[International Health Electives in developing countries for medical and nursing students: four experiences from French-speaking Switzerland]. / Stages dans des pays en développement au cours des etudes de médecine. Eléments de littérature et réflexions basées sur quatre expériences en Suisse romande.

International Health Electives performed in developing countries by students of medical and nursing schools from industrialized nations have recently become a highly valued element in curricula of medical and nursing schools. We report here four examples of such electives developed over the years at the Faculties of medicine of Geneva and Lausanne, one involving both medical and nursing school students. These electives foster enthusiasm and commitment among students and host institutions abroad. A selective review of the literature highlights the many positive aspects of such electives for the professional and personal development of students. It also emphasizes what the host institutions can gain from these electives provided the latter are organized in a balanced partnership and that the students receive a careful preparation to avoid possible pitfalls.