Study Abroad

[rpdnathan]

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I understand that study abroad is certainly an advantage to have when it comes to applying to medical schools, but how does a medical related study abroad (such as going to an international underdeveloped country and doing some volunteering there) compare to going to a country for the purposes of taking classes and gaining some cultural awareness compare? I am thinking of doing study abroad soon and there are so many options that I am quite confused as to what direction to proceed in.

 

[Total180]

Going abroad is probably of more value to you yourself, than it is when it comes time to application. I went abroad once for educational purposes and took classes, and once to do some volunteering. I got totally different things out of each experience. The first one was more to learn the language (Spanish). I stayed with a Spanish family who spoke NO English, so that really made me use my skills. The second opportunity I went to Argentina and volunteered in a public hospital. This opportunity is a huge reason why I want to worked the underserved in this country. It has given me a lot to talk about in my secondary applications, and obviously the more exposure you have to medicine the better in terms of the application process, but I don't think the edge up is as big as you are thinking it is. I would say do whatever program you are most interested in versus what will look better on an application. Going abroad is an amazing experience, and the more you learn from it, and the more you have fun, the more passionate you can be when talking about it. Also, going abroad to take classes doesn't mean you can't do any type of volunteer work while you are there. I took a medical Spanish class while volunteering in Argentina...maybe something like that would benefit you? Kind've the best of both worlds...

 

[calbears08]

Chose the program you are most interested in. Both type of experiences allow to gain cultural awareness. I did research overseas in an emerging country, but the experiences that stuck with me the most have nothing to do with research.