SCOPE
Professional Exchanges
SCOPE
Standing Committee for Professional Exchange
Empowering medical students through international professional exchanges and global health experiences.
Professional Exchanges
Empowering medical students through international professional exchanges and global health experiences.
The Professional Exchange program is a full educational program offering clerkships to medical students abroad. Since the very beginning, in 1951, it was evident that exchange of medical students would be one of the main fields of action in IFMSA. As early as 1952, a total of 463 students spent a period of practice abroad, and today, it continues to be the backbone of the Federation and constitutes its longest running project. Annually, around 13.000 students from more than 90 countries travel around the world to discover new health systems, new cultures and to enhance their global health and intercultural understanding.
The aim of SCOPE is to promote cultural understanding and co-operation amongst medical students and all health professionals, through the facilitation of international student exchanges. SCOPE aims to give all students the opportunity to learn about global health, and attains this partly by having its exchanges accredited by medical faculties across the world.
All medical students are entitled to participate in a four-week clerkship in a chosen clinical or preclinical field of medicine. The language of instruction is either English or the language of the host country. In order to complete the clerkship, the exchange student must show adequate knowledge of the English language or the native language of the host country. Clerkships are purely educational and students will not receive a salary. During the exchange, the student has the chance to observe a different health care system and learn from foreign tutors. All students are assigned to a physician supervisor, who acts as a tutor and mentor.
Exchange Contracts are signed between two participating National Member Organizations and are of two types:
Where the participating countries exchange two students (one from each country) between themselves.
Where a single student participates in the exchange.
In exchange of a participation fee, the incoming student is offered a one-month clerkship at the hospital and department of his or her choice, lodging at a student facility or with a host family, and at least one meal per day.
Experience healthcare systems in different countries and gain a broader perspective on global health challenges and solutions.
Immerse yourself in different cultures, develop intercultural competence, and build lasting international friendships.
Enhance your clinical skills, medical knowledge, and professional network through hands-on experience abroad.
Join our professional exchange program and expand your horizons
Submit your application to participate in international clerkships and professional exchanges.
Welcome international students to your institution and share your healthcare system.
Contribute to making professional exchanges accessible to more medical students.