Indian Students Succeed with US Healthcare Education
February 23, 2015
queensu / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND
More and More Indian Students Choose a US Medical & Healthcare Education
If you're an Indian student considering healthcare education in the US, you're part of a movement. Many Indian students are choosing the US as a destination for pursuing higher studies in both healthcare and technical fields.
In the field of allied healthcare, there is a huge interest in MRI, Embryology, and Neurodiagnostic Technology education among Indian students. It's no wonder that the number of med students from India has almost doubled in the last 8 years.
In fact, the US Council of Graduate Schools statistics in 2014 showed that compared to 2012–13, the number of Indian students applying for post-graduate programs in the US has gone up by 25%. Students from other nations on the other hand, showed a 9% increase.
But what's inspiring students from India to create this impressive trend? And what are the most common challenges they face before reaching success? Answers to both of these questions plus advice on adapting to US life can be found below.
The Advantages of American Education in Medical Sciences & Healthcare
Stanford EdTech / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND
There are many reasons why Indian students are considering medical schools and other healthcare training institutes in thе US. Chief among them is the desire to study in a high-quality healthcare education setup.
While there are many competitive higher education institutes in India, the number of students applying to them is far more than what they can serve. This ensures that a significant portion of students choose to look for options in other countries.
Also, an education from a quality establishment in the US carries more weight in the Indian job market. The result is that students returning home can often expect better job offers.
All this, of course, doesn't mean there won't be challenges. Tuition and cost of living are much more expensive in the US than in India, and moving into an unfamiliar culture is never easy.
How to Overcome the Top Challenges of Studying Abroad
The following issues are representative of the main challenges most students studying abroad face. None of them are impossible. In fact, with just a bit of preparation, getting past these obstacles will be a breeze.
To help you, we're sharing our expert advice on dealing with some common difficulties as you transition to an American academic career.
Challenge #1 Learning the Language
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Even though a huge number of Indian students can read, speak and understand English, they do run into difficulties when trying to make sense of American English, which is different in many respects to the English spoken in India.
Many institutes of higher education in the US require foreign students to provide TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score reports in order to apply.
Besides being a formal requirement, the test is also a great way to enhance your understanding of English. Check out these resources which can help you prepare for TOEFL.
Challenge #2 Financing Your Education
Securing the necessary funds is the biggest challenge an international student faces when trying to apply to a US educational institute.
As a student, you have to consider the cost of tuition, living expenses, books, board, etc., before you get here. The cost of education will be the most expensive part of the equation, and you'll need to ensure that you have sufficient financial support.
Student loans and scholarships may be available for you as an international student, and if you have US residency, you can look into federal loans as well.
Challenge #3 Dealing with Culture Shock
iwona_kellie / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND
Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation you feel when exposed to a culture you're completely unfamiliar with.
This is a natural process and every international student coming to the US for the first time can expect some degree of culture shock as they try to adapt to their new environment.
The experience can include everything from getting used to the food, to learning the local slang and generally accepted behavior, all of which may seem strange at first sight.
Important: You may also experience re-entry shock when you return to India after having spent 4 years abroad, so be prepared for the readjustment!
The key point indealing with culture shock is not to become overwhelmed. After all, you're in an entirely different part of the world, so expect things to be different. Getting used to a new way of doing things simply takes time.
The best strategy is to remember to lighten up and take it step-by-step. Make friends, and try your best to make your experience here as memorable as you can.
Challenge #4 Overcoming Homesickness
Missing home isn't that big of a deal when you have a whole new world to explore.
WanderingtheWorld / Flickr / CC BY-NC
Homesickness is also an ever present problem when you move into a new place. After the initial excitement and euphoria of having moved into a new country dies down, you might find yourself missing your home culture.
Much like culture shock, homesickness, too, is a natural process of acclimatization. Over time, most people will get over it.
Luckily, the large Indian community present in the US will greatly soften the feelings of being homesick. Keeping in touch with your family back home will also help you feel more at ease, as willtrying your best to adapt to your new life.
The Bottom Line
Studying in a US medical or healthcare professional institution is a great way to enhance your career options. Not only will you get access to quality education, but you'll also give yourself the opportunity to explore a different culture which will expand your perspective.
After you get through the initial period of stress, you'll likely have a great time and make many lifelong friends in the process. Plus, you'll set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling future as a medical professional.
Leave us a comment below if you have any questions on how to enroll in our programs, or if you'd like to share your own experiences of studying in another country.
