volunteer VS study abroad

[wristbandMD]

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I am currently looking into studying/volunteering abroad.
I have the option to either volunteer abroad (through a non-profit) or to study abroad (through my school, the University of Washington).

There are pros to both programs.

Study:
-I receive credit for a 5-6 credit class, occasionally more.
-I will be with other students my age.
-I will receive credit for a class that is most likely a non-science (Soc, Bus, Hist, etc). Allowing me too look a bit more "well rounded" while also increasing my GPA. (It looks like you receive an actual grade.)
-I could probably get financial aid and scholarships to help with paying, unlike the volunteering programs.

Volunteer:
-It seems to be a bit cheaper. UW study abroad programs average about $5,000-$7,000 for one month. Volunteering is about $500-$2000 for 2 weeks.
-I have more options as to where I want to go. (There were only to programs in Africa at UW last year)
-I have more options as to what I'd like to do. (There is a volunteer program where I would care for wild animals in a rehabilitation center. 😍 Also, there are many options involving medicine. Nothing like that at UW from what I've read.)


So, which pros outweigh the other program? Opinions?

Also, which would be more beneficial when it comes to applying for med schools? This won't really affect my final decision, but I'm curious.

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

what do you want to do?

 

[wickl087]

Exactly. I say do what you want to do. Why should a medical school judge you for choosing volunteering over study abroad? Either way, make the best out of your experience and be able to tell the adcom what you really got out of the experience.

p.s - I'm in Barcelona right now about to start the semester and I'm loving it so far.

 

[lovebat]

I could not more highly recommend the UW exploration seminar in Chile. Great opportunity to gain perspective on urban, suburban, and rural primary care, mental health care, and public health efforts in a country with a reformed public/private system. Dr. Olavarria is an awesome guy, and the program immensely enriched and expanded my perspective on the medical profession as a whole.

There may be some good volunteer opportunities but few may be structured this well. Stronger primary care and public health efforts are the future of American medicine...regardless of whether or not you are leaning toward a career in either, the education from this program is relevant to any aspiring physician and entirely worthwhile.

 

[wristbandMD]

what do you want to do?

I guess you're right. It should really just be what I want to do. I've always had this dream of going to Africa and caring for wild animals. It isn't a very realistic career opportunity, but being able to volunteer over there would be great. 😍 Dream come true!

I could not more highly recommend the UW exploration seminar in Chile. Great opportunity to gain perspective on urban, suburban, and rural primary care, mental health care, and public health efforts in a country with a reformed public/private system. Dr. Olavarria is an awesome guy, and the program immensely enriched and expanded my perspective on the medical profession as a whole.

There may be some good volunteer opportunities but few may be structured this well. Stronger primary care and public health efforts are the future of American medicine...regardless of whether or not you are leaning toward a career in either, the education from this program is relevant to any aspiring physician and entirely worthwhile.

Oh, really? This is one at UW I was definitely looking into. Africa is my number one destination, South America (specifically Chile) is my number two. 🙂

As far as paying for the study abroad program, do you know how much financial aid and scholarships cover?

 

[Iapyx]

I guess you're right. It should really just be what I want to do. I've always had this dream of going to Africa and caring for wild animals. It isn't a very realistic career opportunity, but being able to volunteer over there would be great. 😍 Dream come true!

Then I definitely recommend you go to Africa! My study abroad experience was incredible and I highly recommend it. Plus, everyone volunteers. Study abroad, on the other hand, makes you a bit more interesting and unique (IMO) Good Luck!

 

[lovebat]

As far as paying for the study abroad program, do you know how much financial aid and scholarships cover?

I don't. I really can say that if you're serious about applying to medical school, this experience is well worth paying in full. You will have an absolute blast. I wasn't aware of any medically oriented programs in Africa--I've heard of one to Sierra Leone thru Honors, but it was anthro/culture based. Study abroad experiences are great, but with the one to Chile, I got everything I wanted--foreign health care experience, public/mental/primary health care education in undeserved areas, greater cultural awareness both inside and outside of medical settings, and an incredibly fun time out side of the "school" part.