Does studying abroad matter to med schools?

[Midd]

I'm a pre-med philosophy major and am seriously thinking about studying abroad in England next fall. I would be taking solely philosophy courses (which I need anyways to fulfill the major)... the university I am looking at is one of the best places in the UK to study philosophy. It would be a dream come true. But what would medical schools think of this choice? I've heard that it looks good on an application.. true? Thanks.

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[raltima07]

Do it if you want to - you can't always do things to look good for medical school.

 

[Miss Alyssa]

It's a life experience that you can talk about, especially if it impacts your decision to become a doctor or how you choose to practice. It would also give you an opportunity to learn about/experience how health care is approached in a different culture. I did study abroad as an undergrad and really enjoyed it.

 

[gettheleadout]

Totally dependent on what you get out of it.

 

[kduck]

I did a summer study abroad program where I took a couple of history classes, and one of my interviewers mentioned that she was pleased to see it as an example of "intellectual curiosity." So I definitely think it can't hurt you. Maybe while you are there you can try and get some shadowing in? I don't know how that works abroad, but if you can work it out you could have some interesting experiences seeing another country's medical system firsthand.

I second that you can't do everything just to look good for med schools. Studying abroad is the chance of a lifetime, and you'll probably regret it forever if you don't do it. Besides, I think adcoms like to see people who have interesting experiences and try new things - which is what study abroad is all about.

 

[capn jazz]

studying abroad is amazing and everyone should do it if given the opportunity.

 

[Camy99]

👍

studying abroad is amazing and everyone should do it if given the opportunity.

Took a shizload of loans, didn't get time to volunteer/shadow/study for MCAT like others did.

I'd do it all over again in a heart beat. The pros just absolutely pwn the cons.

 

[JonnyL]

Do it for the experience and not for Medical School. You'll enjoy it much better that way.

 

[Person0715]

do it for the experience and not for medical school. You'll enjoy it much better that way.

+1

 

[ucsfstudents]

I agree that you should only do it if you want to. It might be a topic you bring up on your personal essay or during your medical school interview if it ends up having a significant impact on how you approach life, medicine, etc. But it's ok if you just want to do it for the fun of it. Not everything you do has to be applicable to your medical school application.

 

[Barcu]

Do it for the experience and not for Medical School. You'll enjoy it much better that way.

This.

I took a semester off of science and studied literature in Spain. Fantastic decision, since I am now in med school and can't think of another opportunity do ever do that again. Even if I go abroad now, I'll be doing medical stuff, which is fun but it's just not the same.

My advice is to do it. And don't even think about trying to shadow or do something medical abroad (unless you really, really, really, really want to). Just enjoy it.

 

[418865]

Agreed with others. If it fits your calendar (i.e. done with most prereqs or have time to take them after or whatever)..then do it! Study Abroads are really amazing experiences and I know someone who did a year of study abroad and got into a top med school. Don't do it for the sake of med school..

 

[Midd]

You all had really good advice - really appreciate it! 🙂

 

[Violagirl]

I too hope to study abroad for a semester next year in London, it'd be such an amazing experience! Also my biggest reason for being a commuter during my undergrad career up to this point so it'd be a payoff for it. 😀

 

[octupus]

I studied abroad for one semester and it was the most amazing experience ever. I wouldn't trade anything for it.. not even acceptance to my dream medical school. It cost me an extra 7 grand that semester, but it was all worth it. Like others said, do it because you want to, not because it'll look good for medical school. Everyone gets something different out of it and some more than others.