Working Conditions
Clerkship type: Clinical clerkship, defined as the rotation of a student in a clinical ward of a hospital or clinic.
Clerkship duration: Eight-hour day shifts, five days a week for four weeks, in July or August.
Dress code: Formal
Required language skills: Icelandic is not required, but a good command of the English language is compulsory. We
require at least knowledge on level B1 of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
in English. Furthermore, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian are frequently spoken by Icelandic
health professionals. So knowledge in any of the latter could be of use, but is not required.
Required level of studies: Students must have started, and completed at least half a year of clinical studies. Graduate
students are not allowed. Students must still be enrolled in university by the time the Application
Form is sent.
Required level of study: Students must have finished pre-clinical studies and at least one semester (4 months) of clinical rotations.
What to bring: Stethoscope
Academic quality: We expect all incoming students to bring a logbook - if your country does not have a logbook we
will provide you with the Icelandic version in digital form for you to print before arrival.
Only students who have attended 80% of their clerkship, filled in their logbook and filled in the
evaluation form are entitled to a certificate.
We take Academic Quality very seriously and expect you to work in the hospital as a full
member of the clinician team. In our university hospital, doctors are unfortunately usually very
busy and always on the move, which sometimes makes them seem unapproachable. In that
case we encourage our exchange students to actively ask their tutors a lot of questions so that
they make the most of their stay, and also approach the other Icelandic students who are doing
their residency in the departments. In fact, the Icelandic doctors and hospital staff are very keen
on teaching and sharing knowledge with you.
We would also like to emphasize that you are expected to participate in morning meetings
although they might be in Icelandic. They are a great learning environment where all the doctors
meet before they all split up. That is why the meetings are a great opportunity to make
yourselves visible and approachable so it will be easier for you to tag along and participate in
the most exciting tasks of the day.
Clerkship duration: Eight-hour day shifts, five days a week for four weeks, in July or August.
Dress code: Formal
Required language skills: Icelandic is not required, but a good command of the English language is compulsory. We
require at least knowledge on level B1 of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
in English. Furthermore, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian are frequently spoken by Icelandic
health professionals. So knowledge in any of the latter could be of use, but is not required.
Required level of studies: Students must have started, and completed at least half a year of clinical studies. Graduate
students are not allowed. Students must still be enrolled in university by the time the Application
Form is sent.
Required level of study: Students must have finished pre-clinical studies and at least one semester (4 months) of clinical rotations.
What to bring: Stethoscope
Academic quality: We expect all incoming students to bring a logbook - if your country does not have a logbook we
will provide you with the Icelandic version in digital form for you to print before arrival.
Only students who have attended 80% of their clerkship, filled in their logbook and filled in the
evaluation form are entitled to a certificate.
We take Academic Quality very seriously and expect you to work in the hospital as a full
member of the clinician team. In our university hospital, doctors are unfortunately usually very
busy and always on the move, which sometimes makes them seem unapproachable. In that
case we encourage our exchange students to actively ask their tutors a lot of questions so that
they make the most of their stay, and also approach the other Icelandic students who are doing
their residency in the departments. In fact, the Icelandic doctors and hospital staff are very keen
on teaching and sharing knowledge with you.
We would also like to emphasize that you are expected to participate in morning meetings
although they might be in Icelandic. They are a great learning environment where all the doctors
meet before they all split up. That is why the meetings are a great opportunity to make
yourselves visible and approachable so it will be easier for you to tag along and participate in
the most exciting tasks of the day.
Cities/Months
We accept students for July and August. Clerkships are 4 weeks and calendar months only - no
exceptions!
The period in July 2025 is 30/06/2025 - 25/07/2025
The period in August 2025 is 04/08/2025- 29/08/2025.
IMSA members take all the exchange students on tour in the hospital on the first day, takingcare of paperwork and the department expects you later that first day - so make sure you arrive the evening before at the latest.
exceptions!
The period in July 2025 is 30/06/2025 - 25/07/2025
The period in August 2025 is 04/08/2025- 29/08/2025.
IMSA members take all the exchange students on tour in the hospital on the first day, takingcare of paperwork and the department expects you later that first day - so make sure you arrive the evening before at the latest.
Disciplines
Working hours are 4-8 hours/day on weekdays depending on the department.
Most disciplines (except psychiatry, sleep disorders etc.) are available but due to the variable
availability of some departments during summer months we cannot guarantee our incoming
students their exact choice of department.
