ABSTRACT
Reciprocity is "the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit, especially privileges granted by one country or organization to another". Although the use of the term "elective" is varied, for the purposes it is defined as part of the curriculum where clinical healthcare students have the flexibility to choose both the study topic and location, which is often in another country. Addressing the imbalance would increase reciprocity and promote the beneficial learning through electives without creating burdens for host communities. Striving for reciprocity in electives is an important issue to be tackled; however, there is not a simple "one size fits all" solution. Instead, each sending institution needs to consider its own elective programmes and explore what steps are appropriate and feasible. Involving host communities in this evaluation process and plans for change is likely to be a key to success.
