A Guide to Study Abroad for Pre-Medical Students

Embarking on a pre-med study abroad program is a monumental step towards nurturing a global perspective in your medical journey. Such experiences often provide students with unparalleled insights into diverse healthcare systems, unique opportunities for growth, and the chance to cultivate a more holistic approach to medicine.

Gain experience, make friends, and grow as a future medical professional! (Photo Credit: IMA)

Utilizing your time abroad to meet your pre-med prerequisites offers an ideal opportunity to reinvigorate and gain a fresh perspective on healthcare and medical careers. Enhancing your resume, experiencing life and studies abroad, and pursuing grants and scholarships can provide a refreshing change, enabling you to return to your studies invigorated and assured.

Break free from the mundane—embark on your pre-med studies abroad and find out how studying abroad benefits pre-med students!

Does studying abroad look good for medical school?

The short answer is—yes! There are many institutions, universities, and even future employers who favor candidates with study abroad experience, because of all studying abroad has to offer.

Studying abroad can positively impact your medical school application by demonstrating cultural competency, showcasing language skills, offering a global perspective on healthcare, contributing to personal growth, and providing unique experiences. It allows exposure to different cultures and patient populations which helps you improve your adaptability, a critical skill in healthcare.

If studying in a non-English speaking country, you might also acquire additional language skills, useful in diverse medical settings. It can provide a broad perspective on global health issues, contributing to your understanding of healthcare as a whole. The unique experiences you accumulate can distinguish you during applications.

So, while studying abroad does look good for medical school, keep in mind that it should not detrimentally affect your academic performance, prerequisite coursework, or MCAT preparation, as these aspects remain key components of your application. Medical schools seek evidence of dedication to medicine, academic prowess, and personal qualities, so ensure these are evident, whether you study abroad or not.

READ: The Best Times for Pre-Med Students to Study Abroad

How does study abroad benefit pre-med students?

Wondering if it’s worth studying abroad as a pre-med student? Here’s why it is. (Photo Credit: IMA)

Not yet convinced that studying abroad during pre-med is the right move? We’ve got a whole slew of benefits for you to consider before making your final decision.

1. Expand Medical Knowledge

Studying abroad can expose pre-med students to different health systems, medical practices, and patient care approaches that are unique to each country. This broadens your understanding of global health and provides a well-rounded perspective on medicine. It can also potentially introduce unique health challenges and diseases not typically encountered in your home country.

2. Develop Cultural Competency

A key aspect of being a successful medical professional is the ability to understand and respect the cultural backgrounds of patients. Studying abroad can help pre-med students develop cultural competency, allowing them to more effectively communicate and empathize with diverse patient populations. It can help students gain a better understanding of cultural, racial, and ethnic disparities in health and healthcare.

3. Enhance Language Skills

Many study abroad programs involve learning or improving another language, which can be a major asset in a medical career. Being multilingual allows for effective communication with a wider range of patients and colleagues, increasing the ability to provide and coordinate care.

4. Build Resilience and Adaptability

One of the primary benefits of studying abroad pre-med is gaining skills you’ll need for your future career. (Photo Credit: IMA)

Studying abroad inherently involves dealing with unfamiliar situations, potentially challenging pre-med students to become more adaptable and resilient. These qualities are essential for medical professionals who frequently have to make high-pressure decisions in unpredictable and often stressful environments.

5. Improve Communication Skills

Navigating a new culture and language can significantly improve communication skills. Pre-med students studying abroad often learn to communicate more effectively with fewer misunderstandings—a vital skill in any medical field where clear, precise communication can be a matter of life and death.

6. Connect with Research Opportunities

Some international programs offer unique research opportunities not available in a student's home country. Such opportunities can help pre-med students stand out when applying for medical school, showcasing their commitment to the field, initiative, and practical experience.

7. Overall Personal Growth

Besides academic and professional benefits, studying abroad often promotes personal growth. Living in a new country can improve a student's self-confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills. These experiences can provide valuable life lessons that contribute to a strong character, necessary for a demanding career in medicine. (And it looks pretty good on a resume too!)

5 best places to study abroad for pre-med

So maybe you’re sold on the idea of pre-med study abroad but you have no idea where you want to go! We’ve narrowed down some of the best destinations that not only offer great pre-med study abroad programs, but that also offer opportunities for impactful experiences and immersion.

1. Kenya

Kenya serves quality education with a side of adventure! (Photo Credit: IMA)

Studying pre-med in Kenya offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in an enriching, culturally diverse environment. With its renowned universities, Kenya provides top-notch medical education at affordable rates.

• Studying here, students encounter a broad range of diseases, ensuring a robust clinical learning experience. The country's burgeoning healthcare sector offers ample opportunities for hands-on practice and internships.
• Students also gain a global health perspective, due to Kenya's significant role in medical research and its focus on endemic diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and TB. This cross-cultural exchange and practical experience enhance students' adaptability and resilience, preparing them for a fulfilling global medical career.
• Recommended program: Pre-Med/Health Fellowships

2. United Kingdom

• The UK presents students with a unique combination of academic rigor, hands-on clinical exposure, and international perspectives. Renowned institutions offer cutting-edge curricula taught by world-class faculty.
• The UK's healthcare system, the NHS, provides a range of learning opportunities and internships. The diverse patient population allows students to gain experience with a variety of health issues.
• Also, the UK is a global hub for medical research, enabling students to partake in groundbreaking projects. The international environment broadens cultural understanding and adaptability, making graduates highly employable globally.
• Recommended program: IES Abroad London – Health Practice & Policy

3. Peru

You’ll have all kinds of once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Peru.

