Hi Everyone!

I will be study Medicine at University of Birmingham (uk) this year (2008). As I am a New Zealander I will be studying as an international/ overseas Student (non EEA) I have some questions and just want to make sure of before I come to study. The questions will mainly revolve around the foundation programmes (f1/f2) and the career opportunities available for people like me. I hope the questions make sense and apologise if it doesn't...

Questions:

1) I have read and understand that even for International/overseas students who graduate from UK universities, in this case Medical School of University of Birmingham, are eligible to enter the foundation programme (f1/f2), and my medical school will be responsible for extension of my student visa to cover the duration of study/ practise, is this correct?

2) So basically all medical students should be accepted into the foundation programme after gradtuaion as long as the academic ability reaches a certain/acceptable threshold. Does this include internation students of graduated from UK medical schools?

3) Continue from question 2, so basically the foundation programme has a gurantee scheme for UK graduates and it's just a matter of the choice/ location for applicants?

4) When does a medical graduate become qualified and registered to practise? Is it after the completetion of F1? Or is it after the completion of F2?

5) Are you able to do F1 and/or F2 years of the foundation programme overseas/ abroad? If so, what are the countries that can be accredited?

6) For International/overseas students who graduate from UK universities, in this case Medical School of University of Birmingham. Will I be able to stay in UK and practise as a doctor after I have graduated and completed the foundation programmes? What is the prospect of career for overseas students (non-EEA) who graduated from UK medical school? How hard will it be for somone like me to work in UK, either as GP or as specialist?

7) If an application for a position is successful, will the employer need to apply work permits for non-EEA employee?

8) What is the pay like? For doctors in F1, F2 years, House officers, Registrars and Consultants?

Sorry for the bombardment of questions but I believe it will truly help me if my confusions are cleared away. Also does anyone know who to contact if I want further information? Also I think I will get enough information from here.

also, do tell me if i posted this thread at the wrong place.

Cheers
Ed