Already have a degree

[smileygirl]

I am currently a student in the US and in May I will graduate with a degree in Biology. I am looking at either Poznan (I am a Polish-American), the Medical University of Warsaw, or Charles Univeristy for Fall 2005. Having a degree, what would you all say would be the best decision? Thank so much?!

[cristagali]

If you speak Polish than by all mean go to Poland, but check out the school in Krakow. I hear its a great city. GL

[kmufangs]

since you speak Polish, then try Poland as it will be a lot easier for you to get around the city and getting a better experience in the clinics.

as for Poznan or Warsaw...Warsaw is associated with an agency (either HMI or someother one) which means that you will be dishing out a lot of money for nothing, and will be left with more questions than answers. the city is also very expensive.

Poznan, is good. i went there. however, there have been recent changes that would make me think otherwise about going there, one being huge classes. not sure how the current students are dealing with this, but i was in a class of 26 and it was enough. One plus, is the implementation of MCQ for all courses, minus a handful which still give oral exams, and the introduction of shelf exams, which are exams written by National Board of Medical Examiners (same people who write the USMLE).

But do take Krakow (Jagielonian University) under consideration, it is the major competitor for Poznan. It has a very similar setup, but i am not sure about the logistics of it program. They say that you can do any portion of your 3 year in the states, but from my knowledge, that is almost imposible, as you will be competing with the US school own students for the same rotation(s). it is very difficult to find just peds electives or just IM electives in the US, especially ones that will be the same length as Krakow's requirements.

Good luck and definitely stay away from those "agents" as MIKLOS and a few other individuals will tell you here.

[smileygirl]

kmufangs...so where did you get a residency? Did you do any of your clinicals in the US?

[gvanderv]

Hey kmufangs,

I think that Poznan is handling the class of 56 very well. We have had plenty of TA's assisting. The ratio is better than I ever had at Michigan State in any lab. We have had some short delays when lab testing, but I really can't complain.

Overall very happy here. After talking to the second years, it sounds like they are maybe keeping tighter attendence. They also seem to be on us more to learn Polish than in the past.

Again anyone thinking about a school in Europe should visit. Don't rely on these forums only for your information. And never, ever use an agent.

Bye........Gerry

[UMP]

Out of my first year class out of 26 in the Warsaw 4year program, only one person went through HMI. Just apply straight to the school, they'll accept your application.

[smileygirl]

I haven't heard much about this school even though my aunt teaches in the Polish program. How are the classes? Are the teachers helpful? Are there opportunities to do "electives" in the US? Thanks so much!