Study Abroad

Study abroad is popular at Richmond, with 60 percent of our students completing an experience abroad. The University has over 70 study abroad programs in more than 30 countries.

With appropriate advance course planning, pre-health students can easily accommodate an experience abroad. In fact, several of our study abroad programs are designed specifically for pre-health students who wish to incorporate their interest in medicine with an experience abroad. Studying abroad is an excellent way for pre-health students to set themselves apart from other health professional school applicants.

Pre-health students are strongly encouraged to complete all prerequisite science courses for professional school within the U.S., since many professional schools will not accept such coursework taken abroad.

Considerations by Year

First-Year Students

Pre-health students who intend to study abroad should meet with Dr. Vaughan to develop a curricular plan that incorporates their interests while satisfying the necessary prerequisite courses for health professional schools. Such advance planning is essential for staying on schedule to take national tests (e.g., MCAT, DAT) and apply to professional schools.

Second-Year Students

During the sophomore year, the spring semester is a better time to study abroad than the fall semester. One exeption to this is the pre-med partnership program with St Andrews University, which is offered in fall semesters only.

Third-Year Students

During the junior year, the fall semester is a better time to study abroad than the spring semester. This is because 1) most pre-health students prepare for professional school admission tests (e.g., MCAT, DAT) during the spring semester, and 2) students who intend to apply to medical or dental school at the end of their junior year will need to interview with the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) during the spring semester.

Fourth-Year Students

Students who apply to professional school at the conclusion of their junior year will need to be available for interviews at those schools during their entire senior year. Therefore, study abroad during this year will only be possible for those persons who are taking at least one gap year between their undergraduate studies and the start of professional school.

Recommended Programs for Pre-Health Students

Below is a list of programs that offer health science courses. To explore these and other programs, including summer programs, internships and semester programs in other locations, as well as information on financial aid, scholarships and application procedures, visit the Office of International Education.