Exchange Booklet 2020
CONTENT.
01
Welcoming Message
02
About IFMSA-Iraq, SCOPE&SCORE in Iraq
03
Meet the National Team
04
About Iraq
05
How to survive in Iraq (transportation, financials, communication)
06
Iraqi Culture
07
Health Care
08
Social Programs
09
Local committees ( Intro, AQ and local Social programs)
10
Your Experience
Welcoming Message Hello dear exchangers The exchange team would like to welcome you to our exchanges which is a life changing experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. In IFMSA-Iraq we don’t only provide high quality exchanges but also a great social program to better understand the great history that f our country that has one of the oldest civilizations of the world, by visiting our country you will have the ultimate chance to learn about this culture and it’s roots. Furthermore you will enjoy our delicious food and enjoy the hospitality of our people at every corner of our country. We will be waiting for you choose IFMSA-Iraq for your exchanges, and We will ensure you that you won’t regret it. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact our amazing NEO Zhyar and NORE jasmine.
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
. ABOUT IFMSA-IRAQ IFMSA-Iraq it’s a nongovernmental nonprofit organization officially registered in the NGOs departments of the Iraqi council of Ministers, it has the full membership of the International Federation Of Medical Students Associations, IFMSA-Iraq represents and actively support the efforts of Iraqi medical students and contributes to the development of culturally aware and socially responsible physicians. IFMSA-Iraq was created in 2013 and had the full membership in 2015, our organization gathering more than 3000 medical students among all provinces of Iraq
. ABOUT SCOPE&SCORE IFMSA- IRAQ became SCOPE active in 2015 and SCORE active in 2016. Our incoming usually hosted in summer session ( July and August ). Our goal is to provide high quality clerkship in order to insure academic quality and best social programs Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
About Iraq
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
is a country in Western Asia, Iraq has total area 437,072. The capital, and largest city, is Baghdad. Iraq is home to diverse ethnic groups including Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians, Turkmen, Shabakis, Yazidis, Armenians, Mandeans, Circassians, Sabians and Kawliya.Around 99% of the country’s 38 million citizens are Muslims, with tiny minorities of Christians, Yarsans, Yezidis and Mandeans also present. The official languages of Iraq are Arabic and Kurdish.
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
ABOUT IRAQ HISTORY During ancient times, lands that now constitute Iraq were known as Mesopotamia (“Land Between the Rivers”), a region whose extensive alluvial plains gave rise to some of the world’s earliest civilizations, including those of Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria, it became a valuable part of larger imperial polities, including sundry Persian, Greek, and Roman dynasties, and after the 7th century it became a central and integral part of the Islamic world. The historical period in Iraq truly begins during the Uruk period (4000 BC to 3100 BC) The “Cradle of Civilization” is thus a common term for the area comprising modern Iraq as it was home to the earliest known civilisation, the Sumerian civilisation. Here, in the late 4th millennium BC, that the world’s first writing system and recorded history itself were born,and whose writings record the first evidence of Mathematics, Astronomy, Astrology, Written Law, Medicine and Organised religion. Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
How to survival in Iraq? Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Money and Prices The Iraqi dinar (IQD) is the currency of Iraq, which is subdivided into 1000 dinars 1USD = 1,200 IQD 1Euro = 1,406 IQD Here in Iraq you can pay in both Iraqi Dinar and US Dollar although some accept only Iraqi Dinar, so you have to change in any bank or withdraw money from ATMs using VISA or MasterCard upon arrival In Iraq we only use banknotes so no coins Available Banknotes : 250 - 500 - 1000 - 5000 - 10,000 - 25,000 50,000 USEFUL PRICES Water bottle (1.5L) : 500 IQD v Milk (1L) : 1000 IQD
Juice (1L) : 1000 IQD
Beer : 2,500 IQD
Coke can : 250 IQD
Vodka(1L) :10,000 IQD
Bread 100 IQD /1piece
Yogurt : 250 IQD
Condom : 250 IQD
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Transporation Try to use direct flights, Iraqi Airways is the Iraqi Airlines company and it affords many direct flights specially for European region and Arabic countries. We have 5 international Airports : Baghdad (main one), Basra, Erbil, Najaf, Sulimani. Always try to book the cheapest flight :).The transport from the Airport to your city will be very easy and you will be picked up by one of the CPs Even if your flight is too late at night do not worry we will pick you up and arrange you where you will spend the night. Train :connects you to the south provinces usually:7,000-15,000 IQD GMS / Cars : are the main used way for transportation between cities, which connect the main stations between these cities. Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Transporation during the month In your city u can always use Taxi for transportations, always negotiate the price before ride. The taxi cost more if you take it after 9:00pm Local minibuses connect different areas within the city, it is much cheaper But it is somehow difficult to memorize. You can also transport by using Apps : Careem, Uber, Bolt, Taxify.
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Communication and Internet We advise you to buy Iraqi SIM CARD when you arrive, your CP will help you with so do not buy from the Airport because they more expensive .We have 3 mobile operation in Iraq : Zain, Asiacell, korek. The sim card usually coast : 3,000 IQD with 5,000 IQD charge within.You will need your passport to get sim card packages are different from one company to another but the most suitable one is unlimited GB 3G internet : 1 day / 2,000 IQD 1 week / 7,000 IQD 1 month / 30,000 IQD WIFI : almost available in every Airport, Mall, coffee shops, restaurants and public place
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
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Language
The main languages spoken in Iraq are Mesopotamian Arabic and Kurdish, followed by the Iraqi Turkmen/ Turkoman dialect of Turkish, and the Neo-Aramaic languages (specifically Chaldean and Assyrian). Most of the Iraqi can communicate in English so don’t worry :D
.Climate Iraq has two climatic provinces: the hot, arid lowlands, including the alluvial plains and the deserts; and the damper northeast, where the higher elevation produces cooler temperatures. In the northeast cultivation fed by precipitation is possible, but elsewhere irrigation is essential.
