Top Reasons to Study in an Accredited School in the Caribbean
Here are our reasons to consider a medical school in the Caribbean to help you realize your dream of becoming a doctor.
Top 12 reasons to study in an accredited school in the Caribbean
If you are exploring medical school options, have you considered studying at an accredited school in the Caribbean? Caribbean medical schools take a unique approach to the important issues that can impact aspiring medical students and their entry into medical school. Studying in the U.S., Canada and U.K. are all highly competitive and expensive, but Caribbean medical schools can offer a more affordable route to becoming a doctor. The admissions process is also typically quicker and more accessible, making it a viable alternative worth exploring.
Here are our top reasons to consider a medical school in the Caribbean to help you realize your dream of becoming a doctor.
Smoother and easier admission process
Applying to medical schools in the Caribbean is much easier than in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., as Caribbean schools generally have a higher acceptance rate. They tend to offer study opportunities to a larger number of applicants and take a more holistic approach to their admissions processes. These schools will look at the applicant as a whole rather than just their scores and grades. They look at students’ life experiences, adaptability, intellectual and social maturity, critical judgment, and volunteer work alongside their graduate school performance. Students who have missed out on attending medical schools elsewhere may have a better chance of getting accepted at a Caribbean medical school.
Rolling admissions
In contrast to the U.S., most medical schools in the Caribbean operate a rolling admission cycle, meaning you can apply throughout the year and enroll shortly afterward.
Lower tuition and admission fees
The main obstacle for most students when it comes to going to medical school is the cost of tuition and admission fees. However, tuition and admission costs at Caribbean medical schools are generally lower than in most other Western countries. This means that many students who study here end up owing much less in student loans than if they’d gone to a medical school in the U.S..
Affordable cost of living
Studying in the Caribbean offers more affordable tuition and admission fees than the U.S. and Canada and boasts a significantly lower cost of living. Whether it’s transportation, entertainment, or food, you’ll discover that expenses in the Caribbean are notably more budget-friendly than in North America.
Accredited schools
Accredited medical schools in the Caribbean provide quality education and curricula that are on par with other medical schools. Caribbean medical schools also follow the North American established model to higher education.
Early, hands-on clinical experience
Medical schools in Canada and the U.S. typically offer students the chance to gain clinical experience later on in their studies. However, many medical schools in the Caribbean put practical experience at the forefront, allowing students to gain clinical experience much earlier and be more prepared to put their medical knowledge to use in clinical rotations.
Clinical rotations in the U.S.
Some medical schools in the Caribbean offer third and fourth-year students the opportunity for clinical rotations in the U.S., which is an added benefit if you want to practice medicine in the U.S. later.
Ideal climate
The Caribbean offers warm and tropical climate conditions throughout the year. You won’t have to worry about snow and cold winters here — just warm sunshine all year-round.
International medical training
Several medical schools in the Caribbean are affiliated with teaching hospitals in the U.S. and other parts of the world, providing a great advantage for both practicing medicine and applying for residency.
Studying abroad improves your character
When you study abroad, you’ll learn to be more independent, self-reliant, decisive, and adaptable and improve your problem-solving skills, which will help you advance as a person, student, and aspiring physician. It’s also a great opportunity to expose yourself to other cultures.
Small class sizes
Many medical schools in the U.S. have large class sizes, with some having hundreds of students enrolled for one medical science course. Caribbean medical schools, however, are more focused on accessibility, leading to much smaller classes. There’s more opportunity for one-on-one time with faculty and more research opportunities than you’d have in a larger class.
No requirement for English Language Proficiency Tests
Most medical schools in the U.S. require overseas students to complete an English Language Proficiency Test as part of their application. These tests include:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Cambridge Assessment English (CAE)
Many schools in the Caribbean don’t require students to take these tests or the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) before applying — both are types of aptitude tests.
What can you study at Saba?
Studying in the Caribbean can help you realize your full potential as an individual and a doctor. Even if you’ve been unsuccessful in applying to medical schools elsewhere, your dreams of a career in medicine can still be realized.
For more than three decades, Saba University School of Medicine has delivered excellent medical education and rewarding career opportunities. If you want to take the right path toward becoming a licensed medical practitioner, contact us at Saba to learn more about our programs and how to apply. You can also learn more about Saba by checking out our latest events and webinars.
For prospective students
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