Each year the number of international students choosing to study medicine abroad increases. Why? Because it is the life-enriching experience that so many seek. Europe offers numerous opportunities to get a high-quality medical education and build relationships with people from all over the world. 

However, some students have doubts that prevent them from going on this journey. 

Today we’re going to debunk these myths one by one.

1. Studying medicine abroad is not worth the time

Many students fear that studying abroad will prolong their time until graduation, but it’s not true. They are universal standards when it comes to studying medicine abroad in English. 

Medicine programs in Europe take 6 years to complete. At first sight, it may seem way too long than US universities, where medical students study for only 4 years or UK courses with 5 years duration. 

However, in the United States, medical degrees are considered second entry degrees, meaning you cannot enroll directly. Before applying to medical school, you must first complete a Bachelor's (undergraduate) degree in a related Science subject (usually Biology and Chemistry). These programs are 2 years. Only after successful completion of the Bachelor’s degree, you can apply for a 4-year medicine course. So, in total, it makes 6 years. 

Here comes the next difference. In Europe, year 6 is an internship in hospitals. Generally, the European medical schools divide programmes into theoretical (years 1-3) and practical/clinical rotations (years 4-6). Therefore, medical students have the opportunity to put into practice all the knowledge learned during the first years. 

As we told earlier, in the UK, medical education is 5 years, but junior doctors must complete a 2 years Foundation Programme after graduation. The 6th year in medical schools in Europe is equal to Foundation Programme year 1 (F1). This means that if you want to practice medicine in the UK as an EU graduate, you will have the same level of qualification and knowledge as a UK junior doctor starting F2. 

1. Affordable education in Europe has cut corners

The UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and many other Western European countries are well-known for their top-ranking universities. But because of these rankings, many students start falsely believing that medical education in other parts of Europe is inferior. 

Even you might be affected by these misconceptions. But did you know that universities worldwide teach the same subjects using the same materials and equipment? 

Let’s put all cards out on the table. Doctors all study the same thing - the human body. Students learn from the same books and use the same medical equipment because the same providers supply them. 

Medical education in Ukraine costs around €3,500 per year, while the annual tuition fees in Germany are approximately €25,000. But this is based on the economic state of the country, not the quality of education. And this is true not only for Medicine but also for  Arts, Business Administration, IT, etc. 

1. Studying abroad is too expensive

Let’s lift the veil on European medical schools tuition fees and living expenses. The overall cost of your education is based on the country and university that you choose. The prices do vary highly, but there are still many affordable options for medical students. 

Here is a list of the best medical schools in Europe that offer excellent medicine programmes in English at affordable tuition fees:

• Dnipro Medical Institute in Ukraine - €3,500 per year

• European University Tbilisi in Georgia - €4,100 per year

• Sofia Medical University in Bulgaria - €8,000 per year

• Plovdiv Medical University in Bulgaria - €8,000 per year

• Medical University of Silesia in Poland - €11,200 per year

• Medical University Of Bialystok in Poland - €10,000 per year

The living cost by country are as follows:

• Ukraine: between €200 and €300 per month

• Georgia: between €300 and €500 per month

• Bulgaria: ~ €400/month

• Poland: ~ €300/month

The expenses mentioned above include accommodation, utility bills, food, and entertainment. 

1. I need to know a foreign language

If you are thinking about studying medicine abroad, it would only be natural to think that you need to learn the local language. Otherwise, how would you be able to adapt and live there?

Well, it turns out you can do that just fine! They are many universities that offer medicine programmes for international students entirely taught in English. However, all universities offer extra classes to help you learn the local language. Additionally, you will get many opportunities to befriend local students who can help you understand the basics of their language with ease. 

It may sound like a joke, but in most cases, if you say “I want this please” in the local language and point at the product you desire, you will be fine in just about any situation. 

1. Studying in Europe is only for high school graduates

For some reason, people think that studying abroad is suitable only for people who finished high school. But there is nothing wrong with raising your qualification no matter how old you are.

We believe that people should continue learning to improve their skills, regardless of their age.

When you go to study abroad in your older years, you get to:

• Look at the subjects and material from a different perspective. 

• Grow your network and meet many people from across the world

• Get to experience different cultures for a prolonged period. Most of us get to do that only when studying abroad.

Anyone can study at a university no matter how old they are or if they already have a university degree. In fact, many European universities offer graduate entry medicine programmes in English for biomedical/life science graduates and healthcare professionals. These programmes are usually 3- or 4- years. 

Universities in Europe offering accelerated medicine courses:

•  Dnipro Medical Institute (Ukraine)

• European University Tbilisi (Georgia)

• Medical University of Silesia (Poland)

• Medical University of Lodz (Poland)

• Poznan University of Medical Sciences (Poland)

• University of Nicosia (Cyprus)

• New Vision University (Georgia)

1. I won’t make friends abroad

It is only natural that you fear not getting friends when studying abroad. However, you forget one crucial factor: you will not be the only international student in your university. And even local students will be worried. All of you are going to personally meet with hundreds of different people who you don’t know. 

Everyone is going to feel awkward and a bit lonely. And it’s okay. If you are genuine with other people, you will be more relatable and easily connect with them.

You will see that it will be worth it. You will get to connect with students from all over the world. 

Additionally, you might not realise it, but you already have many shared interests with other students. Having common interests is very important to be able to make a good relationship with someone. 

All of you are going to university to become doctors.

You can always ask anyone around you why they decided to study medicine or whatever path they’ve chosen. It’s an excellent, ice-breaking question that will help you learn more about other people.

1. I won’t adapt to studying abroad

Living in a different country away from your relatives and friends might be challenging, but it doesn’t mean that you won’t adapt.

Many people fear that they won’t fit in with the other students or won’t be able to navigate in different cities, etc.

You will be fine!

During your first week of studying abroad, many universities will hold various events for students to get to know each other. Additionally, there are some events explicitly made for international students.

Therefore, your university will probably appoint someone to be your student advisor or just a guide. This person will be a student from a higher year. He/She will assist and support you throughout your first years of studying.

Universities also have International Student Departments. These departments might have different names, but their functions are the same - to solve international students’ problems.
Any university across the world will do its best to assist you throughout your journey. You will get to learn about different cultures and much more! 

1. Employers are unconcerned about my international education

Due to globalization, many hospitals consider medical education abroad a considerable advantage!

It is essential to be skilled and knowledgeable as a doctor. But teamwork is still of incredible importance. 

Doctors who have studied abroad know about people from other cultures. They’ve expanded their comfort zones. This is why medical students like that are perfect for working in an international environment.

Once you’ve studied medicine in Europe, it means that you have overcome a lot of challenges. You have learned how to be adaptive. Not many experiences will be as beneficial to you as having studied abroad.

1. International students are treated differently 

In terms of treatment, respect, and instruction, every institution in the world treats international students the same as domestic students. Teaching is the same everywhere, and if you're a good student who does well in school, you'll be respected regardless of where you come from.

Most medical universities have sizeable international student communities, owing to their emphasis on human development in a multicultural environment, social inclusion, tolerance, and cultural promotion. 

In conclusion, studying medicine abroad is accessible to everyone. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience from which you will learn and grow as a person. Countless students get their MD degrees in Europe and come back to their home countries and become professional doctors. You can be the next one as long as you believe in yourself!