The pediatrics department only accepts students with clinical pediatrics experience.
It is not possible to change the department you have been assigned to 6 weeks prior to the
beginning of your exchange.
Most disciplines (except psychiatry, sleep disorders etc.) are available but due to the variable
availability of some departments during summer months we cannot guarantee our incoming
students their exact choice of department.
The pediatrics department only accepts students with clinical pediatrics experience.
It is not possible to change the department you have been assigned to 6 weeks prior to the
beginning of your exchange.
Lodging
Pocket money: 0 ISK
Boarding: Hospital
Lodging: Dormitory
Students with disabilities: No
Couples: Yes
Link to ExPlore Page: Iceland (IMSA)
Regarding lodging: Lodging is only covered during the exchange period. Students who wish to arrive earlier or stay
longer must contact the NEO-in (at least 2-3 weeks in advance) but lodging can not be
guaranteed outside the exchange period. The student is obligated to pay a deposit of 50 € upon
arrival, which will be refunded at the end of the stay if the lodging is in the same condition as it
was upon arrival. Family, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends and other acquaintances are not allowed
to stay overnight in the dormitory.
Money: Iceland is very expensive to live in. Students going on an exchange in Iceland must have
enough money to pay for their own activities. Money for lunch, in the hospital on weekdays, will
be provided for.
Boarding: Hospital
Lodging: Dormitory
Students with disabilities: No
Couples: Yes
Link to ExPlore Page: Iceland (IMSA)
Regarding lodging: Lodging is only covered during the exchange period. Students who wish to arrive earlier or stay
longer must contact the NEO-in (at least 2-3 weeks in advance) but lodging can not be
guaranteed outside the exchange period. The student is obligated to pay a deposit of 50 € upon
arrival, which will be refunded at the end of the stay if the lodging is in the same condition as it
was upon arrival. Family, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends and other acquaintances are not allowed
to stay overnight in the dormitory.
Money: Iceland is very expensive to live in. Students going on an exchange in Iceland must have
enough money to pay for their own activities. Money for lunch, in the hospital on weekdays, will
be provided for.
Application Form
Deadline: 5 months
Unilateral fee: 400 EUR
Payment details for unilateral fee: Payment of the unilateral fee is preferred in cash upon arrival.
But if the sending NMO wishes, we can provide the bank information needed to pay the fee
through a transaction.
Unilateral fee: 400 EUR
Payment details for unilateral fee: Payment of the unilateral fee is preferred in cash upon arrival.
But if the sending NMO wishes, we can provide the bank information needed to pay the fee
through a transaction.
Visa Requirements
We can provide Invitation letters and other documents if required.
All persons requiring visas, not holding a valid Schengen visa in their travel document, must
apply for a visa at the applicable embassy/consulate before travelling to the Schengen area.
Students should apply for a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days. Travel documents (passport)
of citizens of the EU and EFTA countries need to be valid upon arrival. Travel documents of
other citizens must be valid at least three months beyond the intended stay.
For further information about visas and how to apply for one, see the Icelandic Directorate of
Immigration’s webpage.
The deadline for the AF is the 1st of February for both July and August and it is very important
that all incomings send their AF before that time. Our contacts at the University Hospital need
the paperwork as soon as possible to be able to accept the students and place them in their
desired department.
Email address: The students should regularly check the email account they have turned in the AF.
All persons requiring visas, not holding a valid Schengen visa in their travel document, must
apply for a visa at the applicable embassy/consulate before travelling to the Schengen area.
Students should apply for a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days. Travel documents (passport)
of citizens of the EU and EFTA countries need to be valid upon arrival. Travel documents of
other citizens must be valid at least three months beyond the intended stay.
For further information about visas and how to apply for one, see the Icelandic Directorate of
Immigration’s webpage.
The deadline for the AF is the 1st of February for both July and August and it is very important
that all incomings send their AF before that time. Our contacts at the University Hospital need
the paperwork as soon as possible to be able to accept the students and place them in their
desired department.
Email address: The students should regularly check the email account they have turned in the AF.
