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The IPSF Student Exchange Programme (SEP) is a global programme criss-crossing students from all corners of the world in the name of an international pharmacy experience. Approximately 50 different countries participate in SEP, with upwards of 600 pharmacy students placed in exchanges annually. SEP runs throughout the year, with the majority exchanges taking place between May and September. The length of placements is usually from one to three months, and possible hosts include retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, wholesale companies, pharmaceutical industry, schools of pharmacy, government, and private health agencies. The application process is simple and convenient – you can apply online!
Mobility in pharmacy education is an important factor in preparing pharmacy students to work as health professionals in the dynamic global health care environment. In many countries, lack of opportunity is often compounded by limited access to educational resources and/or innovative teaching methods. Through the Student Exchange Programme, IPSF works to increase opportunities for improvement in pharmacy education through facilitating students and young pharmacists to undertake international professional experiences in community, hospital, academic, administrative and industrial fields of pharmacy
The IPSF Student Exchange Programme has allowed students from IPSF member organisations and IPSF Individual Members to explore pharmacy in another country since 1958. Currently, close to 50 associations throughout the world participate in SEP and over 500 international exchanges take place every year.
The aim of SEP is to promote understanding and cooperation amongst pharmacy students and all health care professionals. The exchange program offers a unique educational and cultural experience in addition to the regular pharmaceutical knowledge. It also helps to broaden the students' understanding of pharmaceutical and social conditions in different countries.
The programme runs throughout the year, but most exchanges take place between May and September. Each exchange is from one to three months in length. Students may select from work sites in retail, hospital, industrial and university based pharmacy settings. Room and board are usually provided by the host; some countries also provide a small amount of pocket money. Travel expenses and insurance are the responsibility of the student.
How can I apply?
you can apply by going to http://www.exchangesystem.org/ipsf/AF/apply.php
However, the database might re-open soon and not be opened today.
The deadline for the SEP is 3
months prior to when the exchange is to take place.
The deadline for Canada is DECEMBER 31st.
Students can also go on the www.capsi.ca website in the IPSF page and find info.
If you are confused about the process of SEP, it basically goes like this:
1) Presentation to students
2) Interested students apply online
3) Approval of students by the SEO
4) Approved students must pay ME?,?Sharon Leung sharon.sy.leung@gmail.com , ?the SEP fees ($85 CAD)
5) I will notify Violaine Masson violaine.masson.1@ulaval.ca of the payment
6) Applications go out to the selected countries
7a) If a placement is found, then great! The student can go!
b) If a placement cannot be found, then $35 CAD will be returned to the
student
Please remember that we can only send as many students as we can place.
Useful Resources:
FAQs
1. I have a place to stay at another country (ie. relative), so can SEP just
?
arrange for a job placement for me there? Do I have a greater chance of
?
being accepted that way?
Yes and No. SEP can arrange a job placement for you only for sure if you just
want to. Regarding the fact that you have more chances of being accepted, this
depends on each country. As we have a limited number of students we can send
from Canada, the more difficult part if to have your application approved in
Canada. The fact that you have accommodation abroad isn't necessarily something
that will make you more likely to have a place, however it is surely something
better for the host country. So if your application is approved in Canada you
have a lot of chances of being accepted in the host country.
Please specify in your application that you have accommodation.
2. For the SEP, will I be employed or volunteering at the host site?
Most of the time, you will be volunteering. It all depends on the host country.
Some provide accommodation and food for free, others give pocket money, others
give salary, some don't give anything. You really have to go on the ipsf
website, in the SEP part, on the associations participating in SEP. On each
country, they say what is provided. Your plane ticket is never covered for
sure, as far as I know.
3. Is the form on the website the most updated version? Where would I submit
it to?
you submit it to the website. There is no paper version you have to fill. The
form on the website is updated each year, and the new application form is put
on the website on October 1st.
4. What are my chances of being accepted if my residence is not open for
exchange for other exchange students?
If you find a pharmacist or a placement in any area of pharmacy that wants to
host a student this year, you are guaranteed to get your placement this year.
If not for reasons about the host country (that aren't under my power), you
will have a placement next year for sure.
If you cannot find host or accommodation, then it depends on the number of
students from Canada who apply. I can only accept twice the number of students
I can receive from abroad. So then in depends. Some years, we had a lot of
interest. This year as well, so it is not guaranteed. However, if your
application is successful in Canada, you have 85-90 % of chances of getting a
placement.
5. What does SEP do for me if I already found a place to stay in another
country and have already found a job placement for myself?
Depending on the country (see country info on the ipsf website), you could have
social activities, meeting with students, somebody picking you at the airport,
a certificate or an insurance. All this depends on the country. Some countries
provide money, but I must admit that job placement and accommodation are the
biggest part of what SEP does.
6. Will any of the cost be accommodated?
See answer 2. If it is not enough, tell me again your questions.
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