All exchange

Editor - Thanks to Sarah Finer and J Jaime Miranda for their article about working abroad, not just on your elective.¹ Exchanges run by the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) solve many of the problems that they mention.

The Medical Students International Network in the United Kingdom (Medsin-UK) is the UK member of the IFMSA, and we have been trying to set up the IFMSA exchange programme in the UK for a few years. The idea is that UK students are taking advantage of a host country's resources when abroad. So let's invite students back here so that the country still has the same number of students to teach. We have had some success but have faced many hurdles. We have hundreds of students from around the globe asking us to offer them an exchange each year (8000 a year; only 40 involving the UK).

The IFMSA system allows students from all countries to take part in a rotation in another country because they only pay a fee related to the cost of living in their country. So, someone from the UK pays significantly more than someone from Rwanda. The money covers accommodation and food, so students do not face these expenses when they arrive.

The system is run by student volunteers, and, therefore, universities offering electives do not face huge administration costs. The logistics of organising the placements are taken care of by trained students.

The programme gives students from developing countries a chance to improve their job prospects and experience the UK health system and culture. The programme also helps participants to know what students in that other country can or should do, to learn a language, and to teach and work with their peers. Participants on exchange join the local students there. Teaching is in English and follows what happens in that country.

Exchanges should not take the place of electives: a great deal can be gained from both experiences. An exchange is about undertaking a rotation in a particular topic with defined aims and objectives. They have strict assessment criteria and high standards of teaching (but you experience a new culture and healthcare system as well). It will also be restricted to four weeks (unless you do a research project). An elective is a more general experience of another healthcare system.

For more information on setting up IFMSA exchanges in your medical school please contact exchange@medsin.org

1. Miranda JJ, Finer S. Rethinking your elective. studentBMJ 2005;13:74-5. (February.)