THE EVALUATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM IN THE HEALTH-SCIENCES

The evaluation of an international fellowship program in the health sciences, provided for Philippine graduates at the University of Hong Kong and financed by a third-party donor, highlights areas of conflict within a program. To be effective, program developers and associated evaluation projects must deal with such potential elements of conflict. The results of the evaluation indicate that the outcome of a fellowship is often something good but undefinable, such as increased self-esteem. Specific and lasting benefits beyond this depend on local conditions and will not occur without the necessary infrastructure and supportive leadership. Change following an evaluation requires discussion aimed at mutual understanding and conflict resolution. It is essential to decide whose perspective is to take precedence when making value judgments about the worth of the program. Eventually, it may have to be judged from the perspective of the participants rather than objectives prescribed by a nonparticipant third party.