By Frangiska Mylona,
Studying medicine is one of the most common ambitions among students from all over the world, since medicine, as a profession, provides financial stability, prestige, and the certainty of a stable job. Therefore, this high demand to study medicine makes it one of the most competitive professions around the world, with students struggling to enter the medical university of their choice.
However, some of them do not succeed in passing their exams in their own countries, therefore they seek a spot in a Medical University located in another country, while some of the students deliberately choose to leave their countries and study abroad because this concept satisfies their dreams and desires better. However, before making a choice and seeing the requirements of each University, it is important for the student to acknowledge the reasons for studying medicine and whether it is the correct professional option for them.
Medical studies should not be pursued solely for monetary benefits or under pressure from exogenous influences. Studying medicine should be one’s personal choice, and it should be based on their admiration of the human anatomy and physiology, and of their true desire to help and treat people during their difficult times. Of course, financial stability is one crucial factor, nevertheless it should not be the only reason for becoming a doctor.
It is vital to understand that becoming a physician means long, exhausting working hours, under pressure and fatigue. Taking care of someone’s life is a huge responsibility that everyone needs to take into account before starting their medical studies.
In any case, studying abroad is a huge decision and there are several factors that must be analyzed in order to make the correct choice and succeeding as well as living a decent life while studying. From my perspective, the first step to choosing the right country is to select one that is close to your hometown, while at the same time has some well-recognized Medical Universities.
This is a crucial step because transportation from one place to the other will be easier, especially in times when you might feel homesick. Secondly, you should see if this country offers English-speaking courses or not. Usually, English-speaking courses are more attractive for international students because English is a universal language that is well-spoken by many students around the world.
Also, you should check the requirements that the University demands to be fulfilled prior to entering, apart from passing the admission entrance exams (if they have any). For example, some Universities demand an English degree and they have a preference for students with good marks on the senior high school diploma.
Also, it is vital to check whether the medical degree from the country you choose to study is recognized or not in your country. In the event that it is not, you should determine how your degree can be recognized in your country if you intend to work in your hometown.
In these cases, medical university graduates are usually obliged to pass some exams in order to prove that they are qualified, so you should also take that into consideration. One additional factor is checking if the university is public or private, if it involves tuition fees, and when you must submit them.
The next step is checking whether you will have to pass exams in order to be admitted or not. You should note that the admission exam season does not occur at the same time for every country. If studying abroad is in your plans, it would be beneficial for you to search this information way before applying, in order to make a timeline for studying and be sure that you will succeed.
One of the most stressful factors for every student, whether they study abroad or not, is accommodation. It is also a very common question if someone should find a place before or after passing their admission exam. If the student is confident enough, then they should look for apartments before the admission exam results, so as to find a place quicker and have a wider variety to choose from, before other students start searching too. Also, keep in mind that most universities offer dormitories, which are very beneficial, but you should check the building’s conditions and their facilities before proceeding with your application.
Other students prefer to rent a private apartment with or without a roommate or roommates. For me, the accommodation options are divided into two categories; the ones close to the University and the ones away from the University. Usually, the ones that are near the University are more expensive, but their advantage is that the transportation to it will be easier, more efficient, and more affordable.
However, there are also students who prefer the other option, and again, that depends on everyone’s preferences. Nevertheless, prior to booking an apartment, think about the rent and make a list of the facilities that you want it to include. Additionally, it would be better to check for accommodation in areas where supermarkets, pharmacists, and public transports stops are near, so as to be more convenient. Moreover, try to find an apartment that is near to a money exchange center, especially if the country that you are studying in does not use the same currency as in your country.
In addition, in many countries it is customary to hire an estate agent to assist you in finding the correct apartment, although you can also locate one by searching advertisements in local newspapers.
In my personal experience, learning the country’s official language is a must. First of all, it will help you communicate and intermingle with the locals better, and you will learn a new language which is a quite exciting experience. It will also facilitate your communication with the patients, especially during your clinical years, since taking a medical history is a must and many patients may not speak English. Usually, the Universities include courses for teaching their language as part of their curriculum, so make sure that you will make an effort and participate during these classes.
It is also advisable to buy a dictionary and make a list with common phrases that you will probably use in your everyday life translated in the foreign language. On top of that, try to hear their television shows or their music, so as to make the learning process an easy task for you.
When you succeed and pass your University’s admission exam, make a tour and find important locations in the University campus. For example, it is important to find the pre-clinical building, where first-year lessons are usually held, the secretary’s office, as well as the library, the dorms and the University dining halls, if they are provided and if they are near the University campus. It is vital to have a general idea and to be able to orientate yourself around the University grounds.
Last but not least, find the resources where the students study from, and ask the Professors if they publish their own University books, as well as which books they recommend. Furthermore, search for places where they sell notes based on the syllabus for each lesson, in order to have a concise guide that will help you during studying. However, notes should never be your sole source during studying, try to combine their material with books and with the University’s lectures and you will succeed.
To sum up, finding a University is never an easy task. It needs a lot of time and determination, especially if you are at a young age and if you are leaving your country to chase your dreams for the first time. It is essential to not only study but to also find some hobbies that will keep your spirit uplifted and that will allow you to live a healthy life while studying. Medicine is one of the most competitive and challenging professions, it needs constant determination, patience, as well as bold, enthusiastic and aspiring students who can endure this profession’s demanding program, and who are willing to work altruistically for the benefit of their patients. Keep also in mind that studying abroad is a blessing, as it allows you to chase your dreams and become a successful and compassionate doctor.
