ELECTIVES ASIA
Career Gateway For The New Millennium
MEDICAL
Transform Your Medical Journey with a Hands-On Elective Abroad in the Philippine
Experience real-world medicine through our Medical Elective Program in the Philippines, crafted for international medical students seeking authentic, hands-on learning. Immerse yourself in diverse clinical cases, resource-limited settings, and community-based care while gaining a deeper understanding of global health disparities. Set in a country known for its natural beauty and warm hospitality, this program offers a rare chance to sharpen your clinical skills, expand your cultural awareness, and make a lasting impact in underserved communities.
Medical Departments for Elective Rotations
Cardiology
Observe diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases, ECG interpretation, and cardiac rounds in real clinical settings.
General Surgery
Assist in elective and emergency surgeries, observe pre- and post-operative care, and develop essential surgical skills.
Orthopedics
Encounter trauma, fractures, and bone injuries; observe orthopedic surgeries and learn fracture management techniques.
Internal Medicine
Manage adult cases like diabetes, hypertension, and infectious diseases while observing how physicians treat complex conditions in resource-limited settings.
Emergency Medicine
Experience fast-paced emergency care—triage, trauma response, and acute case management alongside skilled healthcare teams.
Pediatrics
Care for children with common illnesses such as pneumonia, malnutrition, and infections; includes exposure to neonatal care and NICU cases.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Assist in prenatal checkups, deliveries, and postnatal care while learning to manage high-risk pregnancies and women’s health concerns.
Psychiatry - Iloilo
Observe mental health assessments and therapy sessions while understanding psychiatric care in a community-based setup.
Anesthesiology
Join anesthesia teams during surgeries to learn patient monitoring, airway management, and pain control techniques.
Rural Health & Community Medicine
Participate in immunizations, family planning, and primary care services through community-based healthcare programs.
WHAT STUDENTS LOVED ABOUT THEIR TIME WITH ELECTIVES ASIA
CHONG EN CHU
University of Queensland
“ My partner Jessie Zhu and I decided to go to the Philippines for our medical elective in Roxas City. We are normally based in Brisbane, Australia. We cannot recommend them enough. You'll be well and truly looked after by April and her partner, Nino - it honestly felt like they were our family in the Philippines. ”
FAJER BUKABAR
Kuwait University
“ I had my psychiatry elective in Capiz and Iloilo last August, and coming all the way from Kuwait, I was warmly welcomed with genuine hospitality. The staff were incredibly supportive, the experience was very helpful, and the accommodation felt just like home—exactly what I had hoped for. The Philippines is a beautiful country with kind people, and I would definitely recommend this program to anyone considering an international elective. ”
THOMPSON TAYLOR
The University of Sheffield
“ I had the best time on our ventures in the Philippines. We were provided with not only an excellent dental experience but also many fun activities. April and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel welcome throughout our stay.
Couldn’t recommend dental and medical students to join the program highly enough! ”
Program Features
📅 Flexible
Duration
Tailor your experience to fit your schedule! Choose from flexible program lengths ranging from 2 to 4 weeks.
💰Affordable
Fees
Take advantage of our affordable elective fees with flexible installment plans, making your elective more accessible and manageable for you!.
💼 Full Support System
Our dedicated team takes care of logistics, cultural orientation, and on-ground support, allowing you to focus on learning and
🎓 Open to Medical Students & Graduates
This program is designed just for you—whether you’re currently enrolled or have already completed medical school, you’re welcome to join and take the next step in your journey!
✍️ Simple
Application Process
Simply submit your inquiry, and we’ll promptly assist you; then, complete the registration form, upload your documents, and let us guide you through the pre-departure process..
FAQ'S
1. What is an elective or placement, and how does it work in the Philippines? An elective or placement is a short-term, immersive learning opportunity designed to give students practical experience in their chosen field. In the Philippines, we collaborate with hospitals, clinics, and institutions to offer supervised, hands-on training in real-world settings.
