The more popular locations get booked up a year or two in advance.
Not every overseas hospital will immediately respond to emails.
Internet connections are often erratic and may be down for extended periods of time.
'Snail mail' can take weeks, if not months, for replies to get back to you.
Your elective enquiry is unlikely to be a priority concern for an overworked, under-resourced hospital administrator.
It is not usually possible to obtain a travel grant until you have evidence of a firm acceptance, in writing, and grant committees only meet at certain times of the year.
Without an acceptance letter you are likely to miss out on available funds.
It can take a considerable time to obtain Visas or other official documentation.
If your plans fall through, you may need further time left to make alternative arrangements. (It is worth having some alternative plans 'on the back burner' to avoid such disappointment).
You may also need time to save some money or put on a fund raising event!
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.
