EXCHANGE GUIDE
Introduction
Welcome to the IFMSA-Kurdistan Exchange Guide! This guide provides essential information to help you navigate your exchangejourney.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,don’thesitatetoget intouchwithyourterm’sLEOsorNEOsforassistance.
This guide is newly developed, and we aim to update it annually to ensure accuracy. If you’d like to contribute to future editions, we’dlovetohearfromyou!
The photos featured in this guide capture moments from the experiences of our exchange students in different countries, offering a glimpse into their journeys and inspiring future participants.
IMPORTANT:
Most references have been placedinthesectionforeach designatedNMO.Pleasecheck the official IFMSA portal for any specific rules regarding the country that may not be coveredinthisguide.
Editorial Board
Renwar Yassin Content writer
Polan Payjor Content writer
Sulaimani LEO 23-24
Arya Atta Content writer
Sanar Soran Content writer
Aland Ghazi Content writer
Shad Jalal Content writer
LEO 24-25
Zhyar Hoshyar Content writer
Senna Najeeb Graphic designer
Sulaimani LEO 24-25
Arev Haval Content editor
Sulaimani
Preface
01. Selecting Your Locations
1. Application Post
:
- A formal announcement will be shared on the IFMSA-Kurdistan (national) private Facebook group to inform members that the exchange application process is officially open. This post will include all the necessary details regarding deadlines, eligibility, and a direct link to the application form. Make sure to keep an eye on the group so you don’t missit!
2.
Filling the Form
:
- Once the application form is available, you will need to carefully fill it out with accurate personal and academic information. As part of the process, you'll be asked to choose six exchange destinations inorderofpreference. These choices will determine the NMOs you willbeapplyingto,inorderofpriority.
Please note that your final placement will depend on the selection process, the number of available spots, and acceptance by the hostingNMO.
02. Interview Process
1. Interview by the NEO-Out:
- Do your interview which is usually conducted by the National Exchange Officer foroutgoings.
2. Result Notification :
Within approximately one month, you will receiveanemailwithyourassignedcountry. A second email will follow with your login credentials (email and password) for the IFMSAExchangePortal.
$50Forunilateralexchanges,youwillpay moretoIFMSA-Kurdistanand$350or tothedesignatedhostingNMO on(note:thisamountmayvarydepending youthecountry).Forbilateralexchanges, Kurdistan.willpayatotalof$400toIFMSA-Beforeapplying,makesuretocheckthevisarequirementsandthe locationsofrelevantembassiesor consulates.Thisguideprovideshelpful referencestogetyoustarted.
Preface
03. Application on the Exchange Portal
Immunization Record: for some NMOs, the required immunization record varies (e.g., Greece, Czechia), while others only require the standard form... You can fill it outat:
1. Government Health Centers (Primary Health Care Centers - PHCCs): Every city and town has multiple PHCCs that provide vaccines free of charge, especially for routine immunizations (e.g., childhood vaccines, hepatitis B, tetanus, etc.). Adults who need vaccination for travel or medical purposes can also be inquired at thesecenters.
2. Private Clinics & Hospitals.Manyprivate hospitals and clinics in cities like Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok offer vaccines. Theseusuallyrequireafeebutmayhavea widerselectionofvaccinesavailable.
VisaProcess
Schengenvisatobeobtainedthroughthe consulate of Italy in Erbil-Iraq. An appointment must be scheduled beforehand. Information on documents needed can be foundat:
Clickhere!
PlaneTickets:
Financesandcurrency
ThenationalcurrencyisEuro.
1000IQD=0.7€
100$=91.4€
Internet&SIMcards
Plane tickets vary depending on the airline, flight class chosen, and time of the year. Generally,around-tripticketpricestartsfrom 700-800$fromSulaymaniyahtoRome.
Transportation
Train:
The best way to visit cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Italy’s extensive train network includes high-speed inter-city trains and regional services that connect smaller towns
Italy has reliable internet, especially in cities. However, rural areas may have limited coverage. Free Wi-Fi is common in airports, train stations, cafes, city squares, and through the government’s Wi-Fi Italia service. For better connectivity, getting an Italian SIM cardoreSIMisrecommended.
Car:
Ideal for exploring the countryside, vineyards, and charming stays in regions like Piedmont andTuscany.
Bus:
A budget-friendly option for getting around citiesortravelingwithinspecificregions.
Plane:
Best for covering long distances between farapartcitiesquicklyandefficiently.
Ferry:
Perfect for traveling between islands or along thebeautifulcoastaltowns.
FinancesandCurrency
The currency of Poland is the Polish zloty, abbreviated as PLN. They do not useeurodespitebeingintheEuropeanUnion except for some hotels and restaurants in the big cities that accept payment as euro, so it’s bettertohavePolishzloty.
100$ = 390 PLN 1000 IQD = 3.02 PLN. For exchange students, living expenses in Poland are relatively affordable compared to otherEuropeancountries.
Simple conversations: cześć = Hello. do widzenia = Goodbye.
TAk = Yes. nie = No.
Proszę = Please.
Dziękuję Ci = Thank you.
Type C and E sockets are mostly used. Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public space.
Transportation
PlaneTickets
Planeticketsmayvarybut generallystartsfrom1800$
Bicycle:
Cycling is a very good transportation tool in Poland, there are over 300 stations bicycle stations in Poland where you can rent bikes, andgladlythefirst20minutesisfree! Many trains allows you to get your bike on board for free but keep in mind that some of themrequirereservationforthebike.
Walking:
Most people find cities of Poland pretty walkable because it’s mostly flat so not many hills and most of the tourist attractions are withinwalkingdistancefromoneanother.
Buses, trams, and metro: Theyareveryaffordable,andusefulto travelbetweenplacesfarfromeachother.
FinancesandCurrency
ThenationalcurrencyisEuro.
1000IQD=0.7€
100$=91.4€
VisaProcess
Slovakiarequiresa Schengenvisa. Unfortunately,since thereisn’tanydirectSlovak consulateswithinKurdistan, one must reach out to the nearest consulates to fill the visa form (Jordan or Turkey) or throughtravelingagencies.
Transportation
Internet&SIMcards
Internet is easily accessible within Slovakia as itisavailableinmanypublicplaces(Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes, Airports, some parks…etc.) and data plans can be bought in local stores. Theruralareas,however,canhaveconnection issues.
It’srecommendedtobuyaSlovakiaSIMcards oraneSIM.
Slovakia has a well-developed network of buses and trains. The best method of the two to get around is trains. If you have the time andarereadytoseesights,youcanalsocycle through the countryside. It’s also a good idea to walk within Bratislava as most key attractions in its compact center are within a walkingdistancefromoneanother.
PlaneTickets
Planeticketsvarydependingon theairline,flightclasschosen, andtimeoftheyear.Generally, around-tripticketpricestartsfrom 700-800$ from Sulaymaniyah to Bratislava. Ticketsofeconomyclasscangetasexpensive as2000$.
Your Journey Begins Here!
An
Where will your exchange take you? What experiences will shape your journey? The answers await.
Bon voyage, and may your exchange be unforgettable!
