Hooma,
Shifa's actually recently put up a section on their website with all of the information and also the application. They treat foreign applicants just like local applicants so the process is very simple overall. The only thing that changes is the application fee, which is $100.00 for US students and Rs. 2,000 for local students.
Their rules are pretty straightforward, there's a simple dress code, and they want you to spend a minimum of four weeks beginning on the first of the month. The first part of the application mentions that only students in their final year of MBBS may apply for electives, but this does not apply to foreign students, I don't think you need to be in your final year. (Haven't checked this yet though.)
To answer some of your original questions, it's not that competitive at the moment. There aren't many people currently doing electives at Shifa, but the class sizes of the college itself are so large that some rotations do get a little cramped. This may play a role in determining when you can get an elective, but it shouldn't be a reason for complete rejection.
You would do better in your fourth year as you definitely would have more clinical experience, but having some clinical knowledge at all should give you a good enough foundation to build upon.
I went by the office as well and though they had other information forms, their printer wasn't working at the time :-/
Anyway,
this link here in PDF can give you all the information as well as the application form. In the section of the application where it asks for National ID# just go ahead and put one if you have one, otherwise, leave it blank and specify that you are a foreign student. You can also go ahead and attach any additional information to specify anything you feel is not clear. You can include a passport number under the heading which you'll have to make yourself on the application as "United States of America Passport Number:XXXXXXXX"
Other questions which may arise, like what is the D.O./S.O? It just means son of, daughter of...
Even though it says mailing address is optional, just fill it in anyway with your American home address or college address so that there's no confusion about your application as a foreign student.
There is contact information as well if you need it
Phone: 92-51-4446801-30 Ext. 3636,3371; email:
[email protected]
but if you still have any questions, go ahead and post them here and we'll get back to you.
