The Best Times for Pre-Med Students to Study Abroad

Studying abroad offers personal and professional benefits which you can take advantage of as a pre-med student! There’s no better time to see the world than while pursuing an education—you’ll enjoy a multicultural experience while earning credits toward your degree. You’ll have a unique experience to add to your resume and stand out from your peers, make a diverse network of friends and connections, and gain a global perspective as you enter the medical field.

Pre-med study abroad is a multifaceted experience!

The best time to study abroad as a pre med student varies; you may opt to go your freshman year to see what courses abroad are like, and even go abroad again later in your studies! Other options include planning for your time abroad well in advance, capping off your pre-med education with an international adventure.

Regardless of when you choose to go, studying abroad will look good for medical schools and offer the hard and soft skills you’ll need to succeed in a globally-connected world.

Can pre-med students study abroad?

Pre-med students can (and should) study abroad for at least one semester. Studying abroad could give you another perspective on different fields of medicine, inspire you to choose a specialty or continue your studies abroad, and allow you to gain credits toward your degree while taking classes your institution may not offer.

Typically, there are ways to prepare for your study abroad experience that will allow you to transfer credits earned abroad to your home institution. Speaking with your school’s career center can provide you with the tools you need to get started. If your friends will be studying abroad, there’s no reason you have to watch from the sidelines! While it may seem challenging, an international experience is possible for pre-med students.

READ: How to Get Clinical Experience Before Med School

Should pre-med students study abroad?

Make connections, get experience, and have an adventure!

Not only can pre-med students study abroad—they 100% should! Pre-med programs are intensive, but with enough preparation, students can find a variety of times to go abroad and experience another culture, language, and landscape.

While traveling is worthwhile at any time, a longer term international trip while in college can have a profound impact on the trajectory of your career and personal life. Where you live, who you meet, what you learn, and what you experience will all shape who you’ll become as a healthcare professional.

READ: How to Find Medical School Electives Abroad

Does studying abroad look good for medical school?

Studying abroad looks excellent to medical school admissions officers! Not only does it show that you have a curiosity about the world, an open mind, and a global network, it suggests an ability to juggle many projects, problem solve, and rise to meet challenges if they further your personal and professional goals.

An internship abroad is a worthwhile way to gain hands-on experience which will stand out on your resume. Check out pre-med internships designed for students like you, offered by knowledgeable providers who will help you succeed! The best providers offer 24/7 local support, accommodation, insurance, excursions, and more—including medical school admissions support!

Long story short? It’s in your best interest to get an international experience under your belt.

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

4 best times to study abroad pre-med

While studying abroad has benefits regardless of duration or timing, pre-med students may find it more attainable and sensible to schedule their international experience for one of these timeframes:

1. Summer

Summer programs can be the easiest way to fit study abroad into your academic schedule.

• Why? One of the most common times for pre-med students to study abroad is the summer. You may have more flexibility to travel and less responsibility at home, making it the perfect time to do something new. Plus, you’ll be able to return to classes with some international bragging rights!
• Pre-med students may be looking to get ahead by taking additional classes, and a summer pre-med internship is the perfect way to do so while seeing the world! You also have flexibility when it comes to choosing a program—there tend to be more options and start dates throughout the summer term. Check out some of the best pre-med summer internships out there!
• Where? Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Colombia, Ecuador
• Recommended program: Healthcare/Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad

2. Fall or Spring Semester

• Why? If you’re not able to commit to a full-year program abroad, but still want an immersive, longer-term experience, consider signing up for a fall or spring semester. A semester gives you enough time to start picking up the local language, create strong friendships, and become a part of your host community.
• A semester abroad is usually more convenient for pre-med students than a full year program, since they don’t have to worry as much about making up coursework. It’s not as big of a commitment, while still being a huge adventure!
• Where? Peru, Argentina, France, Germany, South Africa
• Recommended program: Volunteer or Intern in a Medical Clinic in Peru

3. Junior or Senior Year

Gaining hands-on experience before graduation can make all the difference on your medical school applications.

• Why? Pre-med students are busy! Classes are challenging and often necessitate lots of study time. That being said, freshman year may not be the best time to go globetrotting. While each student’s pre-med path is different, it may make the most sense to start preparing in your first year to participate in a study abroad program your Junior or Senior year. That way, you have lots of time to speak to your school advisor or career center, find out how to make sure the credits you earn abroad count toward your degree, research the right program for you, and more.
• By the time Junior or Senior year comes around, you’ll feel well prepared and can fully enjoy the experience worry-free. An additional benefit to studying abroad later in your pre-med journey is that you’ll have a greater foundation of knowledge to build on during your internship. You’ll gain more from the program, your peers, and the medical professionals who you’ll be shadowing.
• Where? France, Italy, New Zealand, Japan, England
• Recommended program: IES Abroad: Study Abroad & Intern

4. Post-grad Gap Year

• Why? Can’t find the best time to study abroad as a pre-med student? Have no fear! A gap year program may be the best fit for you and has all the benefits of a program during your pre-med experience. Plus, you’ll have the freedom to do a longer program, and potentially, less you’ll need to do on your return since you’ll have already graduated.
• A study abroad experience is the perfect capstone to your pre-med experience and will look great to medical schools and healthcare facilities you may find yourself applying to. Or, perhaps you’ll find an opportunity presents itself while you’re abroad! Put what you’ve learned in class to practice in the real world and gain a unique global perspective while doing so—you’ll be putting your best foot forward.
• Where? Spain, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Nepal, Ghana
• Recommended program: Affordable Internships in Spain

You can have a worthwhile pre-med study abroad experience!

It’s doesn’t matter when you go. What matters is making it happen!

A study abroad summer, semester, or year in college is meant to be exhilarating, expansive, and life-changing. Pre-med students can and should have an opportunity for such a transformative experience!

You’ll never regret a chance to see the world, gain valuable knowledge of healthcare systems elsewhere, and be fully immersed in the daily life of another town, city, and country. Plus, studying abroad looks great for medical school. There are organizations who can help you achieve your study abroad dreams, but it’s up to you to take the next step!

Explore ALL Pre-Med Study Abroad Programs on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from International Medical Aid, who also provided all photos seen above. 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.