Yes, I’ve been to both the US and UK during my MBBS years at AIIMS New Delhi. But unless the students secure a research grant from ICMR, the trip is not sponsored. This means that they have to pay the expenses from their own pocket.
For a research grant, you’ll have to get a good research work done and present it to ICMR in a conference. Through a research grant, you’ll travel to the US or UK without having to spend a single penny.
On the other hand, electives to Oxford, Harvard, Hopkins are self-funded by the students. They go abroad for their electives during vacations. But this is highly discouraged by the administration as it results in loss of classes. Most students manage by missing a few classes or getting their internship extended in the later years.
AIIMS Delhi does provide opportunities to its students to go to US and UK during their MBBS.
AIIMS Delhi has exchange programs and collaborations with international universities to facilitate the same. These universities include Harvard Medical School, John Hopkins University, Yale University, and the University of Oxford.
Students of AIIMS Delhi, through these collaborations, travel to the US and UK for exchange programs and research internships. This offers them insights into different healthcare systems and research methodologies. It is a huge learning opportunity that offers enhancement of their development as medical professionals.
To participate, candidates must face high competition and the selection is based on academic performance, and research experience, among other criteria.
But, travel and living expenses can cause a bit of a problem. Travels to Harvard Medical School, John Hopkins University, and the University of Oxford are self-funded.
These expenses can come from your pocket. But even ICMR can provide you grant for your research if you convince ICMR of the potential of your research work.
My brother has gone to both the US as well as the UK during his MBBS at AIIMS Delhi. The caveat is that the trips are expensive, as expected. So either you can spend it on your own or get a sponsorship from the ICMR research grant.
To get ICMR research funding you need to do some good research on your field and then convince ICMR through some conferences regarding why you need to secure some funding for the project. If they get convinced of the same and your request is approved, you do not need to spend a penny for your trip.