Clinical Electives Abroad for Hong Kong Medical Students: A Guide for HKU and CUHK Students

Why Medical Students from Hong Kong Are Choosing International Electives

For students at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), completing a medical elective abroad is a valuable opportunity to broaden clinical exposure, enhance intercultural communication skills, and gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings. As part of the MBBS or MBChB curriculum, students are required to complete structured clinical electives—often in April and May or November—either through faculty-coordinated modules or self-initiated international placements.

At Go Elective, we offer well-organized, ethical, and enriching clinical attachments in East Africa that fully align with the academic requirements of both HKU and CUHK medical programs.

Meeting HKU and CUHK Elective Requirements with Go Elective

For HKU MBBS Year 6 Students:

HKU’s MBBS students must complete a 4-week elective module by clinical attachment or clinical/lab research. The total minimum workload is 120 hours, and students may pursue a self-initiated module.

Go Elective placements:

• Meet and often exceed 120 clinical hours through full-day hospital shadowing.
• Are supervised by registered consultants and department heads.
• Provide direct patient observation and supervised hands-on tasks (as per student level).
• Include signed Letters of Acceptance and supervisor evaluations for submission to HKUMed.

We’ve hosted HKU students in departments such as OBGYN, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Surgery, Internal Medicine and more at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (Mombasa, Kenya).

For CUHK MBChB Year 5 Students:

Students under the MEDU4410 Clinical Elective are required to complete a 4-week elective after Year 5 exams. This may include clinical, community, or research-based experiences. Students must also submit an elective report with academic reflections and learning outcomes.

Go Elective supports CUHK requirements by:

• Offering clinical attachments under licensed supervision in public referral hospitals.
• Ensuring hospital access, patient contact, and learning objectives are clearly documented.
• Providing an Elective Acceptance Confirmation Form signed and stamped for CUHK’s verification.
• Issuing post-elective evaluations and reference letters for academic assessment and report writing.

Our past CUHK participants have submitted their elective reports through CUHK's VeriGuide System with complete documentation from Go Elective.

What Makes Go Elective Ideal for Hong Kong Students?

✅ Structured Hospital Rotations

Students shadow in core medical and surgical departments, including:

• General Surgery
• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Emergency & Trauma etc.

Rotations are designed to align with medical school standards and are supervised daily by specialists.

✅ Flexible and Supportive for Self-Initiated Electives

HKU and CUHK allow students to find and arrange their own electives. We provide:

• Acceptance Letters for submission to your faculty
• Confirmed supervision by licensed doctors
• Documentation to support elective evaluations and reporting
• Optional additional activities, including public health outreach and research participation

✅ Program Features That Match University Expectations

• Minimum 120 clinical hours in 4 weeks
• Verified patient exposure under supervision
• Ethical engagement: No unsupervised or unauthorized procedures
• Academic reflection support for elective reports
• Insurance and safety briefings

A Fully Comprehensive, End-to-End Program — We've Got You Covered

Go Elective offers more than just a placement—we provide a complete, start-to-finish experience to ensure your elective abroad is smooth, safe, and enriching:

• Pre-departure assistance: We help you secure your eVisa or eTA, and provide detailed travel preparation checklists.
• All-inclusive program fees cover:
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Hospital placement and mentorship supervision fees
• In-country transport to and from the hospital
• Catered accommodation and meals in safe, student-friendly housing
• Weekly Global Health Seminars and reflective discussions
• Opportunities to volunteer in the community, including public health outreach
• A weekend safari experience to explore East Africa's wildlife and landscapes
• Full in-country support and orientation from our local team

This comprehensive package ensures you focus on learning while we handle the logistics.

Past HKU & CUHK Student Experiences with Go Elective

Hong Kong students have praised their experience in Kenya for:

• Real-time exposure to tropical diseases and global health systems
• Warm hospitality and cultural immersion
• Structured clinical guidance from engaged mentors
• Strong logistical support from the Go Elective team

“My psychiatry elective at Coast General in Kenya was eye-opening. The doctors were eager to teach, and the cultural differences in mental health treatment gave me a lot to reflect on in my final report.” – HKU MBBS Student, 2023

How to Apply for a Clinical Elective with Go Elective

Step 1: Visit goelective.com/apply or email  hello@goelective.com
Step 2: Fill out the application form and indicate your intended elective dates 
Step 3: We will send you a Letter of Acceptance with supervisor information for your faculty submission
Step 4: Prepare your travel documents and pre-departure checklist
Step 5: Begin your structured hospital internship in Kenya or Tanzania

Final Thoughts: Turn Your Elective into a Global Health Experience

Whether you're fulfilling your MBBS or MBChB elective requirement, Go Elective offers a safe, supported, and academically enriching experience tailored to HKU and CUHK students. With our placements, you’re not just meeting university requirements—you’re stepping into global medicine and shaping your future as a well-rounded healthcare professional.

Have questions? Email us at hello@goelective.com or start your application at goelective.com/apply.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 13, 2025