Not all classrooms have four walls.
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As a traveller with many stamps in my passport, I'm inclined to say doing anything abroad is worth it. At the very least, you'll enjoy new experiences and learn new things, quite apart from your proposed studies. But then, not everyone is keen to explore the wider world; there's nothing wrong with that.
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All over the world, university students leave their homelands to study in a different country. Some do so because educational opportunities in their lands are lacking. Others do so to gain a broader perspective of their field of study. Medical students, in particular, have good reasons for travelling abroad.
Study Medicine Overseas in the UK, US, or Canada
The best countries to study medicine all have unique profiles that make them dream destinations for medical students.
Not just top-notch medical programs and universities but also long histories and welcoming vibes. Is that all you should think about before you head overseas?
The language barrier could pose a problem, unless you enrol in a medical program in an English-speaking country. The United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), and Canada are thus obvious destinations for Australian medical students.
As an Australian citizen studying overseas, you'll likely suffer less culture shock in these three countries. It's not just our language that's similar. Most cultural elements - food, music, and architecture, are (almost) like home. Should you choose to study medicine abroad in the US, you'll even use currency of the same name.
Those and other points make these three countries attractive destinations. However, you'll find drawbacks to make you wonder: "Is studying medicine worth it here?". For one, these programs rank among some of the most expensive in the world, particularly for international students.
Also, those nations' universities and medical schools have stiff entry requirements. For admittance into US and Canadian schools, you must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). For US schools, in particular, you must start at the undergraduate level - even if you've already earned your Bachelor's Degree.
The list of challenges for accessing these programs is long. This video explains them all, and compares UK, US, and Candian medical school entry procedures. It would be hard to declare any of these nations the best country to study medicine. Their requirements are just too extensive.
Study Medicine in Europe
Around the world, roughly 2,600 medical schools guide future doctors towards Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degrees. France and Poland boast extensive teaching facilities with medical programs.
However, some countries, such as Portugal and Ireland, only have a handful of schools.
As a student of medicine, you might decide to study in Italy, Belgium, or another exclusive destination. Having such a variety of medical schools to choose from is one of the best points of studying medicine abroad. As an Australian citizen studying overseas, you only need to search for medical programs in English.
Studying medicine abroad is your prime motivation for travelling but you should also consider the cultural experiences you'll enjoy. Some medical students study medicine abroad based only on what each program has to offer. But you won't be in class from dawn to dusk every day, so you should also consider what your host country has to offer.
France's University of Montpellier Faculty of Medicine records stretch back to 1137. The French Revolution forced its closure in 1793. It reopened in 1896, and has been operating since.
Enjoying food and festivals, and meeting new friends make studying medicine abroad enriching and memorable. As this explainer shows us, European universities are just the place for the culturally-minded medical student. For budget-conscious ones, too!
A Good Reason to Study Medicine in Europe
Being a doctor isn't just about knowing which medicines to prescribe and which procedures to order. Confidence and communication skills are important to your success and effectiveness as a medical professional. So is being able to function under pressure and in different environments.
You can build these skills as you learn and live in your host country. In major European cities, language won't be much trouble as most everyone speaks English. However, learning the culture and customs, while trying not to make any faux-pas, is another matter. And then, you have professional considerations.
the Health Workforce Initiative aims to standardise medical education across the country. Thus, every medical school in every state will impart the same skills and abilities.
An MBBS will take the same amount of time to complete whether in Sydney or Perth. If you study medicine abroad in Europe, you'll learn the same skills and abilities. But it might take you less time - or longer, to do so.
For instance, you might earn your medical degree in just five years in Romania. And then, if you want to specialise in a particular field, you may apply to a teaching hospital with the equipment and experience in that speciality.
Some of the easiest countries to become a doctor are also the most welcoming to foreign students. For instance, medical schools in Poland teach in English because it is the lingua franca of medicine.
This practice invites students from abroad to explore the Polish language and culture without having to take Polish language classes. And medical degrees in Poland are far less costly than in other European countries.
The Best Country to Study Medicine in Asia
We list the cost of studying medicine abroad as a minus even though tuition fees might be lower than in Australia. That's because you'll have to pay visa and travel costs, including traveller's insurance.
Also, the cost of living in your destination country might be higher than in Australia. You'll want money for extras like nights out and exploring the country.
Some medical schools charge international students five to seven times more than tuition rates for domestic students. If you have South Korea or Israel on your radar, you too would have to pay these higher fees.
On the other hand, if you meet Japan's medical school entry requirements, your tuition will be a fraction of what other nations' schools charge. The Yen/AUD exchange rate is so advantageous, the frightful looking 535,800¥ yearly tuition is only A$5300.
The top three medical schools in Asia are in Japan: the University of Tokyo, Osaka University, and Kyoto University.
Even in Asian medical schools, your books and classes will likely be in your native language. However, you will run into a language barrier, unless you choose an English-speaking country as your destination. Those include India, Singapore, and Israel, among others.
You might manage your way around the language issue, particularly if you're in a big city and quickly make local friends. But culture shock can be destabilising, particularly in Asian countries, as the culture is very different from yours.
Homesickness is culture shock's insidious cousin. Often, just as you think you're getting the hang of international learning, something will trigger a longing for home. You might find that, once you're home, it's not the same anymore. Many international students report a sense of dislocation upon their return.
But most of all, you have to make sure your overseas medical credentials qualify you to practise medicine in Australia. You should verify that point before you make any plans to study medicine abroad. Just note that it might be hard to find work in Australia with international credentials.
Is Studying Abroad Worth It?
Australia has it all. Across the states and territories, we have fine cities and beautiful scenery. Australia is generally safer than other countries.
We have good people and great food, and some of the world's most remarkable beasts. And we have some of the world's best universities, including top medical schools.
To study medicine overseas as an Australian, you have to prepare yourself to be a bit of a spectacle. To people in other lands, our home is exotic and our culture is compelling. Even the way we talk is a source of fascination. If you want to study medicine abroad, get ready for endless questions and iconic quotes.
International students come away from their experiences more emotionally intelligent. Their struggles to fit in and be understood in countries that don't speak their language make them better communicators.
They become problem solvers, able to make snap decisions with confidence. And they become more cosmopolitan, able to see beyond the Australian experience, which gives them a greater understanding of humanity.
Studying medicine abroad poses challenges, too. You might never get used to people driving on the right, let alone master that skill. The food and climate in your host country might not agree with you, and you might crave being home.
If you're the kind of person who enjoys challenges in pursuit of personal and professional growth, studying medicine abroad is worth it. But if you'd rather confront challenges and grow professionally in your home country, pursuing a domestic medical degree might be best.
Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity for some people but it's not for everyone. You can use these thinking points to help you decide what's right for you.
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