You have crossed one of the biggest milestones in your life after completing your schooling and you are all set to lay the foundation for the next milestone. Studying medicine is a dream for many aspirants. With the huge demand for medicine and limited seats in Indian universities, it has almost become a distant dream to get a medical seat. If you are one of them, then it’s time to look for options abroad that are as good as and even better than the Indian universities. Being aware of certain important factors to consider for studying medicine abroad will help you in making the best choice.
Eligibility norms: Complying with eligibility norms is necessary to avoid any wastage of time. Ensure you have enough information about what kind of candidate the university will accept, screening tests, if any, and so on. Establish contact with the university and acquire all technical information on eligibility and admission procedure. Talking to existing students can be an eye opener to several unknown things. Attending educational fairs conducted by universities helps you get a first-hand impression of the university and also establish contacts.
MCI Recognition: The Medical Council of India (MCI) has an approved list of colleges/universities providing MBBS degree. It’s very essential that you select a university that is recognized by MCI. You can practice in India only if you have graduated from one of these universities. As this decides your career, give due importance to this factor.
Quality of Education: Several universities out there promise quality but don’t provide in reality. The best indicator of the quality of education is the teachers, student organizations, and alumni. Keep an eye on the reputation of the university, the resources available, and international exposure provided to students.
The quality of education in some of the universities is very good and at a much lesser cost than private Indian universities. It’s all about selecting the right one. Countries, such as Philippines and China provide good quality education with several other conducive factors.
Tuition and living costs: Money is a big factor in making the right selection. Managing your wallet is the most challenging task! Start by making a proper estimate of both the tuition costs and living costs. Decide if the university and the location of the university is suitable. Your hostel fees and other living expenses should not burn a hole in your pocket. Estimate these costs and compare them with the cost of private universities in India. Reach out to proper sources to find out about scholarships and other concessions.
Cultural and Language differences: Living abroad is a new experience—be ready to face the good and the bad. As a foreigner, you have to get accustomed to several known and unknown rules of the country. Be ready to face some embarrassment, learn your lessons, and confidently take your next strides. Do not get intimidated. Overcoming language barriers is only a matter of time. You may have to learn a new language or understand regional accent.