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Iraqi Culture
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Iraqi Culture Iraq has long reflected cultural diversity. Although Iraqis generally are a religious and conservative people, there are strong secular tendencies in the country. There are many values that are honored in the Iraqi culture, including generosity and humility. Men commonly hold hands or kiss when greeting each other, but this is typically not the case for men and women. Several institutions in Iraq boast the recreational culture of live theatre. Notable institutions in Baghdad include the Iraqi National Orchestra and the National Theatre of Iraq. Cultural education is fostered through institutions such as the Academy of Music and the Institute of Fine Arts. Incoming’s survival guide f
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Arabic is the main language used in Iraq, here is some useful words you may need to know.
سالم عليكم [ Salam alikom ]= Hi
شلونك
شكرا
[ Shokran ]= Thank u
اي
[ SHONAK ]= HOW ARE U
ال
[ Lla ]= No
ثيماال
[Ey]= Yes
[ Themalla ]= Bey Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Health care in Iraq The healthcare system in Iraq is divided into public and private sectors, Iraq’s healthcare system is classified as primary by the WHO .According to the World Health Organization, in 2011 Iraq’s doctor to patient ratio was 7.8 to 10,000
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
According to the WHO, There are :
1146
1185
Primary heathly centers headed by mid-level workers.
Health centers headed by medical doctors.
229 Hospitals ,includong 61 teaching hospitals. The most endemic diseases in Iraq : TB, leishmania, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Reproductive and Maternal Health Maternal and child health (MCH) services represent a major function of PHC centres The Iraq Family Planning Association plays a central role in Iraq’s family planning infrastructure. The organization is responsible for the provision of family planning services through the Ministry of Health’s clinics and hospitals, and complements public services. It runs information, education and communication (IEC) initiatives to increase awareness of the relationship between family planning and maternal and child health. This IEC work is particularly targeted at women and young people. Fertility is significantly high in Iraq (the second highest rate in the Arab world)
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
What to pack Checklist International student identity card (ISIC) Copy of your papers ( in case you lost the original one) Stethoscope (you need it in the clerkship) White coat ( mandatory ) Scrubs ( surgical clerkships ) Backpack ( for the weekend trips) Sneakers ( for hiking and long walks) Power banks ( for long day out ) Travel pillow ( for long rides and camping ) Camera ( for your special memories ) Sunscreen and sunglasses ( it’s really hot here in summer you don’t want to be burntlburned) Hat (because of the sun) Swimsuits and towel Flip-flops Driving license (if you want to rent car) Charger adaptor ( you will really need it ) Your national flag Your traditional food, clothes, drinks (for the NFDP) Your energy, good mood and inspiring smile Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
NATIONALS WEEKENDS -Babylon city -North of Iraq -South of Iraq
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ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
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The National Social Program (NSP) is made to gather all the incomings of Iraq in 3 unforgettable weekends to discover the different natures of mesopotamia Each weekend has unique theme . Historical / Beach and Mountains / Marshes and Deseret
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Ancient Baghdad and Babylon city tour We will visit the historical places of the old Baghdad city discovering the variety of musical, architectural, Art and Literature cultures and enjoying the monuments of the oldest civilization;Babylon
Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
North of Iraq In this 2nd weekend we will head to the north of the country where you will explore the green nature and the fresh rainfulls, enjoy hiking and camping through the mountains, so bring comfortable sneakers and shorts. The National Food and Drink Party (NFDP) will take place in this weekend, so don’t forget to bring your Flags- national food -national Drinks. If you need any equipments to prepare your dishes please inform your LC OC. Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
South of Iraq +
We will visit different cities there began from the Ziggurat of Ur, got lost in the amazing Marshes at the Dawn and enjoying the local way of living in the desert ending by visit the Arabic gulf
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
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ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Baghdad Baghdad the capital of Iraq and the center as well,located along the Tigris River, the city was founded in the 8th century, and became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, it is the main city from various aspects. Total area 673 km2 There are 2 LCs in Baghdad, AL-Rusafa LC & AL-Karkh LC. Currently only Al- Rusafa is SCOPE active
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Academic Quality It is the most important thing for the exchange program that IFMSA-Iraq offers, it is the thing we as doctors uphold in order to improve our healthcare system There is a fully equipped medical city in Al-Rusafa LC and it is consider the main medical center in the country It is expected of foregin students to bring and fill the handbook or logbook provided by their NMOs, they need to meet, as the matter of fact the attendance requirements in order to obtain the exchange Certificate.
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Local Social Programe Upon arrival training Zawra park Sindibad land Baghdad touristic island Iraqi national museum Paintball court Escape the room Iraqi hunting club Horse riding club D- lounge The Station Bar & lounge Baghdad mall & Al-Mansour mall Welcoming and goodbye party Incoming’s survival guide f
IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Basra
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ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Basra
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ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Baghdad
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ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Baghdad
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IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Baghdad
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IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Erbil
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IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Erbil
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ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Samaraa
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ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Sulmaniyah
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ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Duhok
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org
Personal Experience This section is yours , allow yourself to write diary, best moments, special people you have met , I hope you enjoyed every second of your exchange here in Iraq.
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with love
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IFMSA-Iraq
ifmsa-iraq
IFMSA-Iraq www.ifmsaiq.org