Most students dream of going abroad for higher education. It is viewed as a passport to success in life. However, studies abroad are not without challenges. Take a look.

Money matters

If you go abroad to study you will need money and plenty of it. Consider institutions in countries like USA, UK, Australia and Canada. Their tuition fees are high. Unless you have access to funds of your own or education loan you simply cannot think of studying in these countries. However, there are countries like Germany where education in public universities is free but to study medicine in Germany for Indian students isn’t easy as they must bear their own expenses of accommodation, travel and food. It is tough. You will be studying most of the time and medical students must also work in hospitals and then find time to earn something on the side.

Language

One reason why most students prefer US, UK, Canada and Australia is that English is the native language here so it is not that difficult to undergo courses. However, if you are thinking of postgraduate medical education in Germany then you must be fluent in German because German is the language of instruction. You will have to join a German language course and obtain the highest level DSH II proficiency certificate from a recognized institute.

Documentation and admission

There are stringent requirements to study medicine in Germany for Indian students as well as those from other countries. Apart from language certificates, there are other documents that you must obtain, translate to German language and get attested. Post Graduate Medical education in Germany is further complicated by the fact that various institutions may have different documentation requirements. You will need the assistance of an overseas education consultant to prepare documents for admission to each institution. Each institution may set a minimum requirement and some may specify a preparatory course or require you to have worked for a minimum number of years in order to qualify.

General challenges

These challenges are not specific to students contemplating postgraduate medical degrees in Germany:

• You will be alone and entirely on your own. You have to do everything. You will rarely have any free time since you will be studying, taking care of chores and working part-time. You will have to be determined and committed to completing the course.
• Commuting may be expensive if you live far from the institution and there is no public transport.
• Unless you receive financial help from your family you will find it a challenge to make do with what you earn part-time.
• Applying for postgraduate medical studies in Germany usually implies that you have completed at least MBBS or MD in India and internship too, which means you are getting on in years. It will be some time before you complete post-graduation and settle down in life.

Gaining admission itself is a major challenge but one that you can easily overcome by roping in AMES to act as your admission consultant.