Student Information
Your pathway to an Ethical Elective
What are Fair Trade Electives?
An Ethical Approach
We focus on creating elective experiences that are guided by fair trade principles. This means ensuring that partner organisations are fairly compensated, placements are well-structured, and students contribute meaningfully to the local healthcare environment.
Quality and Safety
We only partner with organisations that meet our quality standards. This ensures that your elective will be a safe, well-supervised, and enriching learning experience.
Student Support
From helping you choose the right placement to providing pre-departure preparation and ongoing support, we make sure you have all the tools you need for a successful elective.
Global Citizenship
Participating in an FTE placement is more than just a learning experience. It’s an opportunity to engage responsibly in global health, develop cultural competency, and contribute to a more equitable world.
How does it work?
1. Submit Your Application
Complete our online application form and select up to three preferred elective destinations. Once received, we’ll review your application and contact you to discuss your goals, experience and suitability for your chosen placements.
2. Placement Confirmation
We will liaise directly with your preferred hospital(s) to confirm availability and suitability. If your first choice is unavailable, we will explore your second or third option with you before proceeding. Once a placement is confirmed, we will provide a clear breakdown of the full elective fee for your chosen destination and duration.
3. Secure Your Placement
You will receive a booking form and payment link.
To secure your elective, a non-refundable booking fee applies:
£200 – Students from partner universities
£250 – Students from universities in the wider FTE Network
£300 – All other UK students
Please note:
The booking fee is separate from the full elective fee and is not deducted from the final balance. Your placement is only secured once the booking fee has been received.
4. Pay the Elective Fee
The remaining elective fee is payable prior to departure (typically 30 days before travel).
This fee covers:
Host hospital contribution
Placement coordination
Pre-departure training
Administrative and in-country support
A detailed invoice and breakdown will be provided.
5. Prepare for Your Elective
All students complete our short online pre-departure training modules covering:
Fair trade principles
Cultural humility
Safeguarding
Risk awareness
We also provide guidance on accommodation, travel, insurance and practical preparation.
6. Fundraising (Optional)
Students may fundraise for their host institution and can offset up to 50% of their elective fee. All donations flow through our charitable structure and are reinvested into partner hospitals.
7. During Your Elective
You will have local supervision through your host institution. FTE provides remote support where needed, while your university remains your primary emergency contact in line with standard elective policy.
8. After Your Elective
You will complete structured feedback to help us strengthen partnerships and maintain high standards.
What can I expect?
Each FTE placement is designed to be a meaningful learning experience where you can gain hands-on experience, enhance your clinical skills, and learn from local healthcare professionals. Here’s what you can expect:
Hands-on Learning:
You’ll be actively involved in clinical activities, quality improvement projects, or research, depending on your chosen elective. You’ll be supervised by experienced professionals and can participate in discussions, ward rounds, and hands-on clinical work as locally appropriate.
Cultural Exchange:
FTE electives are a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture and healthcare system. This will expand your cultural competency and understanding of global health challenges.
Ethical Engagement:
We encourage students to think critically about their role in the global healthcare system. This means reflecting on how you can contribute responsibly and ensuring that your actions benefit both you and the host organisation
FTE Fundraising Award – £100
The FTE Fundraising Award celebrates students who demonstrate creativity, initiative and ethical fundraising in support of their host institution. We welcome submissions that highlight innovative approaches, collective efforts and ideas that may inspire others to support their own elective communities.
The award is open to all FTE students, with applications accepted by email.
Full guidance and criteria will be published in early 2026.
Can I Fundraise?
Yes! FTE encourages students to fundraise as part of their elective experience. This allows you to directly support your host organisation, helping them invest in local healthcare and infrastructure. We offer support with your fundraising efforts, and the funds raised will go toward:
Equipment or resources needed by the host
Community outreach programs
Enhancing the healthcare services offered by the host organisation
Fundraising is also an opportunity to involve your family, friends, and community in supporting your elective journey. Students can choose to use up to 50% of the funds raised to offset their own elective costs, making the experience more accessible for students from various financial backgrounds.
You can find some information about elective bursaries here: https://meddip.com/our-blog/f/list-of-bursaries-with-deadlines
Student Feedback
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for an FTE elective?
Senior medical students who are looking for a meaningful and ethical elective experience in the Global South can apply. Placements are typically clinical but may include quality improvement or research projects.
How much does an FTE placement cost?
The cost varies depending on the placement and host organisation. We offer low-cost placement options and encourage students to fundraise to help cover the cost. Our booking fee is £300, £200 for collaborating universities. This fee covers all of your support from FTE and helps us to keep our costs down for you.
What kind of support does FTE offer?
FTE provides pre-departure support, guidance throughout the placement process, and limited emergency assistance. However, the primary responsibility for safety and supervision remains with the student’s medical school and host organisation.
How do I fundraise for my partner organisation?
Once you’re confirmed for a placement, we’ll provide you with resources and guidance on fundraising. You can direct the funds raised to specific needs at your host site, and a portion can be used to reduce your own costs.
What countries do you offer placements in?
Our current partners are situated in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Malawi, India, Uganda and Rwanda.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW!
