Medical Electives and Clinical Placements Abroad

Explore clinical learning opportunities in Brazil, Ghana, Sri Lanka and Zanzibar. Med’oPolo helps international students explore placements in different healthcare systems, prepare an application and plan an educational experience abroad.

International experience. Destination-specific options. An application independent of rigid university partnerships.

Why Choose Med’oPolo?

An international clinical elective is an opportunity to learn in a new medical environment, encounter different approaches to healthcare and broaden your understanding of global health. Med’oPolo supports international applicants looking for a clinical placement that fits their training stage, interests and plans.

Who Can Apply for an International Clinical Placement?

Med’oPolo works with applicants at different stages of healthcare education, but eligibility is programme-specific. Medical students should review the requirements for the destination and clinical elective they are considering. Pre-med and nursing opportunities are available in selected programmes, including the Sri Lanka observership pathway. Please do not assume that every destination accepts every student group.

When comparing options, consider your current year of study, prior clinical experience, preferred specialties, intended start date and placement duration. Some programmes require substantial lead time for document preparation and local arrangements. Check the current deadlines on the individual programme page before making travel plans.

Programme Fees and Planning Your Budget

We want international clinical learning to be an option students can realistically explore. Med’oPolo offers programmes in several destinations, each with its own costs and arrangements. Because placement duration, local services and fee structures vary, the most reliable way to compare costs is to read the fee information on each programme page before applying.

When building your budget, check which programme fees apply and which travel-related costs you will need to arrange separately. These may include international transport, visa costs, insurance, meals and personal expenses. Accommodation arrangements also differ by destination, so use the specific programme and housing information rather than assuming the same package is available everywhere.

We recommend comparing the full practical arrangements—not only the headline fee—before deciding where to apply. If an item is unclear on a programme page, contact Med’oPolo before submitting your application or making non-refundable travel bookings.

How to Prepare for Your Application

The exact process differs by destination, but these steps are a useful starting point:

1. Choose a destination. Read the programme description and confirm that it matches your academic stage and learning goals.
2. Check eligibility, fees and deadlines. Review the destination-specific requirements and allow enough time for the application and travel preparations.
3. Discuss academic recognition with your home institution. Confirm how an external elective or observership may be recognised before you apply.
4. Prepare your documents. Follow the current checklist on the relevant application page and contact us if an item is unclear.
5. Submit your application or enquiry. Tell us your preferred dates, duration and clinical interests so the options can be assessed against the destination’s arrangements.

Department preferences and clinical activities cannot be guaranteed solely by selecting them in an application. Final arrangements depend on the host site, available departments, supervision and the applicant’s training level. Where applicable, the host department’s confirmation is required before the placement can proceed.

Important: An application independent of an existing university partnership does not automatically guarantee academic credit. Recognition is decided by your home institution or the relevant authority. Please check those requirements in advance.

Our Experience: From Shanghai to an International Programme

Shanghai, China, is where the Med’oPolo story began. Our work there laid the foundation for an international programme focused on helping students access clinical learning opportunities across borders. Although Shanghai is not currently accepting new Med’oPolo placements, it remains an important part of our history and the experience behind the programme.

The Early Beginnings: Shanghai East Hospital

Professionalising Medical Electives in China

In 2010, the medical rotation curriculum was revised and developed into more standardised tracks, including Final Year rotations (PJ), Famulatur programmes and an International Chinese Program. These programme formats were refined over time to respond to the needs of students and the clinical learning environment.

During this period, Prof. Zhao maintained academic connections with physicians in Germany, Europe and the United States. The programme placed emphasis on structured clinical learning, international exchange and educational expectations familiar to students from different medical education systems.

Curriculum Development and Clinical Teaching

The early programme milestones included an international lecture series, advanced medical seminars delivered by professors and chief consultants, and English-taught student tutorials integrated into ward schedules. The Med’oPolo programme was formally established on-site in Shanghai in 2010 as a project connected with Tongji University School of Medicine.

Student Accommodation and Operational Change

Med’oPolo initially managed programme operations from within the Education Office and renovated student apartments on Rushan Road to offer accommodation close to the hospital wards. Changes in local housing legislation led to the closure of this facility for international students in 2017, prompting further changes in programme operations.

Evolving Clinical Standards and Programme Leadership

As the programme evolved, English-speaking clinical tutors were recruited across departments. National training directives in 2017 phased out the International Chinese Program, leading Med’oPolo to focus more closely on specialised clinical electives.

Becoming an Independent International Programme

As operations grew, Med’oPolo developed into a dedicated external administrative entity. This made it possible to extend international placements beyond China while maintaining cooperation with the Shanghai East Hospital Education Office and Tongji University School of Medicine.

Adapting Through COVID-19 and Beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international student mobility between 2020 and 2023. During this period, Med’oPolo maintained a focus on international clinical education and developed digital learning resources, while continuing to work on opportunities for placements as international travel and hospital access changed.

Expanding Beyond China: Brazil, Ghana, Sri Lanka and Zanzibar

In 2013, the Faculty of Medicine of Botucatu (FMB), part of UNESP in Brazil, became part of the Med’oPolo network. This created a clinical learning pathway in South America, where eligible students can explore placements in a Brazilian teaching-hospital environment. Prof. Silke Weber has remained involved in international curriculum development.

In 2026, Med’oPolo launched its first active clinical programme in Africa at St. Anne Catholic Hospital in Damongo, Ghana. This location gives students an opportunity to learn about healthcare delivery in a regional setting, with activities depending on the placement arrangements and local supervision.

The Sri Lanka programme broadened the range of placements further, with options for medical students and, in selected pathways, pre-med and nursing applicants. More recently, the programme expanded to Zanzibar, Tanzania, with placements at Real Care Hospital in Nungwi. Each new destination brings its own clinical setting, eligibility criteria and practical requirements.

Looking Ahead

Med’oPolo continues to review opportunities for international clinical learning. We will share additional locations when programme details and placement arrangements are confirmed. If you are interested in a destination not currently listed, contact us to ask about future opportunities; an enquiry does not guarantee that a placement will be available.

Interested in E-Learning?

Med’oPolo has developed digital learning resources alongside its international clinical programmes. If you are interested in enrolling or would like to know which learning resources are currently available, please contact info@medopolo.com.

Start Planning Your Clinical Placement Abroad

Tell us where you would like to go, what you are studying and when you hope to travel. If you have questions about eligibility, the programme format or preparation, contact Med’oPolo before applying. We look forward to helping you explore the available options.