Exchange program

The EFPT wants a fully funded Exchange program. Psychiatric trainees should be given the opportunity to participate in trainee programs outside their country, within other European countries if they desire to do so. It must be accredited towards final qualification to the specialists' status in their country of origin. We recognize the complexities of making such arrangements, which may include barriers of language, differing practices of psychiatry and of fulfilling criteria for specialist training. Despite these or other obstacles, such training experiences should be encouraged and made feasible. These training agreements will improve the quality of the practice of psychiatry in Europe whilst recognizing the cultural diversity of this practice.
As a first and experimental step towards this direction the Exchange Workgroup in Riga decided to name local exchange coordinators within the several countries represented in EFPT. The country coordinator is the link or point of contact for any foreign trainee who desires to visit the coordinators' country (for training purposes). The country coordinator will try to assist (i.e. addresses of hospitals/medical associations; tips on working conditions etc) the exchange trainee on his/her way to fulfill his/her aim. This assistance is based on the good will of the county coordinator and does not imply an official character. For more information about your country coordinator, please refer to this page.