As a part of the biggest international exchange program for medical students SCOPE (Standing Committee on Professional Exchanges) and SCORE (Standing Comittee on Research Exchanges) of IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students Association), swimsa exchanges offers the possibility of an unique exchange experience around the globe.

We help Swiss students organise either a clinical internship or work on a research project in another country.

The clinical internship as well as the research exchange are officially acknowledged by all of our 7 universities with medical faculties*, as well as the WFME (World federation of medical education), the WONCA (World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians), the FENS (Federation of European Neurosciences Societies) and the EuSEM (European Society for Emergency Medicine).

*To ensure academic recognition for both SCOPE or SCORE, check back with your university on the exact procedure/requirements needed.

What is IFMSA?

The International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) is a global organization that unites medical student associations from around the world. One of its main initiatives is the IFMSA Exchange Program (SCOPE/SCORE), which offers medical students the opportunity to participate in clinical and research internships abroad. These exchanges are entirely organized and run by medical student volunteers who dedicate their time, besides their regular studies, in order to ensure a smooth process and an amazing experience for participants.

How IFMSA Exchanges Work

1. Organization and Responsibilities

The IFMSA Exchange Program operates through the collaboration of national medical student associations, which represent their countries. 

Each country (referred to as NMO = National Member Organization) has:

• • NEO (National Exchange Officer) and NORE (National Officer on Research Exchange) responsible for international exchange agreements, sending the AF and CoD and answering any questions students may have.
  • LEOs (Local Exchange Officers) and LOREs (Local Officers on Research Exchange) who coordinate placements within cities, specific universities and hospitals.
  • CPs (Contact Persons) who assist incoming students locally.

All these roles are held by medical students who volunteer, besides their active studies, to make exchanges possible.

2. Outgoing Students – Application Process in Switzerland

In Switzerland, students interested in an exchange apply through our national medical student association, swimsa. The process involves:

1. 1. Signing up on the swimsa website so that your application reaches our NEO-Out/NORE – We negotiate contracts with NEOs/NOREs of other countries and assign exchange spots/countries to Swiss students.
   2. Completing Application Forms – Students must fill out an Application Form (AF) and Card of Documents (CoD) with the required information to organize the exchange logistics in their assigned hosting country.
   3. Communication & Clarifications – If there are any issues or missing details, we (NEO-Out/NORE) are in contact with the NEOs/NOREs of the hosting country.

3. Hosting Country – Assignment of the Exchange

Once a student’s application reaches the hosting country:

1. 1. The NEO-In/NORE-In (receiving country) reviews the application.
   2. They assign the student to the LEOs/LOREs of a Local Committee (LC) – A group of medical students that usually study in the city of the LC or at a specific university/hospital.
   3. LEOs/LOREs organize the internship – They find a suitable hospital department/research project and accommodation for the incoming student.
   4. Card of Acceptance (CA) is issued – The NEO-IN/NORE-IN updates the CA document with:
      • The internship details.
      • Accommodation details.
      • The assigned Contact Person (CP) – a local student who is there for any question the student may have.
   5. The CA is sent back to the NEO-Out/NORE (Switzerland), who grants the student access to the exchange details.

Key Takeaways

• • Entirely student-run – The program operates thanks to medical student volunteers in every country
  • Structured yet flexible – Students follow a clear application process, but the details depend on the hosting country’s availability
  • Supportive network – From NEOs/NOREs to LEOs and CPs, there is always a local student helping at every stage of the exchange, creating the unique opportunity of not just seeing your exchange country as a tourist but to experience and live like a local medical student with all its facets 

For any questions about IFMSA Exchanges, contact us (your NEO-Out/NORE in Switzerland) – we are here to guide you through the process!

Do you have any questions or need further information? Please do not hesitate to contact the Vice President for Exchanges (VPX) at vpx@swimsa.ch.