The two student exchange programs, that being the research and professional exchange programs, held by the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) allow medical students to experience medical research and clinical rotations overseas. We believe that an experience such as this will open opportunities for students to learn many aspects of medicine, and by allowing students to choose their desired departments and research project, the IFMSA student exchange programs will offer insights that will enable students to decide on their future career paths as physicians.
MSCIA UB once again held the event XBOX: X-ploring the Benefits of X-change. The event began on the 10th of September and lasted two days. On the first day, we invited two former outgoing students, Keiko Christy Sembiring of SCORE exchange and Gyang Hanandita of SCOPE exchange to a talk show, where we talk about what they experienced during their stay overseas, what they have learned from their country of choice, how their research and clinical rotation went, and the ups and downs of their programs. On that same day, we invited dr. Thareq Barasabaha, M.T. to discuss the “Advantages and Difficulties of Technology Globalization in the Medical Field”
On the second day of XBOX, we collaborated with one of Indonesia’s well-known English-learning institutes, English First. We invited an experienced trainer to hold an in-person conversation class, which were interesting and interactive. This will come in useful for students aspiring to participate in student exchanges.
Furthermore, XBOX held a poster competition of which the finalists presented their work on the 24th September. The main topic of the poster competition was similar to that of the webinar. For the winners, there were money and certificates as a reward.
We hope that all these events which were part of XBOX are of use to students who participated, and reel in more students to leave their comfort zone and experience exchange firsthand.