CARIB x EUROPE

[JrSouth]

Hi I just finished HS in the US
Although I am brazilian I have been living in Cali for several years by now.
Due to the lack of $$$ I was thinking about the opportunity on atteding any of the caribean med schools that have a Pre Med and the M D program all together. Thinking of Saba, Xavier for instance.
Since the caribs will take me 5 years to get my degree. I was thinking also to attend any med school at Europe (not Eastern Europe), perhaps, Spain, France, UK or Germany.
I speak fluent portuguese, spanish, french, english and german.
Considering the fact that I want to get back to US to practice and it really doesn´t matter from wich school I graduate since whether Carib or Europe I would have to take the USMLE anyway.
Wich would be the best option overall?
Carib or Europe?
Which would grant me a better recognition and possibility to work in the US?

Thanks everyone.
Really apreciate a sincere answer.

[Sree Cheruku]

Since the caribs will take me 5 years to get my degree

No, most places take around 3.5 years. My degree will take me 3 years and 8-9 months only because I took 4 months off to study.

Considering the fact that I want to get back to US to practice and it really doesn´t matter from wich school I graduate since whether Carib or Europe

US clinical experience matters and all Caribbean schools offer that. I don't know about European schools.

[dt]

I think he meant the 5 years to include premed + md together.


I think going to an European school will give you better recognition. The european schools you are thinking about should be recognized by all 50 States of the US. And since you are a Brazilian and can work elsewhere beside USA, European schools will get you more recognition than a Carib school worldwide.

As for US clinical experience, you could always get them (as electives?) at the end of your 4th and 5th year during the summer break (if you get one).

[stephew]

Do NOT do this. Go to college and get a degree, then apply in the US. I does matter where you graduate from. very much so. you are very young. go to college and do it right. it will effect the rest of your life.

good luck.

Originally Posted by JrSouth

Hi I just finished HS in the US
Although I am brazilian I have been living in Cali for several years by now.
Due to the lack of $$$ I was thinking about the opportunity on atteding any of the caribean med schools that have a Pre Med and the M D program all together. Thinking of Saba, Xavier for instance.
Since the caribs will take me 5 years to get my degree. I was thinking also to attend any med school at Europe (not Eastern Europe), perhaps, Spain, France, UK or Germany.
I speak fluent portuguese, spanish, french, english and german.
Considering the fact that I want to get back to US to practice and it really doesn´t matter from wich school I graduate since whether Carib or Europe I would have to take the USMLE anyway.
Wich would be the best option overall?
Carib or Europe?
Which would grant me a better recognition and possibility to work in the US?

Thanks everyone.
Really apreciate a sincere answer.

[gawtti]

hey,

since, you speak fluent spanish, german, and french. i would look into schools in germany, france, or spain. it's much cheaper than the US and even some schools in the carribean (eg. SGU). even med schools in brazil are good too. forget about any school in the carribean!! a six year program in the above forementioned countries would be a much better choice. since, you're coming straight out of high school.

[whattupdog6969]

Originally Posted by gawtti

hey,

since, you speak fluent spanish, german, and french. i would look into schools in germany, france, or spain. it's much cheaper than the US and even some schools in the carribean (eg. SGU). even med schools in brazil are good too. forget about any school in the carribean!! a six year program in the above forementioned countries would be a much better choice. since, you're coming straight out of high school.

you should apply to US med schools, or DO schools after your Undergrad. Otherwise go to Europe, you dont want to be stuck at any school in the Caribbean -- less than SGU or Ross only -- these are the only two schools that I would attend in the Caribbean. Pick wisely. Dont start thinking of an international medical school before you even attempt undergrad, you are setting yourself up for mediocrity or possibly even failure. Do NOT think of Caribbean or European med schools right now, and if you are, then go to Hungary and give it your all NOW. You dont want to do your undergrad and then go into a 6 year program. It alot of redundancies that exist.

[gawtti]

btw, never let MONEY affect your choice for your future!!!!!! this is great advise below. good luck!

Originally Posted by whattupdog6969

you should apply to US med schools, or DO schools after your Undergrad. Otherwise go to Europe, you dont want to be stuck at any school in the Caribbean -- less than SGU or Ross only -- these are the only two schools that I would attend in the Caribbean. Pick wisely. Dont start thinking of an international medical school before you even attempt undergrad, you are setting yourself up for mediocrity or possibly even failure. Do NOT think of Caribbean or European med schools right now, and if you are, then go to Hungary and give it your all NOW. You dont want to do your undergrad and then go into a 6 year program. It alot of redundancies that exist.

[GeorgeMD2B]

England would be a better choice assuming you are not going to St. Chris, still IMGs in the US are all the same. Its going to hard work either way. The better Caribbean programs have US rotations which will be a leg up in getting a residency.

[stephew]

do yourself a favor and go to college in nromth america and get into a north ameircan med school.