Premed Students Abroad

Students preparing for careers in the medical and health professions gain important experience from living and studying internationally. Study abroad is a critical component of your liberal arts degree and prepares you to engage the world in meaningful ways. As with all students, your overall goals for your undergraduate studies should shape how you envision your international experience. As you consider your plans, it is important to establish a set of priorities and to remain flexible. For more information on planning an international experience of credit issues for premedical students, consult the Office of Pre-Professional Advising or Dean Scott Carpenter of Academic Affairs.

FAQ

Q: I’m premed. Can I still study abroad?
Yes!!! Many premed students choose to study abroad during their Columbia years. It’s feasible with planning and flexibility.

Karen Austrian, CC Alumni, co-founder of the Kibera Project, Nairobi, Kenya

Q:Can I take the recommended premed science classes abroad?
No. Medical school will not accept premedical sciences taken abroad. It is sometimes difficult to take sequenced science courses abroad. You will need to complete all of the required science courses in the U.S., preferably at Columbia.

Q:Can I take my premedical science classes over the summer in order to study abroad?
Although in general we discourage students from taking summer sciences (because some medical schools do as well…), in certain circumstances, it may be justified in order for you to accomplish other academic goals. This decision should be discussed individually with an advisor in the office of Pre-Professional Advising. http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/preprofessional/health/

Q: When is the best time to study abroad for a premed student?
This answer depends on the individual student and on his/her premed, personal and academic timeline. Some students chose to take a year off between their undergraduate studies and medical school-they are therefore easily able to study abroad during their Junior Year. More than 60% of Columbia medical school applicants apply after taking at least one year off after graduating. Other students have completed all of their premed sciences by the end of their sophomore year, which leaves the junior year open for studying abroad. Some students may chose a summer study abroad experience or less frequently, chose to study abroad during their senior year. Your individual timeline should be discussed with your advisors.

Q:Can I take the MCAT while abroad?
While there are some international sites which administer the MCAT, you should think carefully about whether you really want to make the commitment to undertake MCAT preparation while abroad. This might take away from the overall study abroad experience.

Q: Are there program abroad specifically for premed students?
Yes. There are a few programs which are designed specifically for premed students. There are also programs that focus on health, community issues, development, and biomedical subjects where you might pursue your own interests in science & health. Please see reverse side for particular programs.

A selection of study abroad program for premedical students:

Kings College London- The Premedical Programme focuses on biomedical sciences and clinical experiences.

Newcastle University, England- Their Study Abroad Pre-med program is part of their highle regarded Faculty of Medicine. Students take regular courses in Cell Biology; Microbiology and Immunology; Physiology; Structure and Clinical Skills with opportunites to work in local clinics.

Denmark International Studies Medical Practice and Policy focuses on medicine and comparative health policy.

University College London – The International Health and Medical Education Centre focuses on interdisciplinary International Health policy studies.

University of Bristol- The Faculty of Medical Sciences offers programs for pre-medical study abroad students with classes in anatomy, biochemistry and physiology, neuroscience, molecular genetics and cell biology. Also available are units in physics and chemistry from the Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences

SIT- Public Heath themed programs explore health and development issues in South Africa and in Kenya. In ’06-’07, there will also be a similar program in Brazil.

University of Melbourne- The Medical Faculty is one of the largest biomedical research institutions in Australia, and offers courses in biomedical sciences, as well as in other medical areas including health and society, women's health, cultural studies in health, rural health, and public health policy.

University of Sydney- the Faculties of Health Sciences offers courses in community health, biomedical sciences, and indigenous health.