Continue to take anti-malarial medication for the recommended time after your return
Consider taking time out to reflect on what you have learnt – perhaps going on a retreat?
Expect 'reverse culture shock'. You will have changed
Expect an emotional roller coaster of mixed feelings including guilt, anger, frustration.
Don't expect everyone to want to hear about your experiences but do share them with those who will listen and encourage others to go
Make sure you spend some time with a trusted friend or counsellor who is a good listener and with whom you can talk through any negative issues raised by your time overseas
Keep any promises you might have made - to your hosts, friends and yourself
Get back to your hosts and others who have helped you and say thank you
Send a copy of any report or research project you write up to your host hospital/mentor
Continue to pray for your new friends, the hospital and the country you have left behind.
Not forget the things you have seen and heard and that God might have said to you and to keep any promises you might have made to him
Continue to follow through on what God might have called you to do in terms of a commitment to serve Him overseas after you have qualified.
First Edition 1997 – Amended April 1999 & November 2000
Second Edition September 2002
Third Edition November 2003
Fourth Edition August 2004
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of Christian Medical Fellowship.
Christian Medical Fellowship
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London
SE1 1HL
United Kingdom
Christian Medical Fellowship is a registered charity No. 1039823
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My thanks are due to Mark Pickering (CMF Student Secretary), Avril Stirzaker (Chairperson, CMF National Students Committee) and Laura Risdale (PA, Overseas Department) for their comments and suggestions during the preparation of this fifth edition.
DISCLAIMER
Christian Medical Fellowship cannot be held responsible for the information contained in this booklet. Students should confirm the information with individual institutions and missions agencies, including the conditions for undertaking electives and the precautions advised to reduce health and transport risks.
