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Been meaning to do this for a while… Here’s a thread for all the #premed students out there debating going abroad for medicine.
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I should probably start with my background. Did my undergrad in Canada, am currently studying medicine in Europe. I applied to Europe at the same time I did in Canada. I am in a 5-year program (no MCAT score required). However, 4-year (MCAT requiring) and 6-year programs exist 2/
Common places North American students go abroad for medical school:
1) Caribbean
2) Australia
3) Europe/UK
Ireland (see https://www.atlanticbridge.com/ ) and England being the most common, other schools can be found here https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/1904/10-best-medical-schools-in-europe-where-you-can-study-in-2020.html
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1) Caribbean
2) Australia
3) Europe/UK
Ireland (see https://www.atlanticbridge.com/ ) and England being the most common, other schools can be found here https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/1904/10-best-medical-schools-in-europe-where-you-can-study-in-2020.html
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Why I chose Europe over others: Caribbean is too hot and has too many bugs… Australia has too many bugs/animals that could kill me (and is also a 24hr expensive flight from home). Europe was a short and relatively reasonable priced flight away, in an English-speaking country
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with mild climate. Figured I’d be content here. I also liked the idea of travelling Europe while here, which I have been doing (its ridiculously cheap to do so). Also, the education I’m getting here is well respected globally.
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Where to start when looking at schools abroad?
- Google the med schools in various counties, the admission requirements, visa requirements, etc.
- Look up match rates for the schools if you’re keen to come back (I didn’t do this but realized I lucked out after the fact – I
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- Google the med schools in various counties, the admission requirements, visa requirements, etc.
- Look up match rates for the schools if you’re keen to come back (I didn’t do this but realized I lucked out after the fact – I
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just knew the country I picked was a common one for Canadians).
- Tuition would be good to be aware of ahead of time. It can be just as (and sometimes more) expensive then studying at home.
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- Tuition would be good to be aware of ahead of time. It can be just as (and sometimes more) expensive then studying at home.
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Why you should consider it?
- The earlier you get into medical school, the sooner you start making a physician’s income, the sooner you start paying back loans
- Opportunity to live outside of North America (it’s a big wide world out there)
- Opportunity to make friends...
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- The earlier you get into medical school, the sooner you start making a physician’s income, the sooner you start paying back loans
- Opportunity to live outside of North America (it’s a big wide world out there)
- Opportunity to make friends...
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...around the world
- The vibe here is generally less “cut-throat” than what North America seems to be. All the North American students here are in the same boat – you’re all one big family.
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- The vibe here is generally less “cut-throat” than what North America seems to be. All the North American students here are in the same boat – you’re all one big family.
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Overall, I am happy with my decision to go abroad. I love it here. I want to go back to Canada, but if it makes financial sense to stay here (sometimes North American grads get offered financial incentives to stay), or I meet the love of my life here or something...
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...like that – I’m open to staying. I feel confident I will match, and if I don’t – I’ve got nothing but time. Everything will be okay!
DMs are always open if anyone has specific questions.
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DMs are always open if anyone has specific questions.
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