Medical education is an important aspect of society, and people have different options when pursuing a medical degree. The traditional way of getting a medical degree in India is to attend a 5.5 year accredited school. However, there are other ways to get a medical degree, including studying abroad. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degrees are offered in many countries around the world, and this option has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of studying abroad
Here are some of the advantages for Indian students if they choose to pursue MBBS in any other foreign land:-
- Top-notch universities: Indian students can have access to many top-notch universities listed and ranked by WHO and NMC. These universities provide students with modern amenities and excellent infrastructure for students. They have experienced professors who teach students all the concepts in the best way possible. Also, foreign universities believe in a combination of practical and theoretical knowledge, which can be very beneficial in one’s future career.
- Plenty of seats: over 16.8 lakh students fight for over 83000 seats every year, and the students who couldn’t pass the NEET exam are disheartened and think their careers and life are over. However, this is not the case if you apply to foreign universities. There are plenty of seats all around the world. You can apply to any university in any country, get in and pursue your MBBS from abroad.
- Advanced technology: if you decide to pursue your MBBS from a foreign university, you will learn with all the modern technology available. Foreign universities make sure that their students learn from advanced and high technology so that they can understand the concept in a much better way. You will learn from 3D technology and other modern methods.
- No donation: if you do not get into a public university in India to pursue MBBS courses, the next option is private colleges in India. However, private colleges in India charge high donation fees except for the annual payments from the students. There is no such thing as donation fees if you apply for MBBS abroad. The universities only charge yearly fees, and no hidden costs are included. Moreover, the tuition fees these universities charge also do not touch the sky; the annual fees vary between 2.5 lakhs to 4.5 lakhs which is pretty reasonable compared to private universities in India.
- Global exposure: it can be a bit difficult for international students to adjust to the new culture and environment as they shit from their home country. They also feel lonely as they are so many miles away from their homes. However, it can be beneficial for them as they will get global exposure. Students take time but adjust to the new environment and culture. In foreign countries, they learn everything with modern techniques and get familiar with the latest clinical methods, which will help them in the near future.
- Internships: foreign universities also offer their students a one-year internship program where they operate and study in hospitals to gain more practical knowledge.
- Case study-based analysis: Case study analysis allows students to learn and observe disease and their treatment firsthand. Most foreign colleges follow this case study and interaction-based method in order to make students understand the concept. And so, studying MBBS abroad will help students gain practical knowledge.
- Better ROI: foreign universities are cheaper than private MBBS universities in India. Many of these universities also do not ask for your NEET score, making it easy for students to enter. You can complete your MBBS course in the country, and practice there has enormous benefits in the long term, making it a better rate of return option.
Disadvantages of studying abroad
Here are some of the major disadvantages of studying abroad:-
- Language barriers: the leading countries to study MBBS except India is Russia, China, Ukraine, Poland etc. however, many of the universities here only provide lessons in their local language, and many people also do no speak an international language like English, which can be a considerable barrier for Indian students to survive there if they do not speak the local language. Some universities do provide lessons in English and the local language both.
- Risk of fraud in universities: without a doubt studying in foreign has several pros; however, the risk of fraud in universities can be a con. The university you provide can be a fraud; that is, there is no such university where you took admission, or the university is not up to the mark. Beware of such frauds, and these universities usually tend to admit students without any NEEt score or entrance exam. Also, to avoid any situation with the students, the MCI, the Medical Council of India, has released a list of legit and top-notch colleges for students to get admission into.
- Climatic condition: the climatic condition in some of the countries you may apply to can be extreme, making it difficult for you to survive. Many counties have climatic conditions similar to India, where Indian students can efficiently study and survive. And so you should always verify the water first and then apply for colleges abroad. Do not apply for colleges in extreme reigns.
- MCI screen test: if you have completed our MBBS course from a foreign university and return to your home country India to become a legit doctor and practice medicine, you will have to pass the MCI Foreign Medical Graduates Examination test ( FMGE) test. It is an examination for you to qualify to become a legit doctor in India.
Conclusion
Studying abroad has several pros and cons, as highlighted above. You must always remember to check the college you want to apply to, which should be from the list of MCI-approved colleges. Also, you must check for the language of instruction and see if it is a problem for you or not. Finally, check the climate and see if you can survive there; some countries have an extreme climate that can hinder your studies.
Apart from these, studying abroad has several pros; you get to learn and observe diseases firsthand, the ROI is enormous, and you also get an opportunity to practice in the country where you studied.
