2 answers
Isabella
Student
La Ceiba, Atlántida Department, Honduras
3
Questions
Asked
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International student who wants to study medicine?
I am an international student who would like to study medicine. What steps should I take?
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2 answers
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
224
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Isabella,
As a PA, I would encourage you to consider applying to PA schools to study medicine. In Australia where I come from, the PA profession doesn't exist the way it does in the U.S., so when I first moved, I thought that going to medical school was the only way to study medicine. Then I learned about the PA profession, and I'm glad I decided to become a PA instead. Here's an article on the steps to become a PA, on the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) website:
https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2018/08/6-steps-become-pa/
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Hwal
As a PA, I would encourage you to consider applying to PA schools to study medicine. In Australia where I come from, the PA profession doesn't exist the way it does in the U.S., so when I first moved, I thought that going to medical school was the only way to study medicine. Then I learned about the PA profession, and I'm glad I decided to become a PA instead. Here's an article on the steps to become a PA, on the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) website:
https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2018/08/6-steps-become-pa/
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Hwal
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
539
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Isabella,
What a great ambition that you would want to study medicine abroad. Studying medicine as an international student requires careful planning and preparation. Here’s a general guide on the steps you should take:
1. Research Medical Schools
- Look for medical schools that accept international students. Some countries are more welcoming than others for international applicants.
- Popular destinations for medical studies include the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and European countries like Germany or Ireland.
2. Understand Admission Requirements
- Prerequisite Courses: Ensure you’ve completed the necessary science and math courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, math).
- Language Proficiency: If you're applying to a program taught in English, you’ll likely need to prove proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
- Standardized Tests:
- For the US, you'll need to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
- For the UK, you may need to take the BMAT or UCAT.
- Other countries may have their own entrance exams or requirements.
3. Financial Planning
- Tuition Fees: Medical school can be expensive, especially for international students. Research scholarships, grants, or financial aid options.
- Living Costs: Consider the cost of living in the country you want to study in.
- Work Opportunities: Understand visa regulations about working while studying.
4. Application Process
- Documents: Prepare necessary documents like academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, and any required essays.
- Deadlines: Stay organized and submit applications by the required deadlines. Each country and university will have different timelines.
- Visa: Apply for a student visa once you’ve been accepted into a program.
5. Prepare for Interviews
- Many medical schools require interviews as part of the selection process. Prepare for common medical school interview questions and practice your answers.
6. Learn About the Healthcare System
- It’s important to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system of the country you want to study in, as medical training often includes clinical practice within the local system.
7. Post-Graduation Plans
- After graduation, you may need to complete licensing exams or residency programs to practice in your chosen country.
- Check whether international students are allowed to stay and work after their medical education.
Additional Tips:
- Networking: Join online forums or groups for international medical students to gain insights and support.
- Consult Advisors: Reach out to education consultants or the admissions office of medical schools for specific guidance.
Each country has its own unique process for international medical students, so it's important to tailor your approach based on where you'd like to study.
Best wishes!
What a great ambition that you would want to study medicine abroad. Studying medicine as an international student requires careful planning and preparation. Here’s a general guide on the steps you should take:
1. Research Medical Schools
- Look for medical schools that accept international students. Some countries are more welcoming than others for international applicants.
- Popular destinations for medical studies include the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and European countries like Germany or Ireland.
2. Understand Admission Requirements
- Prerequisite Courses: Ensure you’ve completed the necessary science and math courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, math).
- Language Proficiency: If you're applying to a program taught in English, you’ll likely need to prove proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
- Standardized Tests:
- For the US, you'll need to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
- For the UK, you may need to take the BMAT or UCAT.
- Other countries may have their own entrance exams or requirements.
3. Financial Planning
- Tuition Fees: Medical school can be expensive, especially for international students. Research scholarships, grants, or financial aid options.
- Living Costs: Consider the cost of living in the country you want to study in.
- Work Opportunities: Understand visa regulations about working while studying.
4. Application Process
- Documents: Prepare necessary documents like academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, and any required essays.
- Deadlines: Stay organized and submit applications by the required deadlines. Each country and university will have different timelines.
- Visa: Apply for a student visa once you’ve been accepted into a program.
5. Prepare for Interviews
- Many medical schools require interviews as part of the selection process. Prepare for common medical school interview questions and practice your answers.
6. Learn About the Healthcare System
- It’s important to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system of the country you want to study in, as medical training often includes clinical practice within the local system.
7. Post-Graduation Plans
- After graduation, you may need to complete licensing exams or residency programs to practice in your chosen country.
- Check whether international students are allowed to stay and work after their medical education.
Additional Tips:
- Networking: Join online forums or groups for international medical students to gain insights and support.
- Consult Advisors: Reach out to education consultants or the admissions office of medical schools for specific guidance.
Each country has its own unique process for international medical students, so it's important to tailor your approach based on where you'd like to study.
Best wishes!