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Originally Posted by DesertEagleMD
Thought I would intervene for a sec' here Miklos:
I'd definitely agree that in going to schools for example in Lublin & Katowice, you are bound by the school to go through an agent. This being said, there are many people I know that have graduated from these schools. Most of them have transferred from Hungary, and are now doing their rotations either in NY or IL. Some are in residency, and others are doing their clinicals in the U.S. only after passing step 1.
The downside of the whole thing is the price you would have to pay to the agent. There are quite a bit hidden fees to pay here and there. That is a fact. The sole reason as to why many people left from Hungary to Poland, is because Hungary does not allow you to directly transfer to the US... unless via the 5th pathway, but that's a whole different story. Now with the birth of recent caribbean schools, a new option is set on the table. In the end... it becomes a minor hurdle when trying to achieve a MD degree.
I'll agree that prospective students seeking the transfer option in whatever school, get their facts straight before signing the papers. About learning the language, it's necessary if you actually want to get around in the city, and be able to communicate with the staff n' patients... but I know people that have graduated from poland and hungary that didnt know a spit of the language. It all depends on you... but if you're in a country you should learn something... about a couple hundred words will get you through fine.
So, everyone that has studied in those two above mentioned schools are in the US, and this is a TRUE FACT.
Prepin' up for the USMLE as in most of the european schools, is more on what you do on your own. Not a single school that I have heard, at least for poland & hungary... prepare you in a "USMLE style" manner. The basic sciences in poland may be a bit weaker when compared to hungary, but can be compensated on the amount of work you put in. That was one good thing about the euro schools, b/c they overstressed many concepts that you probably will never use again... but it aids in understanding, and it's better to know more than the bare minimum... at least for the basic sciences.
Regarding the California issue. Most schools in europe are just starting to get that approval... In all true honesty, one state be it large or small does not make a difference, nor does hinder you from becoming a doctor elsewhere. Friends of mine that have graduated from the newer schools such as Sint Eustatius, and soon from Saint James are getting competitive residency spots... and not just in primary care. In due time,CA/NY approvals may change to favor the students... but you still have 40 some other states at least to deal with.
I myself am in the 4th year in debrecen. I'm planning to take off to the caribbean program real soon... so that I can finish up my remaining clinics in the US. No regrets... I've spent some time here, and I'd rather get involved into the US standards and protocols. Not that anything is bad with this school, it's just I can see with my own eyes on how my friends are moving on quite nicely back home via other programs.
If expenses are a thing to look at, hungary by far is the cheapest... then poland, and then the caribbeans. Regarding the latter, you'll be spending quite a bit more on the cost of living n' education... but in the long run... everyone planning to work in the US, will fall into the same US cost of living bracket.... it's just a matter of now or later... and if you're able to deal with it.
I can vouch that everyone I know in whatever program, whether it be poland, hungary, the caribbeans... are all working back home, and they are happy.
Whichever route you take, it will all lead to the same road. It all depends on how you want to get there. You will get that degree and find a job. Definitely follow up n' hear what people that are there have to say. Got any questions... hit me up. Alright then n' keep it real. 8)
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Re: not being able to transfer back to the U.S; I would like you to clarify this, because I am not sure I understand.
Are you referring to clinical training in the last two years of med school or actually transferring to a US school?
As far as the last two years at a Hungarian school doing clinicals in the U.S., (unless there is a different policy at Debrecen), there is no problem doing the
final year in the U.S. as long as you pay for it and find a place to do it (like 5th Pathway, but must not be).
As far as actually transferring to a U.S. medical school from a Polish or Hungarian school, both are possible if the student has an outstanding academic record and Step 1; the problem is that there are very few spots available (read less, often significantly less than 50/year) to enter. Additionally, most public U.S. med schools limit themselves to state residents, etc... It has been done from Hungary, but I will caution anyone coming to Hungary or Poland not to count on it.
Re: reasons that people leave Hungary. Not the case, I am afraid. Most students that leave Hungary, do so because they can't hack it. Polish schools happily accept Hungarian transfers and allow them to re-take final exams without having to repeat the class; the converse is not true.
Re: language. Without a decent knowledge of the local language, students will not be able to get much out of their clinical experience.
Re: California. I and NeilC have mentioned it before. Someone that knowingly attends a school that is not approved in California is foolish at best. The climate is likely to change in favor of more rather than less regulation. The "40" states could shrink significantly by the time the prospective student graduates. Also, the importance of the big states like California, New York and Texas should not be understated; together they provide a very significant number of residency positions. Additionally, if more states adopt California type rules, imagine the possibility of being offered a great position after your residency and you having to turn it down because you cannot get licensed in that state... Limiting yourself in such a way is foolish. In real life, (as well as medicine) you need to keep your options open.