Franklin & Marshall College

Study abroad is very possible and very common among health professions (HP) students at F&M. Although it may not be possible for all HP students to spend a semester or full year studying abroad, for many HP students who develop a plan in advance, this wonderful experience is a possibility in the program. Regarding students who were accepted to medical schools between 1999 and 2003, 17% studied abroad for one or two semesters.

There are several things that are important to remember: (1) Generally, study abroad is a junior year experience. However, for certain students, the first semester of the 4th year may be preferable. (2) The options for study abroad are enhanced by a non-science major. For example, it is easier for English majors (as opposed to chemistry majors) who are completing the requirements for medical school to be able to fit a semester or two of study abroad into their schedule and to be able to choose from a larger number of sites.

A special opportunity has existed for a number of years for chemistry majors with the exchange program between F&M and the University of Lancaster in Lancaster, England. This is a full year program which permits students to enroll in junior year level chemistry courses as well as courses in other academic areas. An additional opportunity now exists for chemistry majors. F&M has been selected to participate in a new project sponsored by the Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE). This is a program developed between the United States and the European Community (EC) and is designed as an exchange between institutions in the U.S. and the EC countries. Presently, our chemistry department has approved the transfer of credit from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, and Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Opportunities also exist for study in France, Germany, Spain, and other EC countries.

Biology majors have a number of possibilities that are open to them, primarily in the United Kingdom and Australia. By direct integration into British or Australian universities, students are able to keep on schedule with major requirements in the junior year. There are also opportunities for study abroad experiences for biology majors in other parts of the world.

In the past several years, more and more F&M students have studied abroad. It is an experience that they all say changed their lives (for the better!). Most health professions schools view a study abroad experience quite favorably.

More information on studying abroad at F&M can be found on the International and Off-Campus Study homepage.

If you choose to pursue pre-medical course work abroad, you need to pay close attention to the courses you take. There are programs which are geared toward pre-medical students, and you should discuss these options with the Director of International and Off-Campus Study. Some programs include:

1. University of Sussex, Brighton, England (Special Premed program)
2. Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel (Special Premed program)
3. Most British and Australian universities offer excellent coursework in the sciences.

There are also overseas programs that offer science courses, fieldwork and internships, and some may be for credit. Again, consult with the Office for International and Off-Campus study to discuss your plans.