Beyond the textbooks and clinical rotations, medical school can give students incredible opportunities to enrich their education through study abroad electives. Study abroad electives allow medical students to expand their knowledge by interacting with different cultures and healthcare systems.
St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine offers students in their Basic Science years (years one and two) study abroad experiences through “international selectives,” extra-curricular, yet structured learning experiences offered by the school.
“International selectives offer unique experiences for future physicians in so many ways. Not only do you get to travel to beautiful locations such as Prague, Kenya, or Costa Rica, but you also get to see what it would be like to practice medicine there. All these experiences will show you so much about the world and inevitably add to your growth as a future physician,” said David Nahabedian, SGU’s director of selectives.
Over the years, med school students have participated in med school study abroad electives in countries including India, Kenya, Thailand, Czech Republic, Sweden, Ghana, and Costa Rica.
These SGU students shared the benefits of studying abroad during med school.
Engage with new cultures and healthcare systems
One of the most significant advantages of medical school international electives is the opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures and healthcare environments. Every country has its own approach to healthcare delivery, and so participating in a study abroad elective allows you to observe and understand these diverse systems firsthand.
You can learn about different medical practices, gain new perspectives on patient care, and develop a deeper understanding of global health challenges. Interacting with patients from a variety of cultural backgrounds can hone your communication skills, cultural competence, and adaptability, all of which are essential qualities for any physician.
SOM students Saira Mohammed and Carlie Hanlon, along with a cohort of SGU students, traveled to Prague in the summer of 2024. The group’s itinerary included morning hospital visits, evening lectures with pre-assigned doctors, and, of course, time to explore the city.
Both Saira and Carlie found the experience to be not only dynamic and fun, but educational.
“It was mind-opening to consider how differences in culture and healthcare systems affect the accessibility to healthcare and prevalence of some diseases within the Czech population,” Saira says.
Carlie echoes the sentiment. “Working within and learning in-detail about a more public healthcare system was very insightful. I learned key differences between American and Czech healthcare systems while observing firsthand the benefits and challenges of both,” they say.
Prepare for a career in medicine in a globalized world
As the field of medicine is becoming increasingly interconnected, the need for culturally competent healthcare professionals grows. Whether you end up practicing medicine in your home country or abroad, understanding global health trends and the various healthcare delivery models can make you a more versatile and informed doctor.
Studying abroad during medical school can help you develop problem-solving skills in unfamiliar environments, which will be invaluable when faced with new or complex healthcare challenges in your future career. Employers, residency programs, and global health organizations highly value these experiences, as they demonstrate your ability to work in diverse settings and with a broad patient population.
A group of SGU SOM students got a taste of this during the Kenya elective. There, they visited two different hospitals where they were able to rotate through different specialties.
SOM student Tiara Singletary says she gained a lot of hands-on experience while in Kenya. There she shadowed doctors in the hospitals’ psychiatric unit, burn unit, general surgery, CT and MRI scans, orthopedic surgery, labor and delivery ward, and the accident and emergency unit.
“I learned so much from my time in Kenya that I want to implement when I become a doctor. I gained a greater appreciation for the importance of valuing diversity, especially as a doctor. I will always carry these experiences with me, and I would like to continue learning as much as I can,” Tiara says.
Carlie had what they described as one of the most notable experiences of their medical education while in Prague. They observed a kidney transplant while visiting a hospital there that specializes in transplants.
“It was amazing to see new life being pumped into the transplanted organs once the newly united blood vessels were unclamped,” Carlie says. “The patient’s new kidney turned from grey to pink in a matter of seconds and will hopefully provide many more years for them.”
Saira also recalls some noteworthy firsts in her medical education while in Prague.
“The experience of handling a human artery and vein to practice surgical knots was particularly memorable. Also, it was my first time being present in the operating theatre during surgery, and immersing myself in that environment was truly remarkable,” Saira says.
Unique experiences to remember for a lifetime
Studying abroad in med school is not just about learning medicine—it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, exploring new places, and growing as both a future MD and an individual. From navigating unfamiliar cities to making new friends to trying local cuisines, the adventure that comes with studying abroad is unparalleled.
The Kenya selective emphasizes and embraces the local culture making for a truly insightful experience for medical students. When they weren’t helping in hospitals, they participated in other activities like visiting the Samburu tribe, going on a safari to learn about the local animals, and visiting orphanages to play with the children.
“The Kenya experience is unique because students learn from local clinical consultants and leaders of pastoral communities. They learn about healthcare delivery in urban and rural environments and are exposed to the human, domestic animal, and wildlife interaction,” says Dr. Calum Macpherson, SGU’s Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, director of research, and course director for the Kenya selective.
Beyond the academic and professional benefits, SOM international selectives provide the chance to engage in experiences that are truly unique to your time abroad. You can return home not only with enhanced medical skills but also with personal growth and stories that will inspire you for years to come.
“As a student at a school with such global roots, I have opportunities for so many international programs where students can experience medicine in a different country,” says Carlie.
Make the world your classroom at SGU
If you’re seeking a med school that can give you access to incredible learning experiences abroad, consider SGU.
Learn more about how SGU fosters new cultural experiences through its globally diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.
