Medicine in Europe - How do I get started?

Original post by Anonymous

Hello all, I didnt get into med school in the UK and

Hi, what's stopping you from considering other options, such as a gap year? I'm speaking from experience that you can certainly get into medical school in the UK after a gap year and worst case scenario, you can apply to medicine in Europe if you don't get into Medicine in UK after a gap year. I just wanted to show you that there are other options (Medicine in Europe was a Plan E scenario of sorts - basically it was a plan to fall back on if nothing else worked)

am considering going to Europe (have heard nice things about Plovdiv), how can I find out more about the application process and any requirements?

I've attached below a link to the Plovdiv website, where you can find that information.
https://mu-plovdiv.bg/en/undergraduate/

I just wanted to let you know that there are other medical universities in Bulgaria, such as Sofia, Varna, etc.

Sofia:
https://mu-sofia.bg/en/admission/admissions-of-foreign-citizen/

Varna:
https://www.mu-varna.bg/EN/Admission/Pages/non-eu-how-to-apply.aspx

Is there anything I should consider before going abroad to study medicine?

Yes, so finance is an important thing to think about. You won't get any funding from the UK government.

Look at health insurance. The main telephone numbers you need in case of emergency situations.

There will usually be extra subject you'll learn during your course, like Latin and Bulgarian, etc. So be prepared for that. Exams in Bulgaria are not exactly like in UK, so be prepared to adjust.

Like above, try and look at other options before considering this one, since once you're there, you can't change back to a medical school in UK.

You'll be in a different country, so be prepared for the things that come with that.

Also is it okay if I dont know any of the language before I go? And for any current/former students at European universities, is there any advice or any recommendations you would make in preparation for studying abroad, living there, the courses, or the experience in general?

Yes, it's alright. You get taught Bulgarian before interacting with patient in y3.

I hope that makes sense, do you have any further questions? My sister is currently a 2nd year at Varna.

Reply 4

Original post by _Rusty_

@KA_P would you be able to help :smile:

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by KA_P

Hi, what's stopping you from considering other options, such as a gap year? I'm speaking from experience that you can certainly get into medical school in the UK after a gap year and worst case scenario, you can apply to medicine in Europe if you don't get into Medicine in UK after a gap year. I just wanted to show you that there are other options (Medicine in Europe was a Plan E scenario of sorts - basically it was a plan to fall back on if nothing else worked)

Already took a gap year and was rejected again and going to Europe is my backup plan, though I understand people do take 2 gap years and apply

Are there any medical universities you would recommend looking at? (e.g. because of the quality of teaching, lots of english speaking people in the area etc.)
I mentioned Bulgaria as it seems to be quite popular, but I am open to going to other places too.
Is health insurance dependent on the healthcare system in those countries? and if they have a public health system like in the UK would I still need insurance?

I've heard about there being a 1-year preparatory language course, is it necessary or will it be taught during the medical degree?

Thanks for the help :smile:

sorry for all the questions lol

Reply 6

Original post by Anonymous

Already took a gap year and was rejected again and going to Europe is my backup plan, though I understand people do take 2 gap years and apply

Are there any medical universities you would recommend looking at? (e.g. because of the quality of teaching, lots of english speaking people in the area etc.)
I mentioned Bulgaria as it seems to be quite popular, but I am open to going to other places too.
Is health insurance dependent on the healthcare system in those countries? and if they have a public health system like in the UK would I still need insurance?

I've heard about there being a 1-year preparatory language course, is it necessary or will it be taught during the medical degree?

Thanks for the help :smile:

sorry for all the questions lol

I'm sorry to hear that :hugs:

As I said, my sister goes to Varna, so that's the only one I can really recommend. First year was difficult, since she was still adjusting but I'd say she's got a hang of it now in second year.

I'd say the unis I mentioned before would be popular with English speaking students, so you'd definitely be able to find them. Of course, make sure you apply to the English taught course, rather than the Bulgarian one.

I don't think the preparatory language course is necessary, what did you get for GCSE English Language?

Bulgarian is taught alongside the other topics during your course.

Don't worry :h:

Reply 7

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by KA_P

I'm sorry to hear that :hugs:

As I said, my sister goes to Varna, so that's the only one I can really recommend. First year was difficult, since she was still adjusting but I'd say she's got a hang of it now in second year.

I'd say the unis I mentioned before would be popular with English speaking students, so you'd definitely be able to find them. Of course, make sure you apply to the English taught course, rather than the Bulgarian one.

I don't think the preparatory language course is necessary, what did you get for GCSE English Language?

Bulgarian is taught alongside the other topics during your course.

Don't worry :h:

I got a 9 in GCSE English Language

What about living costs? Do you have any rough estimates on yearly spending?

Where is your sister living? Is she in uni accommodation or private housing? Is one better than the other?

Its exciting for me :tongue:

TIA

Reply 8

Original post by Anonymous

I got a 9 in GCSE English Language

What about living costs? Do you have any rough estimates on yearly spending?

Where is your sister living? Is she in uni accommodation or private housing? Is one better than the other?

Its exciting for me :tongue:

TIA

Yeah you won't need a preparatory course.

Here's an onslaught of links (Varna specific):

Cost of Living:
https://www.mu-varna.bg/EN/Admission/Pages/cost-of-living.aspx

My sister lives in private accommodation with our cousin. It's a flat :smile:

The accomodation she got is pretty good, I recommend going to see a few before deciding. Look at the distance from the university building as well along with other useful shops.

Accomodation:
https://www.mu-varna.bg/EN/Admission/Pages/accomodation.aspx

General Admissions page with lots of useful links:
https://www.mu-varna.bg/EN/Admission/Pages/default.aspx

More useful links for Medicine:
https://www.mu-varna.bg/EN/Students/Pages/faculty-medicine.aspx

This link has a survival guide at the bottom of the page, which is worth having a read through.

I hope that helps :biggrin:

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 9

Anonymous #1

OP

What about the downsides of going abroad to do medicine? Homesickness? Not knowing NHS or NICE guidelines? Is there anything I should be wary of?

Reply 10