Objective To analyze the challenges and growth of the clinical medicine undergraduates who participated in the China Scholarship Council funded international research exchange program, to provide a basis for the policy formulation and management of the follow-up projects. MethodsClinical medicine undergraduates from West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University who participated in the China Scholarship Council funded international research exchange program from 2013 to 2019 were selected. The survey was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire. Results A total of 64 clinical medicine undergraduates were surveyed. The laboratory safety training rates in the United States, Canada, and China were 100.00% (34/34), 100.00% (30/30), and 70.31% (45/64), respectively. The laboratory technical training rates were 97.06% (33/34), 90% (27/30), and 43.75% (28/64), respectively. During the experimental process, clinical medicine undergraduates from the United States [94.12% (32/34)], Canada [93.33% (28/30)], and China [65.63% (42/64)] would seek assistance from relevant personnel. The difficulty (H=47.798, P<0.001) and convenience (H=30.135, P<0.001) of booking laboratory instruments and equipment vary among the three countries. There were no statistically significant difference in the frequency, form, and research direction sources of guidance from mentors (P＞0.05). Majority of students thought the experience was helpful for scientific research thinking (59 people) and experimental skills (52 people), with 23 people obtained research output. Despite encountering challenges in study (11 people), life (8 people), language (14 people), and culture (11 people), the experience had positive impact on hobbies (35 people), independent living ability (55 people), and self-confidence (41 people). The students also had developed an international perspective (61 people), improved English ability (59 people), and progressed self-learning ability (57 people). Conclusions By participating in international research exchange programs, undergraduates can enhance their comprehensive research ability. Although there may be problems and challenges during the adaptation process, it also brings growth and self-confidence at the same time.