Studying abroad pre-med in Peru offers a unique combination of academic rigor and experiential learning in a culturally diverse setting. Peru's broad spectrum of health issues, from tropical diseases to high-altitude medicine, provides varied clinical experiences.

• Its ongoing public health efforts in addressing rural and urban healthcare disparities offer insight into healthcare delivery challenges. Moreover, the country's rich history, vibrant culture, and geographic diversity enrich the overall educational experience.
• This combination of academic, practical, and cultural experiences prepares students well for a globally-focused healthcare career.
• Recommended program: Healthcare Internships in Peru

4. Vietnam

• Vietnam provides a distinct perspective on healthcare in a developing country. Vietnamese universities offer rigorous medical curricula at an affordable cost. These programs are often enriched by collaborations with international institutions, promoting knowledge exchange and enhancing educational quality.
• Clinical exposure to tropical diseases that are uncommon in Western countries offers unique learning opportunities. The country's ongoing healthcare reforms provide firsthand insight into public health challenges and solutions.
• Lastly, the cultural immersion and experience of working in a multilingual environment can be a significant asset for future global healthcare professionals.
• Recommended program: Health and Community: Globalization, Culture, and Care

5. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers more than fairytale charm.

The Czech Republic is one of the best places to study abroad for pre-med as it offers several advantages. Universities there are internationally recognized and offer programs in English, attracting a diverse student body.

• The rigorous curriculum emphasizes strong foundational knowledge and early patient contact, promoting practical skills. The affordable tuition and living costs make it an attractive option for many.
• The Czech Republic's location in the heart of Europe allows easy exploration of diverse healthcare systems across the continent. Moreover, the country's rich history and culture offer a rewarding international experience! This well-rounded education prepares students not only academically, but also culturally for a global medical career.
• Recommended program: Hospital Placements in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

Get matched with 5 pre-med study abroad programs for FREE

4 best study abroad programs for pre med students

So you know you want to study pre-med abroad and you have a decent idea of where you want to go. That’s great news! But what about program options? We picked out some of our favorites for you below.

1. International Medical Aid: Pre-Med/Health Fellowships

• Why it’s one of the best: International Medical Aid (IMA) is a not-for-profit organization offering healthcare internships abroad in underprivileged areas like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. This program provides valuable experience across various medical specialties. It collaborates with local and global hospitals to provide a tailored hands-on approach, enhancing the skills and knowledge of participants.
• IMA also focuses on local community development and health education. They offer interns comprehensive support, including medical school admission counseling, rigorous training, housing, insurance, transportation, meals, and hospital fees. Post-program debriefings are also conducted.
• Participants can also enjoy cultural immersion through adventure programs, which makes this one of the best study abroad programs for pre-med students. The internships are open to high school pre-med students, college students, medical students, doctors, and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine.
• Read International Medical Aid reviews

2. Maximo Nivel: Accredited Service Learning in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru

• Why it’s one of the best: Maximo Nivel offers impactful service-learning programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru in many fields of study, including healthcare. Participants can earn university credit from the University of California-Monterey Bay. This program provides excellent client service, project support, and opportunities to improve Spanish language skills.
• Maximo Nivel's Med Health programs offer medical and healthcare internships and provide students with a firsthand view of healthcare in the developing world. These programs are suitable for nursing, medical, pre-med, physical therapy, and public health students.
• Interns work alongside local healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics, participating in clinical rotations and assisting doctors, nurses, and therapists across various specialties. Additionally, service learning programs enable students to contribute to rural medical campaigns, vaccination programs, and general patient care.
• Read Maximo Nivel reviews

3. Linguistic Horizons: Nutrition & Natural Medicine in Peru

• Why it’s one of the best: The Nutrition & Natural Medicine program in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru provides practical experience in holistic health. Participants learn about Peruvian superfoods, vegan recipes, natural Andean medicine, nutrition, cleansing, herbal and plant-based medicine, aromatherapy, and organic farming.
• This life-changing experience offers a fresh perspective on health and natural medicine. Additional options are available to extend the stay through internships, volunteering, or Spanish classes. Participants will also enhance their Spanish skills and learn about local culture.
• Read Linguistic Horizons reviews

4. SIT Study Abroad: Jordan: Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action

• Why it’s one of the best: Based in Amman, Jordan, this program provides an in-depth study of the impact of regional conflicts on healthcare systems, particularly focusing on refugees and forcibly displaced persons. Students explore Jordan's health system, healthcare policy, public health realities, and the role of UN agencies and international organizations in aiding healthcare access.
• Major topics include health status indices, chronic diseases, links between poverty and health, alternative treatments, and public health education. Program highlights include visiting health facilities, intensive Arabic language instruction, urban and rural homestays, and an independent study project conducted in the last month of the program.
• Read SIT Study Abroad reviews

Can’t pick? Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad

Are you ready for your pre med study abroad adventure?

Elevate your education! (Photo Credit: IMA)

By now, you have a good idea of how studying abroad benefits pre-med students. Pre-med study abroad programs play a critical role in shaping an individual's medical career. They offer a chance to understand healthcare practices and medical education in different cultural contexts, which can tremendously influence the students' worldview and approach to healthcare.

Moreover, they foster soft skills like adaptability, communication, and resilience, which are essential for future physicians. As a pre-med student, investing in a study abroad program is a decision that promises to have profound impacts on your medical journey and career!

This article was written with help from International Medical Aid. IMA is a not-for-profit organization that offers medical programs for students in places like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean through an ethics-based approach to care. They offer summer, fall, and winter programs.