Is it a bad idea to travel abroad during interview season (Jan-Feb)?

[EchoTrail26]

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Would it be unwise to travel abroad to Southeast Asia from January to February during the interview season? Thank you for any advice in advance!

 

[AJS59]

Would it be unwise to travel abroad to Southeast Asia from January to February during the interview season? Thank you for any advice in advance!

Will you have decently reliable access to internet? That's the million dollar question.

 

[EchoTrail26]

Will you have decently reliable access to internet? That's the million dollar question.

I have found somewhat reliable internet cafes/coworking spots. I was also thinking I could splurge on a hotel if I am lucky enough to receive an interview invite. In the absolute worst case, I should be able to purchase a mobile internet package that would let me hotspot from my phone.

 

[AJS59]

I have found somewhat reliable internet cafes/coworking spots. I was also thinking I could splurge on a hotel if I am lucky enough to receive an interview invite. In the absolute worst case, I should be able to purchase a mobile internet package that would let me hotspot from my phone.

It's your decision at the end of the day. My advice is whatever your plans are make it so that you'll be able to respond to any emails within 24 hours.

 

[yen9374]

I'm also traveling abroad in SE/East Asia for a month then! Planning on doing the same as you & bringing my formal clothes, etc. in case I get an interview but hoping I can schedule them either before or after my trip

 

[winder333]

Would it be unwise to travel abroad to Southeast Asia from January to February during the interview season? Thank you for any advice in advance!

If you plan ahead, maybe schedule interviews before your trip, and make sure you’ve got solid Wi-Fi, you could totally swing it

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums.

Just wondering, when did you decide to travel? Did you mention this plan to your prehealth advisors or in any applications? We have fielded similar questions closer to the start of the application cycle, so I'm curious if this was unplanned.

 

[wysdoc]

If you plan ahead, maybe schedule interviews before your trip, and make sure you’ve got solid Wi-Fi, you could totally swing it

The timing of interviews is under the control of the schools, not the applicants.

 

[candbgirl]

Why are you going? Work? Family concerns? Vacation? Emergency? Something else? Is this visit of such great importance that you are willing to jeopardize the interview process? Only you can make the decision.

 

[Stuaccount]

Would it be unwise to travel abroad to Southeast Asia from January to February during the interview season? Thank you for any advice in advance!

Yes.

 

[LizzyM]

With so many schools going remote for interviews and so many interviews taking place between August and December, you could roll the dice and take the chance that it will work in your favor particularly if you have a very, very strong application that is going to move you to the front of the line in the late summer for early interview invites.

Another factor I would consider is the time difference. If you do get interviews, it is likely that they will be in the dead of night in SE Asia which might not be the best time for you depending on how well you have adjusted to local time.

Also, how long do you plan to be away. Two months is different than two weeks and if you get an interview invite for a two week period you may be able to delay whereas delaying two months, until you get back at the end of a 8 week trip, might be too cheeky. Keep in mind too that most schools are not going to run interviews from Dec 20-Jan 1 because interviewers and office staff are taking a break.

 

[Orims]

I have been in the admissions committee for my school for two years and have interviewed multiple applicants all over the world. As long as your internet connection is stable and you don't mind interviewing in the middle of the night, we don't care.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I have found somewhat reliable internet cafes/coworking spots. I was also thinking I could splurge on a hotel if I am lucky enough to receive an interview invite. In the absolute worst case, I should be able to purchase a mobile internet package that would let me hotspot from my phone.

Would definitely splurge on hotel for interview. Would not take an interview from any location where you're not in private.