4 benefits of attending a medical school abroad

Thousands of Indian students (around 20,000) are going abroad to study medicine each year. Studying medicine abroad can give you advantages beyond just the classes, like experience with different medical practices and technologies. This can help you become a well-rounded doctor.

1. Observing a greater range of ailments

Going to medical school abroad? You'll learn about different health problems than at home. Check out the World Health Organization's website to see what diseases are common in your new country. This will prepare you to be a better doctor.

2. Acquiring knowledge of various healthcare systems

- Healthcare systems around the world are all different.

- Learning about them helps you see how they work, what's good and bad about each, and the challenges doctors face.

- Working and studying in different healthcare systems gives you a well-rounded view.

3. Offering greater latitude for submitting applications

- Deadlines: Applying to med school in India (NEET) has strict deadlines! Double-check each school, but generally they're all firm.

- International schools: More flexible! They often have multiple start dates throughout the year (like SGU with January, April, and August). This means you can start whenever works best for you. Bonus: some offer perks each term.

- English test: If you're applying from overseas and don't speak English, you'll need to take an English test like the IELTS.

4. Learning about and experiencing a foreign culture

- Meet new people: Studying abroad lets you learn from classmates from different cultures. You'll even discover cool things about your own neighbourhood.

- Open your mind: Understanding different ways of life helps you appreciate everyone's background.

- Perfect for globetrotters: This is ideal if you love to travel or want to work in global health.

- More than textbooks: You'll learn about medicine from around the world, not just in a classroom.

Choosing to pursue medical education abroad not only gives students a broad skill set but also develops caring, culturally sensitive healthcare professionals who are prepared to have a significant impact on the world community.