Home   Student Electives   Preparing your Elective   Preparing for your Medical Elective - in a resource poor country

For those you are visiting:

Ask if there are any books or equipment you can bring with you. There may be a project you can raise money for as part of your elective "project". There may be other 'essentials' that are difficult for your English hosts to obtain – such as chocolate or Marmite! Some airlines will allow you excess baggage if you are taking a gift to a charitable organisation. Check it out.

TALC (Teaching Aids at Low Cost) Website: www.talcuk.org They sell textbooks, CDs and other teaching aids (very cheaply) which you can read/use and then leave with your hosts.

A free copy of the CMF Developing Health CD which contains a wealth of information on practicing medicine in a resource poor country and include management protocols and power point presentations. It would be intended for you to use in preparation for your elective but to leave behind with your hosts on your departure. Available from: laura.risdale@cmf.org.uk

For your personal use:

Obtain a copy of the CMF Publication, Elective Life Support. It contains 8 weeks of daily readings and meditations intended for student on elective placements overseas. It is written by students and graduates with overseas experience.

A pocket general textbook such as the Oxford Handbook of Medicine and/or Tropical Medicine and a copy of the BNF can be invaluable. Not all mission hospitals will have a medical library so enquire about what they do have available. Are there any journals you could take?

Do take and keep a journal/diary of all that you do – both medical and otherwise. Expect God to speak to you. Record his words and your thoughts and answers to prayer.

Other items that might prove useful include: a good torch, a penknife (don't carry on your person or in your hand luggage on the plane) and a plug adaptor. Pictures of home can act as a useful conversation starter. Biros, coloured pencils, rubbers and other school stationary are gold dust to children with few school resources. A skipping rope may provide your only form of exercise! Don't forget gifts for your hosts and new found friends (calendars make good presents) and perhaps some thank you cards.

Unless you are a very keen photographer, it's best to avoid large lenses that attract unwanted attention. Do be culturally sensitive about taking photos and ask permission where necessary.

Consider leaving any books, journals, Bibles, teaching materials that you have taken with you