You may be thinking of spending your working life overseas or simply going for a short time. In terms of providing a culturally appropriate service and relevant capacity building, you will accomplish far more with longer term involvement. It takes time to understand a different culture, adapt to it, learn the language and develop an appropriate and relevant approach to healthcare needs.

However, it doesn't have to involve a life time commitment to living abroad. Short term assignments with repeated visits to the same place are the pattern for many these days. A great deal can be achieved by those who stay in the UK and develop long term links with overseas colleagues, responding to local requests for help, establishing good relationships and encouraging two way visits that provide skills training and other
support. Such links have been developed by THET (The Tropical Health Education Trust – www.thet.org). The Government backed NHS Links are building on their foundation.