Study Abroad

Future health professionals will need to be broadly educated, mature, adaptable citizens who have had significant experience in the world beyond the classroom. Study abroad is an ideal vehicle for developing some of the skills and attitudes that are valued in the practice of medicine—flexibility, self-reliance, and appreciation of other cultures. If you’re interested, don't pass up this opportunity for intellectual and personal growth.

Early, proactive planning is critical for prehealth students who have to navigate prerequisite and major courses. Start working with HPA and study abroad advisers in the Office of International Programs early to maximize your opportunities. 

Study Abroad + Prehealth Info Session

Study Abroad Recap from Rachel Tam '24

Former HPA Peer Adviser Rachel Tam describes her experiences abroad.

 

Academic Considerations

  • Most medical schools will not accept prerequisites taken abroad. Premedical prerequisite science courses should have grades reported on a US transcript. 
  • For study abroad grades to be considered in your GPA for medical school, they must appear on a US-based transcript. This is possible if the study abroad program is sponsored by an American college or university (which is more likely for summer programs than those during the academic year).
  • Work with study abroad advisers to identify health-related courses that you could take abroad that aren't offered in the US. There are unique options that may be of interest! But it's also okay to focus your study abroad experience on interests outside of health/medicine if that's your priority!
  • Many premedical prerequisites are two-semester sequences, so studying abroad may require taking courses in the summer. While we discourage summer science coursework, study abroad is a compelling reason to opt to take some prerequisites in the summer. Discuss your individual situation with HPA advisers.

Sample timelines
link to study abroad timelines

This google doc provides examples of how to plan the prehealth prerequisites around study abroad.

When to study abroad?

  • Summer: Studying abroad in the summer will require the least adjustment of your course work but may preclude you from participating in internships and gaining clinical experience – two things that many premeds focus on during summers.
  • For a semester: 
    • Studying abroad sophomore spring will require advance planning, including knowing what concentration you want to declare early (if you’re A.B.).
    • Studying abroad junior spring will be logistically difficult if you are planning to apply for direct entry to medical school due to medical application preparation that happens in the spring. Most Princeton students apply with a glide year between graduation and medical school, in which case this will not be an issue.
    • Studying abroad senior fall is discouraged for students applying for direct entry since medical school interviews tend to occur in the fall. Again, this is not an issue for students taking a glide year.
  • As a course component: Some courses offer a trip abroad during fall or spring break. This is not as immersive as spending a whole semester or summer, but it at least provides a taste of the abroad experience. 
  • Post-grad: Some students spend a year abroad, through Fulbright, Princeton in… fellowships, or other post-graduate opportunities, between graduation and matriculation.
  • See the Study Abroad website or meet with a Study Abroad or HPA adviser to discuss your personal situation.

What to do abroad?

  • Princeton summer programs are a popular first-year summer option. They allow you to complete language requirements or pursue other interests in a small group setting. It can be difficult to gain competitive internships as a first-year, so it’s a good time to head abroad.
  • The International Internship Program offers numerous health-related summer opportunities for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.
  • EEB and SPIA concentrators can pursue research- / health-oriented department-sponsored study programs in junior year.
  • The Office of International Programs database is searchable by research and service abroad with a prehealth focus.
  • It is not required that your study abroad has a health focus! If there are other areas you’d like to explore, you’ll still gain important transferable skills.

Programs popular with prehealth students

Academic semester abroad, science/medicine focus

Summer Study Abroad

Summer Programs

Princeton-Sponsored Postgrad opportunities

Glide Year Fellowships