University of Zagreb

[bosnia]

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Hello, guys. I need help with the following:

Is it better to go into U of Zagreb Med School in Croatian language ( I am fluent), which is 6 year program, or take the English language program through the U of Zagreb ( 4 years program)? Since I am US citizen, my ultimate goal is to obtain US residency, and I am not sure which way to go???

I am non-traditional,mother of 2 boys, with US bachelor and masters degree in healthcare field, and tons of hospital -based clinical experience. The trouble is, I just got back my MCAT scores, this is the 2nd time I took it - and I scored 22, only 2 points better than my first time. If I were a real pessimist, I would say I have no business being in the med school - but the rest of my application is reallty outstanding - I am just a terrible test taker, and I know I will not be retaking this beast again.

So, while I will still apply for US schools, I am wondering which way to go as far as Zagreb is concerned? Another words, which program in Zagreb is better and which one will better prep me for the US residency? Or is the whole endeavour one big gamble?

Thanks.

 

[jackb79]

Have you considered looking at caribbean med schools, these are designed for the US citizen who could not get into a US school. Most if not all have two years on the island and then two year rotations in a US hospital which will better prepare you for a US residency than I think a school in croatia will. I'm not trying to knock the school in croatia as I know nothing about it but I would think that going to a school which would put you in the same learning environment that you would be practicing in would be beneficial.

Now when you look at caribbean schools try to evaluate their pass rate for the USMLE, residency placements (ability for licensure in the greatest number of states) and length of establishment. I would stick to the big 3 Ross, St. George's and American University if not there are also a few others while not as big and famous will still get you where you want to be which are SABA, AUA and St. Matthew's (I think) But don't take my word for it explore and do your own research check out sites such as valuemd.com (look in their forums and read posts) or go to the schools website and request information to be sent to you, ask to speak with graduates etc. Find out all you can before you make a decision as it is 1) an expensive choice and 2) your future career and must think of the wee ones as well.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Miklos]

Hello, guys. I need help with the following:

Is it better to go into U of Zagreb Med School in Croatian language ( I am fluent), which is 6 year program, or take the English language program through the U of Zagreb ( 4 years program)? Since I am US citizen, my ultimate goal is to obtain US residency, and I am not sure which way to go???

I am non-traditional,mother of 2 boys, with US bachelor and masters degree in healthcare field, and tons of hospital -based clinical experience. The trouble is, I just got back my MCAT scores, this is the 2nd time I took it - and I scored 22, only 2 points better than my first time. If I were a real pessimist, I would say I have no business being in the med school - but the rest of my application is reallty outstanding - I am just a terrible test taker, and I know I will not be retaking this beast again.

So, while I will still apply for US schools, I am wondering which way to go as far as Zagreb is concerned? Another words, which program in Zagreb is better and which one will better prep me for the US residency? Or is the whole endeavour one big gamble?

Thanks.

My opinion is that if you wish to complete your degree in Zagreb, by all means go for the native language 6 year program.

My reasoning is:

-Zagreb's English programs are brand-new. You will be a gineau pig, whether you want it or not.
-The native language program is almost universally approved for residency and licensure by individual states.
-The English language program is not approved in California. (Note that news of political changes in the Balkans has not yet reached the California medical board; Also note, that approved English language programs in Europe are denoted after the name of the main program; see Hungary and the Czech Republic for examples.)
-Lastly, a 22 on the MCAT shows potential difficulties with the basic sciences. Jumping into a four year program might be very difficult. Keep in mind, that the MCAT is a pretty good predictor of USMLE success.

Good luck.

 

[bosnia]

Thank you both for your keen insight.

I have thought about the Carribean med school option, but still I am unusure about it.

As far as Zagreb go - I am with you - the 4 year program is brand new and no one knows what will become of it. Just curious, can you even practice in EU or even Croatia with this 4 year degree?
For the same token, then I can go to any 6 year university in the Former Yugoslavia and attend med school ( since I am ex refugee from Bosnia, Sarajevo comes to mind). I even know several people who matched into the US residency after attending U of Sarajevo Med School.