Card of Documents
Applicants’ card of documents should contain the following standard documents, official
documents in English:
- Health Insurance
- Motivation Letter for Department 1
- Passport copy
- Photo
- Proof of Enrollment
- HepB Antibodies count
- Language certificate
- MRSA Test
- Tuberculosis test
- Vaccination Card
documents in English:
- Health Insurance
- Motivation Letter for Department 1
- Passport copy
- Photo
- Proof of Enrollment
- HepB Antibodies count
- Language certificate
- MRSA Test
- Tuberculosis test
- Vaccination Card
Immunization Requirements
Immunizations and Hepatitis B
In Card of Documents students must present certifications of immunizations against Diphteria,
Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measels (Morbilli), Rubella and Mumps (Parotitis epidemica). The
student must also be immunized against Hepatitis B with completion of minimum two of the
three basic immunizations, meaning that the vaccination must have started at least one month
before departure.
Tuberculosis status certificate
In Card of Documents students must present proof of the tuberculosis status; a recent (less than
one year old) negative Mantoux (PPD) test or a report of negative chest X-ray. If the Mantoux
test is positive, bring a report of negative chest X-ray and a confirmation of non-infectious
status.
MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
Students have to provide at least two negative MRSA tests. The MRSA screening test has to be
from samples taken from nostrils, throat or rashes (if present). One of the hallmarks of
Landspítali (The National University Hospital of Iceland) is that it is a MRSA free hospital. It
takes great effort and every step is taken to ensure the hospital stays that way. Therefore, we
kindly ask you to read these instructions carefully.
The first test has to be presented with the cards of documents. This is to make sure that if
tested positive the first time, the student could be treated and undergo additional tests (see
below) as it may take 1-2 months. This is provided they do not have any other risk factors that
increase MRSA distribution fx. psoriasis.
If the first test is negative, students have to present a second test upon arrival. It must be
RECENT NEGATIVE test (not more than approx. 7 days old).
If the test results are late and the student is already in Iceland, the student is not allowed to stay
in the common dormitory. The committee will assist the student with lodging, at his own cost.
If the upon arrival test is POSITIVE, the student WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to enter the hospital
and begin the exchange. Their contract will be cancelled without promises of further
substitutions. If this is the case and the student has arrived in Iceland already, the committee
will do its best to assist the student with lodging and other needs, without financial help.
If the first test is positive, the student must begin a MRSA treatment at once as the duration of
becoming completely MRSA-negative varies between countries depending on treatment
(approx. 7 days). Then the student has to undergo 4 MRSA tests with a negative result in their
home country.
First 3 MRSA test out of 4 must be done this way: The first one (1/4) can be done 7 days after
the last day of treatment and the other two with additional 7 days in between (2/4) and (3/4).
The student can of course still get MRSA infected, say if one enters a hospital, in the remaining
weeks before the start of the exchange which is the reason for the 4th test.
The last one (4/4) must be presented upon arrival, a recent negative test (not more than approx.
7 days old). Please see above what happens if any of these 4 test results are positive. These
tests have to be done in the student’s home country and test results (48 hrs +) must be in
before you arrive in Iceland. Landspítali may require another additional test to be done in
Iceland.
Please follow our instructions carefully, if the student fails to do so IMSA can rightly cancel the
contract without refunds and the student will not be able to do the exchange. Make sure the
MRSA tests are of good quality to guarantee the test results are valid. In case of any doubt
IMSA will seek the advice of Landspítali and act accordingly.
Please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
In Card of Documents students must present certifications of immunizations against Diphteria,
Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measels (Morbilli), Rubella and Mumps (Parotitis epidemica). The
student must also be immunized against Hepatitis B with completion of minimum two of the
three basic immunizations, meaning that the vaccination must have started at least one month
before departure.
Tuberculosis status certificate
In Card of Documents students must present proof of the tuberculosis status; a recent (less than
one year old) negative Mantoux (PPD) test or a report of negative chest X-ray. If the Mantoux
test is positive, bring a report of negative chest X-ray and a confirmation of non-infectious
status.
MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
Students have to provide at least two negative MRSA tests. The MRSA screening test has to be
from samples taken from nostrils, throat or rashes (if present). One of the hallmarks of
Landspítali (The National University Hospital of Iceland) is that it is a MRSA free hospital. It
takes great effort and every step is taken to ensure the hospital stays that way. Therefore, we
kindly ask you to read these instructions carefully.
The first test has to be presented with the cards of documents. This is to make sure that if
tested positive the first time, the student could be treated and undergo additional tests (see
below) as it may take 1-2 months. This is provided they do not have any other risk factors that
increase MRSA distribution fx. psoriasis.
If the first test is negative, students have to present a second test upon arrival. It must be
RECENT NEGATIVE test (not more than approx. 7 days old).
If the test results are late and the student is already in Iceland, the student is not allowed to stay
in the common dormitory. The committee will assist the student with lodging, at his own cost.
