PCTU’S STUDENT ELECTIVE PROGRAM (SEP) IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2026: A GROWING GLOBAL HUB FOR CLINICAL TRAINING
In recent years, the Student Elective Program (SEP) at Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU) has demonstrated remarkable growth, attracting an increasing number of international medical students from around the world.
From Individual Applications to Institutional Partnerships
Since 2022, international students primarily registered for clinical placements at PCTU on an individual basis. By 2026, the program has expanded to welcome students through official university partnerships with prestigious institutions worldwide. PCTU has also noted repeated participation from students of the same universities across two to three consecutive years, such as The Ohio State University, University College London…
This continuity reflects not only the students’ positive learning experiences but also the growing trust and recognition from partner institutions toward the quality of clinical training offered by PCTU.
This transition reflects growing academic trust, enhanced training quality, and the strengthening of global collaboration networks.
Impressive Growth in Early 2026
In the first quarter of 2026 alone, PCTU welcomed a total of 33 international medical students for clinical electives:
These students come from countries with advanced healthcare systems, including the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Germany, and France, demonstrating the program’s strong international appeal.
Diverse Clinical Exposure Across Two Teaching Hospitals
Students undertake their clinical placements at:
- Tam Tri Da Nang Hospital
- Phan Chau Trinh University Hospital
The program offers diverse rotations across multiple specialties, including:
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Dermatology
- Anesthesiology & Intensive Care
This wide range of departments ensures that students gain comprehensive clinical exposure in both acute and long-term patient care settings.
Flexible and Intensive Clinical Experience
Each elective placement lasts 4–6 weeks, allowing students to:
- Integrate into clinical teams
- Participate in patient care under supervision
- Experience Vietnam’s healthcare system firsthand
- Enhance clinical reasoning and cross-cultural communication skills
Cultural Exchange Beyond Clinical Training
In addition to professional clinical activities at the hospitals, international students also have opportunities to participate in various extracurricular activities during their stay. These include exploring local culture, experiencing daily life in Vietnam, and engaging in cultural exchange activities with Vietnamese students.
Such interactions help create a vibrant learning environment where students can build friendships, develop cross-cultural understanding, and gain a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese culture and society. These experiences further enrich the overall elective program, making it both academically valuable and personally memorable.
A Program on a Positive and Sustainable Trajectory
The rapid growth of SEP signals more than increasing numbers – it reflects a rising international reputation. The steady influx of students from leading medical education systems worldwide affirms that PCTU is becoming a trusted destination for high-quality, hands-on clinical training in Asia.
Through SEP, PCTU is not only welcoming the world to Vietnam but also building long-term academic bridges that promote global medical education exchange.
Phan Chau Trinh University – A dynamic hub where medical students from diverse specialties and countries connect, learn, and grow through immersive, real-world clinical training.
