Poland/ Czech Republic medical schools... I need some help..

[Raptor]

I am a Canadian student wanting to study medicine in either the Czech Republic or Poland right after my high school year. I was wondering if there is any other Canadians on this board who are currently or has completed studying medicine in either Poland or Czech Republic that can maybe private msg me or reply to this. I wanted to know things about language(for instance, how significant is it to know the language to be able to live in teh country), the schools itself and the adaptations overseas.

Thanks in Advance.

[opuscule]

I am a Canadian studying in Poland, although my situation is a bit different since I completed a Bachelor's degree and worked for several years afterwards. I also speak the language fluently and have travelled and lived abroad before. I can say that I've experienced tangible advantages to knowing the language (ie. participation in Polish program extracurriculars, richer clinical experience in hospitals), but I know folks who don't speak the language and it certainly doesn't make life unbearable. Living in a new culture is always a challenge; you'll know better than anyone else whether it's right for you.

Most importantly though, could you please explain why you're considering going into a 6 year program abroad straight after highschool, instead of doing an undergrad at home and then applying to a 4 year program in North America? There are many advantages to the latter route, and it would be helpful to know what particular circumstances are pushing you to the former.

[drak]

Hi, I'm not a med student but I'm from Czech Republic. To learn czech language will be probably difficult, unless you already have some backround in slavic languages. English is very popular in CR these days, however, you will come to contact with a lot of people that will not understand you. I guess your language skills would depend on what you want to do over there, the more you know the better for you. As far as I know there is a lot of americans living full time in Prague.

To find some information about medical school search for Charles University. They teach courses in English and it is a very popular school (what more, czech students study for FREE).

Originally Posted by Raptor

I am a Canadian student wanting to study medicine in either the Czech Republic or Poland right after my high school year. I was wondering if there is any other Canadians on this board who are currently or has completed studying medicine in either Poland or Czech Republic that can maybe private msg me or reply to this. I wanted to know things about language(for instance, how significant is it to know the language to be able to live in teh country), the schools itself and the adaptations overseas.

Thanks in Advance.

[Raptor]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm also wondering, after graduation from either Poland or Czech, as a Canadian (non-eu), is it possible to find work there until we make the examinations back home(in Canada). Is language a big factor in this?
Also, after graduation, as Non-Eu, is it secure to find internship for us?

Also for opuscule, are you originally from Poland or did you have to learn the language?

Thank you very much for the information.

[opuscule]

Although born in Canada, I'm of Polish origin and am lucky enough to have learned the language to fluency in my childhood. I know some people who have picked up a surprising amount of the language after a year or two in the country; it does require serious dedication, and spending time with locals rather than only the expat students.

By work, I'm not sure whether you meant as a doctor, or just in general. To work as a doc if you only speak English, the UK/Ireland would pretty well be your only options. For non-EU citizens, I understand there are a lot of barriers. However, if you'll be under 30 when you graduate and want to work a non-doctor job, you can apply for a working holidaymaker visa (easy to get) that will give you working rights for 12 months in the UK. It is convertible to a working visa afterwards if you find a sponsor.

Re security of finding an internship, again, as non-EU it is far more difficult. However, you never know where life will take you. I know of a person who started dating a Norwegian in Poland, picked up the language, married her, and secured an internship in Norway with little hassle. I know of several people who secured internships in the UK with little hassle too, but they're all Polish citizens. Right now staying in Poland is not an attractive option, unless you're tutoring English.

Yes, language is a huge factor. You cannot expect to work in a country unless you are fluent in their official language(s). Even as a student, you miss out on certain extra opportunities if you don't speak the language. However, you should not consider this a deal-breaker, because many people successfully complete the programs here without knowing Polish/Czech.

Feel free to PM if you have any concerns you'd like to discuss in greater depth.

[Raptor]

Yes, i did mean working as a doctor.
Anyways, thank you so much for the information, it was definately helpful.
I will think about all my options again.
Thanks so much. I will PM you if i have more questions.