If the upon arrival test is POSITIVE, the student WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to enter the hospital
and begin the exchange. Their contract will be cancelled without promises of further
substitutions. If this is the case and the student has arrived in Iceland already, the committee
will do its best to assist the student with lodging and other needs, without financial help.
If the first test is positive, the student must begin a MRSA treatment at once as the duration of
becoming completely MRSA-negative varies between countries depending on treatment
(approx. 7 days). Then the student has to undergo 4 MRSA tests with a negative result in their
home country.
First 3 MRSA test out of 4 must be done this way: The first one (1/4) can be done 7 days after
the last day of treatment and the other two with additional 7 days in between (2/4) and (3/4).
The student can of course still get MRSA infected, say if one enters a hospital, in the remaining
weeks before the start of the exchange which is the reason for the 4th test.
The last one (4/4) must be presented upon arrival, a recent negative test (not more than approx.
7 days old). Please see above what happens if any of these 4 test results are positive. These
tests have to be done in the student’s home country and test results (48 hrs +) must be in
before you arrive in Iceland. Landspítali may require another additional test to be done in
Iceland.
Please follow our instructions carefully, if the student fails to do so IMSA can rightly cancel the
contract without refunds and the student will not be able to do the exchange. Make sure the
MRSA tests are of good quality to guarantee the test results are valid. In case of any doubt
IMSA will seek the advice of Landspítali and act accordingly.
Please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Insurance
Health insurance
Mandatory insurance for incoming students.
Insured citizens of EEA countries are entitled to benefits which become necessary on medical
grounds during a temporary stay in Iceland, taking into account the nature of the benefits and
the expected length of the stay.
Those who are not covered by the EEA regulations can obtain medical assistance but must pay
in full. They can then seek reimbursement from their own insurance in their country of origin or
from their private insurance, according to rules and regulations applicable in their insurance
country.
More information: http://www.sjukra.is/english/tourists/
Travel insurance
May cover loss of property taken with on exchange (till a certain amount) till recovering travel
expenses in case of emergency. This insurance is not mandatory for incoming students.
Students choose themselves if they want this type of insurance or not.
Personal liability insurance: Not mandatory.
Professional liability insurance/malpractice insurance: Not mandatory.
We have 4 major insurance companies in Iceland. Feel free to contact them for inquiries about
insurances:
www.vis.is
tel. 00354 5605000
www.sjova.is
tel. 00354 4402000
www.tm.is
tel. 00354 5152000
www.vordur.is
tel. 00354 5141000
Mandatory insurance for incoming students.
Insured citizens of EEA countries are entitled to benefits which become necessary on medical
grounds during a temporary stay in Iceland, taking into account the nature of the benefits and
the expected length of the stay.
Those who are not covered by the EEA regulations can obtain medical assistance but must pay
in full. They can then seek reimbursement from their own insurance in their country of origin or
from their private insurance, according to rules and regulations applicable in their insurance
country.
More information: http://www.sjukra.is/english/tourists/
Travel insurance
May cover loss of property taken with on exchange (till a certain amount) till recovering travel
expenses in case of emergency. This insurance is not mandatory for incoming students.
Students choose themselves if they want this type of insurance or not.
Personal liability insurance: Not mandatory.
Professional liability insurance/malpractice insurance: Not mandatory.
We have 4 major insurance companies in Iceland. Feel free to contact them for inquiries about
insurances:
www.vis.is
tel. 00354 5605000
www.sjova.is
tel. 00354 4402000
www.tm.is
tel. 00354 5152000
www.vordur.is
tel. 00354 5141000
Card of Acceptance
Deadline: 8 weeks
Students are asked to send the Card of Confirmation as soon as possible
and give us information about date and time of arrival, along with flight number.
Cancellations
Deadline: 12 weeks.
Substitutions
Deadline: 8 Weeks
Substitutes must be for the same period and will be placed within the same
department. They must be on the same year and have compatible clinical experience. Lastly
they have to meet all the requirements in IMSA's EC.
Deadline: 8 weeks
Students are asked to send the Card of Confirmation as soon as possible
and give us information about date and time of arrival, along with flight number.
Cancellations
Deadline: 12 weeks.
Substitutions
Deadline: 8 Weeks
Substitutes must be for the same period and will be placed within the same
department. They must be on the same year and have compatible clinical experience. Lastly
they have to meet all the requirements in IMSA's EC.
