Student Information
Your pathway to an Ethical Elective
Elective Programmes
The three kinds of host we work with, and how funds raised by students are used.
Read moreElective Picker
Narrow down the most suitable placements by setting, speciality and project potential.
Read moreMoney Matters
Costs to plan for, our fees and discounts, and how fundraising can offset them.
Read moreThe basics
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.
On placement
What you can 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.
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 currently closed
Step by step
How does it work?
- 01
See What FTE Offer
Look at our host sites and 'Get in Touch' if you need more information.
- 02
Submit Your Application
Complete our online application form and select up to three preferred elective destinations. We'll review your application, ensure you're eligible for FTE and may suggest you contact us to discuss your options. Note availability can be easier if you are flexible regarding speciality.
- 03
Placement Confirmation
We will liaise with your preferred hospital(s) to confirm availability and suitability. If your first choice is unavailable, we will explore your second or third option for you. Once availability is confirmed, we will provide a cost breakdown for an elective at your chosen destination and duration before you commit.
- 04
Secure Your Placement
Your placement is only secured once the Booking Fee of £300 has been paid. You will receive a booking form to complete and payment link. The Booking Fee supports our running costs and is additional to the Host's Elective Fee. For our FTE Collaborating and Network School students Early Booking Discounts of £50 or £100 are available 6 and 9 months in advance respectively.
- 05
Pay the Elective Fee
The Host's Elective Fee is payable 30 days to departure. A detailed invoice and breakdown will be provided based upon any additional options you have requested — such as airport pick-up or single room supplements and any early booking discount due to you.
- 06
Prepare for Your Elective
All students complete our short online pre-departure training modules covering global health and fair trade principles, global health on electives, wellbeing and risk management, and real elective scenarios. We also provide guidance on accommodation, travel, insurance and practical preparation.
- 07
Fundraising (Optional)
You are invited to fundraise for your host institution, which is much appreciated and gets you more engaged. It can also be used to offset up to 50% of the host's fee if you choose. All donations flow through our charitable structure to ensure good governance and are reinvested into partner hospitals according to their priorities.
- 08
During Your Elective
You will have local supervision through your host institution while your university remains your primary emergency contact in line with standard elective policy. FTE provides additional remote support where needed.
- 09
After Your Elective
You will complete structured feedback to help us strengthen our partnerships and assist future students by maintaining high standards.
There is additional information regarding all aspects of elective costs under the Money Matters tab. You are encouraged to look at this to get a realistic idea of typical costs as well as guidance on NHS bursary and other financial support options, including using fundraising for your host to offset some of their fee. Please review our T&C regarding refund and other finance policies.
FAQs