Top tips for electives

Organising and preparing for an elective is one of the most eye-opening and rewarding opportunities that medical school offers. Whether undertaken locally or abroad, the choice ultimately lies with the student. An elective provides a unique chance to explore different healthcare systems while immersing yourself in the culture of a new city or country.

This article will briefly outline the electives we undertook, the steps we followed to organise them, and reflections on our experiences including aspects that are often overlooked or not discussed before going abroad.

What No One Prepares You for Before an Elective Abroad

There are several practical and personal considerations that are often underestimated:

• What to pack: Be aware of the hospital dress code. Some institutions require clinical attire with a white lab coat, while others expect scrubs. It is equally important to bring casual clothing, as you will have time to explore your surroundings.

• Safety: Ensure you know how to seek help if needed. Having a trusted contact in the country can be invaluable. In both Dubai and Jordan, having family friends provided reassurance, particularly as they understood the local systems and language.

• Language barriers: Communication can be challenging in non-English-speaking countries. Learning basic phrases or having someone who can translate is highly beneficial.

• Patient demographics: Be prepared to encounter different disease patterns and cultural approaches to healthcare.
  Transport: Research how you will travel to and from your placement.

• Finances: Plan for currency exchange and day-to-day expenses.

• Climate: Consider the weather and allow time to adapt to it.

 

Steps to Organising an Elective

Arranging an elective requires independence, initiative, and persistence. Our experience organising two placements was lengthy and challenging.  Based on this, we recommend the following steps:

• Decide on your preferred location (UK or abroad).
• Speak to senior students about their experiences and recommendations.
• Identify hospitals or specialities of interest.
• Contact the relevant department (often the undergraduate or education team).

In your email, include:

• Who you are
• Your year of study
• Your interests
• Enquiries about application requirements

(Note: some countries refer to electives as “observerships”)

• Once accepted, complete any required occupational health checks and blood tests.
• Confirm arrangements with your university.
• Book flights and accommodation.

The process is rarely straightforward. You may need to contact multiple institutions and prepare for rejection. In our case, we only secured confirmation two months before departure despite extensive efforts. Starting early and applying widely is essential. If needed, universities can often provide guidance based on previous students’ experiences. It is also important to consider whether to undertake your elective independently or with peers, as both options have distinct advantages.

Elective Locations and Healthcare Systems

We had the opportunity to observe two healthcare systems in the Middle East: Jordan and Dubai. Jordan is  a monarchy led by a king, while Dubai is part of the UAE and also governed by a monarchical system. Although the region is often associated with conflict and socioeconomic challenges, it also demonstrates resilience and complexity in its healthcare provision. In Jordan, particularly at the University of Jordan Hospital, most patients and staff were Jordanian. The country also hosts large numbers of refugees due to its proximity to Iraq and Syria, and there are dedicated services to support these populations. In contrast, Dubai’s healthcare system reflects its highly multicultural population. At Unicare Clinic, patients came from diverse backgrounds, including Indian and Emirati communities. The clinic operates as part of a privatised healthcare network, where patients directly access specialists, unlike in the UK,  where referrals are typically made through a GP.

Jordan’s healthcare system is mixed, incorporating both public and private elements. Access to free or subsidised care depends on citizenship and insurance status. Government employees often receive partial coverage, while others must pay out of pocket. Dubai’s system is largely privatised, with healthcare access heavily dependent on insurance. Coverage varies significantly depending on the policy, influencing access to treatments and services. We also observed social hierarchies influencing healthcare systems. In both countries, citizens tend to have preferential access to opportunities and resources compared to non-citizens.

Communication and Patient Relationships

One of our main learning objectives was to observe doctor–patient communication. In Jordan, religion played a significant role in interactions. Phrases such as “Inshallah” (“God willing”) and “Alhamdulillah” (“praise be to God”) were commonly used, fostering a sense of shared hope. The doctor–patient relationship often had a familial, and paternalistic dynamic, marked by strong trust and respect. In Dubai, communication was also paternalistic but more formal, resembling a teacher–student dynamic. While rapport was present, decision-making was largely doctor-led, with limited shared care.

Healthcare Structure

In Dubai, multiple specialities were often housed within a single clinic, alongside diagnostic and pharmacy services. This allowed rapid access to care, minimal waiting times, and strong continuity, as doctors could follow patients into hospital settings if needed. In contrast, Jordan’s hospital-based system relied  more on traditional ward-based care, often influenced by social and geographic factors.

Clinical Exposure and Learning

Our second objective was to broaden our understanding of disease patterns and treatments. In Jordan, we encountered higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities and paediatric respiratory conditions. Smoking both active and passive was identified as a significant contributing factor, including during pregnancy.

Management approaches were often more proactive than in the UK. Due to challenges such as rural access to care and financial barriers, clinicians were less likely to rely on safety-netting and more likely to intervene early. In Dubai, preventative care largely depended on insurance coverage. While vaccination programmes were in place, some vaccines required additional payment. Healthcare access was flexible but driven by patient choice and financial means. We also observed the integration of alternative medicine, such as homoeopathy, alongside conventional treatments something not commonly seen within the NHS.

Final Reflections

Undertaking an elective abroad provided invaluable insight into international healthcare systems and encouraged reflection on the strengths and limitations of the UK system. Each system has its own advantages and challenges, but all offer opportunities for learning and improvement. This experience has strengthened our confidence, broadened our perspectives, and shaped how we approach patient care. We are deeply grateful to the doctors, patients, and healthcare teams who contributed to our learning. The lessons gained particularly around communication, compassion, and adaptability will remain central to our future practice.

This page was correct at publication on 21/04/2026. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.