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Hameln, 19. February 2014

Studying Medicine in English

Not a Compromise but a Necessity

You have to overcome many obstacles, if you dream of a medical university place in Germany: Numerus clausus-restrictions, that set the limit for admission at 1,2. A great competition, because the number of applicants exceeds the number of university places many times over, plus a medical test and maybe years of waiting semesters.

Despite of these conditions, the hope for a medical study place does not have to be given up, because there are alternatives: Medical study abroad in English is one of the most popular options, to overcome the various obstacles of the German university environment. The study places for medicine in other European countries, for example in Hungary, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Spain, are also hard-fought. The admission requirements however are compliable at most universities. While the grade point average of the A levels is no crucial criterion, the selection process for medical study paths often involve admission exams, that can be easily mastered with a good preparation. Medical study is being offered at numerous different Eastern European universities in English, which is nothing to worry about. Quite the contrary: A study in the English language lays the foundation for international alignment and countless perspectives for the career of the students.

As seen in the following, medical study in English is not a compromise, but rather a necessity in today’s, from globalization shaped, Europe. English is the current world language par excellence and thus will be unalterable for the younger generation students and their formation of the future and will play a central role. Nowadays the English language is represented in our daily life and in all social areas and steadily gains importance. The progress to a, more and more, English coined communication and interaction, will, most likely, proceed and increase in the following years in the university, occupational and social sector. Therefore it is a good idea, to maintain and intensify the command of English. Through medical study in English, this happens on long term and in a very detailed way with the students, which is an optimal preparation for their future field of activity.

English is the international dominating academic language. On that account, it is a sine qua non for future doctors, written and spoken, to possess a very good English register. At the beginning it takes time and demands much endurance to make yourself familiar with the academic terms of another language. The enormous benefit of the academic language English, is the uncomplicated and trouble-free understanding amongst doctors and researchers from all around the world. This common denominator ensures a barrier-free cooperation and sharing of the newest knowledge, in science and medical development across national borders. As a result, the following motto applies: The sooner you expand and deepen your English language skills at the beginning of your medical studies, the more you will feel qualified and safe to establish yourself in the future professional life, since a better English register means an essential improvement for the career chances of a medical practitioner.

Further, the students of a medical study course in English profit from an international environment and an intercultural atmosphere. Parallel to study, mostly an unconscious learning and applying of intercultural communication takes place. These precious, cultural overreaching competences, count as one of the most important soft skills in occupational and private life today. The advantages during and after medical study in English are thus diverse: In addition to the medical learning content, linguistic and intercultural competences and skills are being learned and educated simultaneously. The study thus contains a dimension, which is exceeding the theoretical study content. Based on these additional experiences, which the students accumulate during their medical training daily, the choices, concerning countries, in which you can practice after graduation will be distinctly diversified.

As a concluding résumé it can be said that it is worth to study medicine in English, not just because of the professional advantages, but also because of linguistic, intercultural and social additional competences. Such studies enable the students not to be restricted in their thinking and to develop a feeling for another language and other nationalities, on the long term. In addition, nowadays, a good English register and intercultural competences are being expected by physicians. With the study of medicine in English, you are optimally prepared for these requirements.