Pros and Cons of Pursuing an MBBS Abroad: Is It Worth It?

Jatin Sharma
Updated: June 9, 2023
IST: 9:19 am

Here are some pros and cons of doing MBBS abroad.

The decision to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree abroad has gained popularity among Indian students in recent years. However, like any educational choice, studying MBBS overseas comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here, we examine the pros and cons of pursuing an MBBS abroad to help students make informed decisions.

Advantages (Pros):

Lower Fees: Compared to private medical colleges in India, foreign universities often offer MBBS programs with lower tuition fees. This can result in significant cost savings for students, including reduced living expenses.
Quality Education: Many foreign universities provide world-class medical education, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty members. However, it is crucial to choose the university carefully to ensure a high-quality education.
Cultural Exposure: Studying abroad exposes students to diverse cultures, expanding their horizons. Interacting with people from different countries allows students to learn about various traditions, values, and beliefs, fostering a global perspective.
Enhanced Career Prospects: Holding a degree from a foreign university can open up various career opportunities. Research opportunities, pursuing post-graduation abroad, and establishing a career in foreign countries become more feasible with an international education.

Disadvantages (Cons)

Language Barriers: Some foreign universities conduct courses in languages other than English, posing a significant challenge for non-native speakers. Language barriers can impact the quality of education and academic performance.
Licensing and Recognition: Graduates from foreign universities must clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to practice medicine in India. The FMGE exam is demanding, and not all graduates pass it successfully.
Cultural Adjustment: Studying abroad can lead to cultural shock for students unaccustomed to the host country’s lifestyle, customs, and values. This may result in homesickness, social isolation, and potential mental health issues.
Increased Competition: Admission to MBBS programs at foreign universities is highly competitive, with a selective admission process. Students must possess an impressive academic record and demonstrate exceptional skills and abilities to secure admission.

In conclusion, students contemplating studying MBBS abroad should carefully assess their academic goals, financial resources, language proficiency, and adaptability to new cultures. Thoroughly researching universities and seeking advice from professionals and peers is advisable to make an informed decision.

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Jatin Sharma

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Historic Launch of New Education Policy in Assam's Higher Educational Institutions

Jatin Sharma
Updated: June 8, 2023
IST: 9:19 am

The Chief Minister admired the higher education department and the Guwahati University for taking the initiative towards the implementation of the NEP 2020.

At a ceremony held at Guwahati University, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma launched the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020 for the higher educational institutes of the state.

“Adoption of New Education Policy marks a historic day for Assam”, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Further, speaking about the policy, he said, “The NEP was envisioned under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of preparing our youth for the future and its adoption marks a historic day for Assam. As a part of the policy, we should focus on imparting multi-disciplinary education and preparing our students in a holistic and enabling environment”.

Adding further, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sharma said, “The state government has been taking committed steps since the beginning to implement this education policy, which is gradually turning into reality. In the journey for academic excellence in Assam, these initiatives will become milestones in the coming days”.

“The state government has been taking committed steps since the beginning to implement this education policy, which is gradually turning into reality. In the journey for academic excellence in Assam, these initiatives will become milestones in the coming days”, he added.

The Assam CM also stated that for the first time, a liberal education policy has been introduced which removed the rigid distinctions among the streams (Science, Arts, and Commerce).

It may be noted that NEP 2020 launched in July 2020 provides a set of guiding principles for a paradigm shift across the education sector in India from school to doctoral level. Accordingly, the 10th and 12th boards have been removed and the pattern of 5 3 3 4 will follow.

In addition to this, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed his grief over the Balasore train accident in Odisha and wished a quick recovery to the injured.

Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Adviser to Education Dr. Nani Gopal Mahanta, VC Gauhati University Prof. Pratap Jyoti Handique also spoke on the occasion