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is going abroad a good idea
Started by myfuture
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Do a search I know there have been previous threads about going abroad. And I went to Italy and it was amazing, if you have the opportunity go!
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i daydream....is that considered going abroad? 🙂
I think you should do it if you like to experience other cultures, etc.
I did an abroad program that goes to Italy, France, Germany, Spain, England, Netherlands, and Taiwan. I am not sure how much it helped my application, but I am really glad I did it just because I really enjoyed it! 🙂😀😎
I would definitely recommend studying abroad - it is a great experience. However, I would really think about not taking science classes overseas. You should be aware that this makes the application process much more difficult and costly as you have to have all of your credits evaluated at a company here in the states and the admissions people don't really know the reputation of the school overseas. Also, some schools require that you send any overseas transcripts to them in addition to anything you sent to AADSAS. You might call the schools you are interested in, tell them you are thinking of this program and ask them what they think or what you would need to do to apply. I didn't take any sciences classes overseas, and I still had to get my credits evaluated, but I don't think you have to do that if you are going through an American school. Good luck!
If it's through your present university (like you pay tuition here and the credits will show up on your transcript here), then this shouldn't be a problem. Either way, I would recommend going overseas.
IF you aren't jaded like me it is a good experience. I did two study abroads and have heard from people in various professional health schools that it was a focus point during interviews a lot. You only live once and it is one of the few chances you'll get to drop everything and live in a somewhat exotic place for a while. I originally did it because I was a German Lit. major...I had already gone there about 3 times before hand, so it wasn't as awe inspiring for me...but I did have a German friend base unlike everyone else who just hung out with americans.
I spent a year studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I did not even take many science classes, mostly cultural and language courses. Needless to say, it was the best experience I have ever had in my life. I think everyone should experience other cultures and expand their horizens in such a way that makes them grow as a person.
So to answer your question, I was recently accepted into dental school - and this topic was brought up at the interview, as they noticed it on my transcript. I think they looked at it in a very positive way.
Same with me, UCLA mentioned it.
I studied in Spain for a semester and Costa Rica for another, best experience of my life. I recommend it to anyone; like the others on the board are saying you'll only have the chance once, do it!
I wouldn't go as far as to say it was the "best experience of my life" but it was a good thing to do. Unless you are going to asia or something the culture isn't THAT much different. (Referring mostly to Europe) It wasn't like when I was in Japan where I had to worry about every little thing I did out of fear of being disrespectful. Homeless people speak English nowadays. If you do go abroad, take the fake courses that most people take so you can enjoy it. I worked my a$$ off in my classes. I was reading about 6 books a week. My friend's parent's store as well as Amazon.de were my best friends. People who were taking fake classes seemed to have a lot more fun, although I doubt they experienced the true stuff...they just did touristy crap all the time.
I think part of the problem is that other countries have a very different educational system and consequently people are taught to think differently so it is very difficult to fully integrate yourself in there for the "real" study abroad experience in which you study with the other students from that country. It just feels like touristy student. I get this impression since I grew up in another country. The result is you get taught separately not really with the main student body of the university that you have an exchange with.
You're right about Europe, it was not that much different than the US; I also lived with other US students in Spain who I used as a crutch far too often which also took away from the abroad experience. However, my semester in Costa Rica I lived in a small fishing town with a family that did not speak English. I still am in contact with my family and I am very close to them.
I got more out of my abroad experience because rather than treating the semester abroad as a chance to party with other US students on our parents' money and rarely associating with anyone outside of their program (which 90% of students do), I spent almost everyday with my family and their friends. I would encourage all other students going abroad to do that same, you'll definitely get more from the experience that way.
GO. You won't have many opportunities to spend a year in another country again, don't worry about it looking good or not (it will BTW) just GO. You won't regret it.
definitely go. BUT check about taking courses abroad. From what I understand it not a good idea because the rigor or the courses in foreign institutions differs from in the States. Unless it is an American program like BU Madrid then it is probably not a good idea to take any prereqs abroad. Best thing to do, call up a few dental schools and get their 2cents.
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