I don't know, I am scared ****less, especially of the idea of oral exams, which I have experienced while student in Zagreb in early 90'es. Then, of course, there is a guilt factor, that goes something like this " you should have done this before kids, should have though about what you really wanted to do years ago, not chose wrong career path...." oh, how royally we can beat ourselves up!

Thank God for my wonderful, supportive spouse, who only wants me to be happy, and is willing to work and provide for us while I go to school some more.

Thank you again for your support and help. I will give this some more thought, but in the end, I tend to see things fatalistically - que sera, sera... although I admire perseverance of many a member of this forum.

 

[Miklos]

As far as Zagreb go - I am with you - the 4 year program is brand new and no one knows what will become of it. Just curious, can you even practice in EU or even Croatia with this 4 year degree?

Don't know about practicing in Croatia...

As far as the EU goes;

-Four year degrees (such as Polish ones, not British Graduate Entry programs) must prove that they comply with a certain EU article in order to be accepted
-In addition, as Croatia is currently outside the EU, for registration in Britain (for instance) you would in all likelyhood need to take the PLAB examinations.

For the same token, then I can go to any 6 year university in the Former Yugoslavia and attend med school ( since I am ex refugee from Bosnia, Sarajevo comes to mind). I even know several people who matched into the US residency after attending U of Sarajevo Med School.

Sure.

 

[APACHE3]

Hello. I'm a married med student finishing my studies in Hungary. I have a 3 year old and a 10 mo old. I am American, but my wife is Hugarian. I'm also old by med students standards..way into my 30's!! I'm in the 6 year English program. It's been a wonderful experience. Don't be in a hurry. I suggest the 6 year native language track. Your children will become fluent in both English and (croate?) and Croatia has really improved its economy and has beautiful coastline and cities. Of course, there is still political uncertainty and the economy still needs more reform, but I guess your budget will go far. Does Zagreb qualify for Stafford loans? Just pick up and come, you can probably make the August start date. You won't regret it. You can augment your Europe experience with rotation in the states (i did that) so you'll get enough US clinical time. There are a lot of people out there who want to become doctors, but won't take that fateful step (studying outside the US). Caribbean is an option, but extremely expensive. Listen to Miklos, he knows a lot on european schools. Good luck. 👍

 

[zagrebstudent]

Hey Folks
I want to announce that the “ University of Split – School of Medicine” in Split, Croatia, opens recently for academic year 2011/2012 for the first time a “ Medical Studies in English” program ( 30 places) Both foreigners and Croatian citizens can apply equally for this program.
The diploma after graduation from “ Medical Studies in English”-program at the University of Split is recognized in the EU – as Croatia joins EU in the year of 2013 for sure. Graduates can work as doctors in the whole European Union. - Also graduates can do the USMLE and work in USA.
The costs of the program are 7000 Euro per academic year and belong to the lowest in Europe if it comes to “ Medical Studies in English “ in foreign countries.
The Medical School in Split is a young, highly modernized faculty which puts great emphasis on research and education. It has intensive partnerships with Universities in USA – notably Wisconsin – and also a partnership with the University of Ottawa, Canada.
Split is a great town (220 000 inhabitants) and 2nd largest City of Croatia (after Zagreb) located at the mediterrean sea with a great nightlife,especially in summer, and beautiful beaches and sea side resorts spotted nearby.
Important (!) : The University of Split –School of Medicine has yet free places for “ Medcial Studies in English” to offer. The faster your apply since now, the bigger the chance that you receive a place without any entrance exam. Late application and thereby a too large application pool will lead to selection criteria based on entrance exam or high school grades evaluation. First admission deadline is June 30 – the second admission deadline drags into Mid-September.
Im myself a medical student in the “ Medical Studies in English” –program at the University of Zagreb- School of Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia - and I visited the Medical Faculty in Split and was excited. I can recommend medical studies in Croatia overall.
For more information regarding the University and admission you can contact:
[email protected] , [email protected] or get information from the University-Website ( you may call them) http://www.mefst.hr/default.aspx?id=1606
You are also free to write me an email if you have any questions.
Greetings
André Maciej Warzecha
Medical Student
University of Zagreb – School of Medicine
Email: [email protected]