Letter of Support Vienna, 12/09/2011

To whom it may concern,

The International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) is a non political and non profit organization recognized as one of the oldest and largest student organizations in the world, and currently representing more than 1.2 million medical students in altogether 99 countries.

Since the foundation of IFMSA in 1951 in Copenhagen/Denmark, this organization has constantly expanded and has become a major voice of medical students regarding international health concerns. The IFMSA is officially recognized by the UN and WHO and holds close relation to various non- governmental organizations.

SCOPE stands for “Standing Committee on Professional Exchange”. In many countries it represents the largest student exchange program- over 8000 medical students all over the world are participating per year and exchanging their University, city and country to get a broader perspective on the differences in medical health care.

The exchange program is a fully educational and cultural experience that is organized entirely by medical students, with the help of the medical faculties. Students have the chance to attend a clerkship for 4 weeks in a department of their interest. The hosting country offers lodging, boarding, the clerkship and sometimes a social program.

Any support and assistance that you can offer to the medical students engaged with IFMSA will be highly appreciated.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information.

Yours sincerely,

Marianne Koch

Director of the Standing Committee on Professonal Exchange 2011-12

Marianne Koch, SCOPE Director

Tel.: +43 6502505087 I scoped@ifmsa.org

International Federation of Medical Students' Associations