must provide evidence of how you will pay your studies. Visit the visa section of Chinese embassy in person together with your valid passport and two passport photos. A visa application form needs to be filled by the applicant. The visa fee is £30.

Large and well equipped teaching hospital for the University of Hong Kong. All teaching is given in English.

It serves about one million people in the western part of the Kowloon peninsula. With 1000 beds and many specialties it has the only infectious diseases centre in Hong Kong, rounds and meetings are in English, but you will need to know Mandarin to communicate with patients.