Write to several organisations, hospitals or clinics that interest you, telling them about yourself, including your Christian background, and spell out your expectations of the elective. Make clear whether the dates of your elective are flexible and can be varied within limits or are fixed and immovable.
You may already have a specific geographical location, project or plan in mind. If not, your choice of location could depend on several factors:
If you are prepared to take on the challenge, there is value in going to a country where the language and culture are unfamiliar, but make sure that there are interpreters available.
Did you know that:
You can find help with translation of some languages for the purpose of completing application forms etc. from www.altavista-babelfish.com/
What kind of medical experience are you seeking? General or Specialist, Hospital or primary health care, public health or palliative care, or an involvement with a specific disease e.g. HIV, leprosy, malaria.
What kind of organisation do you want to work with? Mission, Secular or University set up.
Budgetary constraints? Don't be limited by finance. If you believe this to be God's will for you elective, then trust him to provide. One good maxim is – 'pray as though everything depended upon God and work as though it all depends on me'. Your current finances might not accommodate long distance air-travel, but give yourself (and God) time by planning well ahead.
Is it safe? - Parents (and medical schools) often worry about a trip into the unknown. It is worth checking at www.fco.gov.uk for government advice on the political situation. HIV and AIDS are also likely to form a major part of your experience and you need to consider you involvement in this area. (see - What about HIV/AIDS?)
Pause for thought
If God is already calling you into a specific avenue of service then don't play around! Make a choice that will help you to prepare further for what he has in store.
