Irish student looking overseas

[irishguy]

Hi,

Just like to introduce myself on these forums. im currently studying pharmacy in Ireland and am considering pursuing a degree in medicine when I graduate.

I really wanted to do medicine after I did the Leavingcert however I missed the grade by around 10 points, but I did get accepted into Pharmacy. I dont regret it for a moment, fantastic experience. However I still feel like I want to pursue my goal of medicine.

I have looked into the new graduate entry programs in Ireland, but I have recently become attracted to studying overseas, namely poland.

How do these degrees compare with the Irish versions? Is it hard to get an internship in Ireland when you graduate? ie do people look down on you because you couldnt get into a "proper" school. I understand that many offer a 4year MD program as opposed to the 4year MBBS graduate program in Ireland. Is the MD experience better?

The main reason I am attracted to overseas study is that:
1. They seem to be easier to get into. (apologies)
2. They are much cheaper.
3. The prospect of experiencing another country.

In your opinions would I be better off staying in the country I wish to practice? It could take me a couple of years trying to get in due to the GAMSAT and the sheer volume of people applying.

[Chemist_11]

Hi, well firstly I must say that you must have done very well in your Irish leaving cert to miss the req'd. Mark by 10 points. May I ask what year you are currently in/how long you have left?

I can see that you have a very difficult descision to make, and as you have pointed out yourself, you need to think about what happens to you post graduation. You will be able to find lots of information on the Polish GEP's here on VMD, and will be able to find out lots (if you don't already know that is) about the (2?) Irish GEP's.

In this case, I do believe that you face the same dilemma as US students who have to decide between staying in the US and applying to carib schools - and the advice is always to stay in your home country if it is at all possible. I feel that you should do as much as you can to get into an Irish GEP. Of course if this isn't a viable option (due to finances, degree classification etc.) then you will need to considder other options such as foreign GEP's.

Just my opinion. Good luck!

[malina]

sorry irishguy, but i gotta laugh first. so many polish people are moving to ireland - and you're going the other way.

but seriously, it probably would not be a problem for you to get qualified in ireland after finishing in poland. i'm from canada, and here, most qualifications don't count - but i know that most of the people that returned here after finishing in jag in krakow had no problem getting qualified. the best thing to do is to call the irish board of physicians (or whatever the proper name is) and ask them directly.

[czdoc]

hey irishguy,

I understand exactly what your going through. First of all, you have a very good chance of getting into grad program in ire, you will need a 2.1 or higher in your degree plus GAMSAT for UCD UL etc except trinity who have a mature student program with no set academic requirements.
If getting out of ireland appeals to you! Poland is relatively new for irish students compared to charles in prague (lots here!) but it is very similar in structure and quaility. You will have no problem at all getting a job and working in ireland as i know of a few doctors who have qualified from charles and are now in Ireland.
so the last of your worries should be the overseas education. I'm not familiar with the exacts of the 4 yr program in poland but I do know that if you are required to get your internship after the program you will not get it in Ireland! There is barely enough intern place's for even Irish grads in Ireland so it would be near impossible.
Any more questions just ask.

[IrsihGuy]

Hi,

I have just signed on to this forum. Firstly sorry for using the username IrsihGuy. I tried to delete it but accidentally signed on. Now I can't change the name, which is a bit odd.

I too am from Ireland and am looking to study abroad, because despite good grades things are too competitive.

If there are any Irish stduents out there could they please pm me or post here.

Thanks