Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in Abroad: The MBBS course is the initial step to entering the medical field and becoming a doctor. It is one of the most popular courses for Indian students. So, it is advised for the students to choose the best college to pursue an MBBS course.
Due to heavy competition and limited medical seats in India, many students choose to study abroad to complete the MBBS course. However, studying MBBS abroad has its own set of challenges and disadvantages. Here we are giving the drawbacks of pursuing an MBBS in foreign countries.
Drawbacks of Studying MBBS Abroad
MBBS courses have high competition in India and students have to secure qualifying marks in the NEET exam which is also not easy. NEET applicants compete for medical seats in govt colleges private colleges charge high fees, and medical education is challenging to afford.
These factors influence students to study medicine abroad as the cost of education is slightly lower than in private medical colleges in India. The disadvantages of studying MBBS in abroad are as listed here:
- Lack of Recognition by NMC
- Challenging the MCI Screening Test
- Language Skills
- Risk of Fraud
- Language Skills
- Adequate Clinical Exposure
- Inadequate Standard of Education
- Cost of Living
- Cultural Differences
- Limited Employment Options
- Lack of Support System
- The internship is Mandatory Even After Passing FMGE
Lack of Recognition by NMC
NMC (National Medical) Council is an organisation that doesn’t accept medical degrees from any other countries except 5 English-speaking countries the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. But studying in these countries is very expensive.
This is the reason why every year, more than 10,000 Indian students choose to go abroad to countries like China, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Poland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Armenia, and other countries to study UG medical courses.
To study MBBS in the above countries, students have to qualify for the FMGE or MCI screening test which is a licensing exam required to practice in India. The exam is conducted by NBE (National Board of Examination).
Adequate Clinical Exposure
Without having proper patients, medical education is incomplete. Regardless of how well you understand both clinical and non-clinical concepts, if you don’t practice them on patients, then you will always with incomplete understanding.
The population in a few countries is low which results in low patient exposure levels. In a few countries, colleges don’t offer internship options because of their high student count and lack of infrastructure to accommodate them all. So, those students find it difficult to compete with Indian students and clear the FMGE exam.
Risk of Fraud
There are high chance that you will meet someone who will mislead you. Few people will assist you in the right way, but most of them not, So, you have to do your own research rather than follow others.
It is also advised that don’t trust the people who make promises on your college medical seat admission as they take a commission for each admission. Also, most students might not be aware of extreme climatic conditions in a few countries and their bilingual teaching languages.
Parents are shown a lower cost of education by undervaluing the base currency, and many expenses are not covered there.
Challenging MCI Screening Test
FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) or MCI (Medical Council of India) screening test is a licensure examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations. Students with medical degrees out of the country have to clear this exam to start practising medicine in India.
The questions asked in this exam are from the MBBS syllabus with 19 subjects. It can be a challenging exam for the students. With the past NBE test results, the number of students attempting FMGE is increasing but the passing rate is consistently around 10%.
Language Barrier
Language barrier is a major issue for students to study MBBS in Abroad countries. If they want to go to English-speaking countries, then they face trouble in understanding the slang and accent.
However, if they migrate to a non-English speaking country, then it is more tough as they have to learn the local language. Even faculty may not have having good command of English in some countries.
Quality of Education
The quality of education varies between different universities. Few institutions may not have the needed infrastructure, equipment, and faculty to provide quality education to the students.
In addition, the curriculum may not be updated with the latest medical advances and may not meet the standards set by the Indian Medical Association.
Limited Employment Options
MBBS study abroad programs can provide students with global experience and experience, but they do not guarantee employment opportunities in India. Students may struggle to find employment opportunities in India due to a lack of degree recognition and differences in the healthcare system.
FAQs on Drawbacks of Overseas Medical Education
- Is going abroad for MBBS good or bad?
Going abroad for MBBS in both good and bad in their own ways. Abroad medical education holds more value than studying the same course in India. However, studying MBBS in foreign countries offers affordable fees with quality education.
- What are the negatives of studying abroad?
The negatives of studying abroad are high expectations, differences in cultures, language barriers, homesickness, and a chance of facing racism.
- Which country is safest for MBBS?
Germany is the safest and best country to pursue MBBS. The universities in Germany are recognized by WHO, UN, MCI, and other organisations.
- Is MBBS better in India or abroad?
Studying MBBS abroad is better as it has few benefits. There are fewer study fees, practical learning, and an internationally recognized, and MCI/NMC-approved course.
In a Nutshell
I expect that this article cover complete information about the Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in Abroad so that you can decide whether to complete medical education in India or foreign countries. Get to know more related posts like Education Loan for MBBS Abroad , and Disadvantages of studying MBBS in Russia on our site.