Medical education abroad

STUDYING ABROAD

Dear Madam,

I m doing my 4th year MBBS in a reputed medical college. I want to do my PG abroad, preferably in Australia or Canada. What are the entrance exams to write for a PG course abroad? Can you give me details about some good universities in Australia or Canada which offer PG?

Akash C George

Dear Akash,

The way of approach to both Australia and Canada differ.  Each University will have its own additional admission policies (which may include policies on prior or current studies, enrolment irregularities and/or transfers). To confirm if there are additional policies, contact the schools to which you intend to apply.

The Medical School Admission Requirement (MSAR) handbook published annually by AAMC has very useful information on medical education which gives most current information. There  are a lot of universities providing PG courses like Flinders University, Deakin University, University of Wollongong, University of Sydney, etc.
 
Doing an MD in Medicine, in Canada, is expensive. You are required to clear IELTS/TOEFL exams and other requirements that  differ from university to university.

The well known medical universities in Canada are: Dalhousie University, McGill University, McMaster University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Queen's University, University of New Brunswick, College of New Caledonia, Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Cape Breton University. To study in Canada you can check the Canadian Immigration site, see link http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp, there is plenty of information there about entering Canada as a student, worker, or resident.

Next, for studies, it is recommended to choose the university you wish to study first, by locating the links for prospective students. I have put McGill University’s as an example. See web resource http://www.mcgill.ca/prospective/  below. The details and instructions should leave no doubt in your mind as to your next steps. Best wishes to you.

Dear Madam,     
                                                      
I am studying in the fourth semester of Electrical Engineering. I want to do an MBA at Harvard Univesity, after my engineering. But, I have heard that in order to get admission into that university, I must have a minimum of two years experience in the field of business. Is that true?

Nagesh Babu

Dear  Nagesh,

It is very appreciable that you have set long term goals for yourself and are keen on pursuing your MBA from a top  university like Harvard.  For an MBA programme abroad, especially in good universities, it is necessary to  have full time work experience of three to four years, at least in the area of your study.  To get a clear picture and specific information and knowledge on requisites for MBA in  Harvard University you may visit their website http://www.hbs.edu/mba/. Keep in mind that there are many other very good universities in the US, and depending on your merit and past record you will have to seek admission in whichever one is willing to take you. Best wishes.

Dear Madam,

I am working in a small company as an accounts assistant. Before that I was working at a call center. I am 24 years old and have completed by degree through correspondence. My friends are all working in MNCs. When I went for an interview at an MNC, I was told to improve my communication skills. I am really upset that I am ridiculed by everyone. I thought of going abroad for my studies. I checked out a film making course in New York and the fees were beyond me. Now, I don’t know what to do.

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous

It is very sad that you are going through such a turmoil, but it is also heartening that you have the ambition and desire to better your future.  Right now it is time for you to introspect and understand the exact reason for you not faring well in the interviews and check out if it is your communication that is pulling down.  Begin to work with yourself and improve your communication by using simple methods like enrolling for some personality development programmes or public speaking platforms like Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org) etc.  This would build your confidence also. 

What you have stated about education abroad is true.  It is expensive and means a lot of hard work. Going abroad for studies is not the only way one can progress on to a meaningful career.  Since you have been working for a while now you would be a fairly clear about what you are good at and what interests you.  Keeping these in mind explore the further careers that you could move up in.  After that you could decide on the additional qualifications that you may need to acquire.  If despite your best efforts you are still not able to narrow down to your career path, then you may consult  a career counselor in your city, like in Bangalore you have Banjara Academy, Promise Foundation, Young Buzz etc.