Clinical electives: setting up an overseas programme in a new medical school

This paper describes the methods used to establish an overseas elective programme in a new medical school, the objectives and the perceived results. The aims and objectives of the programme are listed. The students who participated in the programme were from the charter class and had completed the second year of a 3-year clinical programme. The methods used to establish the programme are described. Destinations were organized through academic staff contacts. Systematic preparation of students was an important feature of the programme. Comparative costs and methods of financing the programme are described in detail. The results of the programme are analysed together with the form of assessment used and feedback from both the host institution and the student. The importance of monitoring progress while students are abroad is described. The discussion focuses on the benefits derived from an overseas elective programme for both students and teachers. The advantages and disadvantages of different destinations are compared. Further refinements to the programme are discussed including alternative methods of obtaining funding. The importance of developing reciprocal arrangements with other medical schools and institutions throughout the world is emphasized.