2. Who is eligible to join Electives Asia’s programs abroad? Our programs are open to students and professionals currently enrolled in or pursuing degrees in medicine, nursing, dentistry, midwifery, biomedical science, and diagnostic radiography.
3. How do I apply for an elective placement? To apply, complete our online contact form with the following details: full name, email address, phone number, school name, chosen program, course, year level, preferred duration, group size (if applicable), desired start date, and any questions you may have. You can also request a call for further discussion.
4. Is there an application fee? No, there is no application fee. However, placements are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your chosen dates, a £200 non-refundable registration fee is required. This fee must be paid within 7 days after submitting your online registration form. Once you confirm your decision to proceed with your elective, our team will send you the registration form link.
5. When should I apply for an elective? We recommend applying at least 3 to 6 months in advance to secure your preferred placement dates. This also gives you enough time to arrange travel documents and book your flights early — helping you save on airfare.
6. How long can I stay for an elective placement? Elective placements typically last 2 to 4 weeks, though the duration can vary depending on your program and schedule. In some cases, a longer stay may be arranged based on availability and approval.
7. What documents do I need to provide? Please prepare and submit the following documents: •Student profile with details of your clinical experience, signed by your school or bearing the official school seal •Certificate of Student Status, diploma, or school transcript with an official seal •Reference or endorsement letter from your school, signed or sealed officially •Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months prior to your arrival) •Vaccination records •Recent headshot photo (taken within the last 3 months) •Signed waiver by you, your school, and a parent/guardian (template available upon request) •Insurance coverage — Medical, Travel, and Indemnity •Visa (if required, depending on your nationality and duration of stay)
8. Can I travel with my family or partner? Yes, you’re welcome to travel with your family or partner. However, please note that non-elective participants are not eligible for Electives Asia accommodation under our program. That said, our team will gladly offer guidance and local recommendations to help your spouse or family members settle comfortably and make the most of their stay while you complete your elective.
9. Do I get paid? No, our elective programs are unpaid and are intended solely for educational and experiential learning. They offer participants the valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings that differ from their home country — particularly within developing communities.
10. Can I do my elective with a group of friends? Absolutely! We welcome group placements and do our best to place friends together — subject to availability. It’s a great way to learn, travel, and experience healthcare abroad as a team. We recommend reaching out early to secure spots for your group.
11. Where will my placement be located? Our elective placements are based in the Philippines, specifically in the provinces of Iloilo and Capiz. These locations offer the same high-quality, hands-on learning experiences enjoyed by our past participants — combining professional growth with rich cultural immersion in some of the country’s most welcoming communities.
12. Is the Philippines safe for international students? Yes, the Philippines is generally safe and welcoming for international students. Locals are known for their warmth and hospitality, and our team ensures that you’re well-supported throughout your stay. We also provide a comprehensive safety and orientation briefing upon arrival, covering local customs and travel tips. As with any international experience, we encourage students to stay aware of their surroundings and follow basic safety precautions for a smooth and enjoyable stay.
13. What are the living costs in the Philippines? The cost of living in the Philippines is very affordable, especially for international students. You can expect to spend around £5–£20 per day on meals, transportation, and personal expenses — depending on your lifestyle. This means you can enjoy a comfortable, enriching stay while experiencing the best of Filipino culture at a great value.
14. What is the local culture like in the Philippines? The Philippines is celebrated for its warm hospitality, friendly locals, and vibrant mix of cultures. English is widely spoken, making communication easy and helping international students feel right at home. Filipinos value respect, community, and kindness, and you’ll quickly notice how welcoming and inclusive the environment is. When engaging in professional settings, modest attire and politeness are appreciated — and keeping an open, respectful attitude will make your cultural experience even more rewarding.
15. Are vaccinations required before traveling? Yes, we highly recommend that students are up to date with key vaccinations before travelling to the Philippines. These include COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Dengue, Rabies, and Tetanus, as well as malaria prophylaxis if you plan to visit rural areas. Staying protected ensures a safe, worry-free experience throughout your elective and allows you to fully enjoy your time in the Philippines.