IFMSA Research Exchanges
AMSA’s International Research Exchange program, allows students interested in medical research the possibility to experience research work in a foreign country.
This international exchange program operates through the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). Through IFMSA over 500 medical students from over 50 countries worldwide participate in research around the world. Each student travels to a different country, does basic science or clinical research projects for usually one month under the guidance of a university faculty member, and interacts with IFMSA medical students in their host country. If you are interested in doing research in another country, and also are excited about providing the same opportunity for foreign students at your school, then AMSA’s International Research Exchanges are great opportunity to grow both as a leader as well as a researcher.
Where can I go on an international research exchange?
The
IFMSA database of research exchanges. Take a look!
Which AMSA chapters are running International Research Exchanges? (contacts on the sidebar):
How do I participate in International Research Exchanges?
There are two different ways: to go on a international research exchange, or to help build a international research exchange chapter at your medical school. Exchanges are traditionally limited to chapters that also accept incoming international students. This is because the low fees we have for SCORE are based on ensuring bilateral exchanges between international member countries. So if you are at a school with an exchange chapter, you apply directly to your local chapter. If you are at a school without a chapter, you will contact the national development research exchange leadership at research.exchange@amsa.org. We have limited unilateral slots available for students without active chapters. This allows the student to go on an international research exchange without an incoming foreign student reciprocating. However, these are limited to students who demonstrate that they are working to create a new international exchange chapter at their medical school with plans to make it operational upon their return from the exchange.
Our focus is to help develop your leadership skills as a medical student, and to make you an active member of the international IFMSA network. So going on an international research exchange is more than doing research for one month in a foreign country. It means exposing you to your counterparts from around the world, providing you opportunities to grow as a student-leader on a global scale, and to give you the tools to shape your career through friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. Be a part of it!
How much does it cost?
The international research exchange has a nonrefundable $200 application fee. Once you have been placed, you will pay the chapter fee. This fee usually is between $400-600. It is used to pay the room and board of the incoming IFMSA student. The same will be done for you in your host country. If you are accepted for the limited unilateral slots, you will pay a unilateral fee that varies between countries. More information on these fees can be obtained on the IFMSA SCORE Database: http://www.ifmsa.net/public/searchredb.php
