Once you know where you are going, find out as much as you can about:-
The country - politics (both medical and national), religions, history, geography and climate.
Language and culture - Learn some of the local greetings and customs so that you know how to greet people and avoid causing unnecessary offence.
Clothes – What should you wear (and not wear)? How formal do you need to be (often more so than in the UK) Do you need to wear a white coat on the wards? What will the weather be like when you are there (do you need hot, cold or wet weather clothing)? What about watches, rings, jewellery? (Remember you maybe working among the very poor).
Accommodation? If provided – is it self catering or are meals included?
Transport - How will you get about? Will you be met at the airport?
Mission Policy - Does the mission take any particular line on alcohol, smoking, church attendance or style of worship that you will be expected to agree to?
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
6 Marshalsea Road
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.
