About International Volunteering/Job Shadowing experience

[MCAT1982]

Hi,

Does volunteering experience, and job shadowing at hospitals in India be given the same importance ?

I have worked for a Leprosy foundation/Old age facility/Mental rehab center (300+ hrs), and have worked in some reputed hospitals in India - 500+ hrs (as a part of Rural community service)

Or, is it that the volunteering/shadowing be done in the US itself to be considered for admissions?

Thanks

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[Chip N Sawbones]

International volunteering and shadowing certainly "count." They will also give you something to talk about in interviews and essays. However, adcoms will want to see some shadowing and clinical experience in the US to show that you are familiar with health care here.

 

[Juan Solo]

Yes, volunteering and shadowing abroad definitely counts for your activities while applying to medical school. It definitely broadens your experiences and growth, and as mentioned above gives you something to write about. However, I agree with the post above, you should try and get a little bit of clinical experience in the U.S.

Good luck!