Do you want to expand your medical experience abroad?
Ever dreamed of making friends from all over the world? Want to discover new cultures?
Then SCOPE might be something for you!
What is SCOPE?
The Standing Committee on Professional Exchange (SCOPE) organises foreign clinical internships in English. SCOPE is an international project founded by the IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations), the umbrella organization of BeMSA, and is organised in more than 100 countries, spread throughout the world. You can follow a 4 week summer internship in July, August and September in a department of your choice in one of the countries where Belgium has signed a contract with (this changes annually).
During the internship, the local student representation of IFMSA provides accommodation, 1 meal per weekday, a social program and a contact person.
The contact person accompanies an incoming student: he/she is the person who will welcome you at the airport or the train/bus station, show you the hospital and who can give you tips on the social program.
The social program is very place-dependent: sightseeing, partying, cultural activities, etc. In short, you will be immersed in your project during the days, but the evenings and weekends will be full of fun. More information about SCOPE can be found on the website of the IFMSA and in the official BeMSA outgoing booklet (+country list), which you can find here.
Why?
- You expand your medical knowledge and skills.
- You will find out how medical care is organised abroad.
- You will learn to deal with other cultures and cultural differences.
- You expand your horizon.
- You make friends for life from all corners of the world.
In short: it is a unique experience that you will never forget!
For whom?
For all medical students, from third bachelor (at least 45 credits).
Price?
€450 (or €550 in Leuven, Ghent and VUB) for 4 weeks including:
- Housing
- Internship
- 1 meal / weekday
- Contact Person
- PET (Pre-Exchange Training)
Social programs are sometimes exclusive depending on the country and activity.
*Transportation costs like airplane tickets are not included in the price. Neither are vaccines or visas (if necessary).
Application Process
Does this sound like music in your ears?
Do you think you’re the perfect person to participate in SCOPE? Then let’s talk about the application process!
Upload your motivation letter + CV + addendum of Social Engagement and Extracurricular Activities in the Google Form.
Your CV should include:
- Volunteering work (not limited to BeMSA)
- Previous internships
- Evidence of teamwork/leadership
- Relevant experience
In your motivation letter you must convince us that you are socially involved and that you have the right profile! Additionally, you have to mention and motivate the country and department you would like to attend an internship in. You also need to inform us of the year of study you are currently in.
In the addendum you need to specify the description and workload of your activity. you can ask your LORE (Local Officer on Research Exchange) for a template.
The best candidates per university will be invited for a Skype interview (held on November 19 & 20, 2022) which aims to test their English or French language proficiency as well as the student’s motivation and culture shock resistance.
The announcement of the assigned country will take place on November, 18 2021.
For more tips and tricks we advise you to consult the BeMSA Exchange Outgoing Booklet 2022-2023.
If you have any questions or would like some more explanation, don’t hesitate to contact your Local Exchange Officer!
Info evening
An info session will be organised in all BeMSA Local Committees in order to answer your questions concerning the professional and research exchange program. You can find more information on the Local Committee social media pages.