Correct pathway to Study medicine (MBBS) abroad
After receiving the Advanced Level examination results many students will not be able to enter the Sri Lankan Medical Faculty in government Universities. Because according to the education system in Sri Lanka, only a limited number of students will get the opportunity to enter the Medical faculty. But there are many foreign education providers in the country sending students to foreign medical universities. Most of the parents do not know how to get into the correct path as they do not have the relevant information. The self-research that I have done about these private organization, will help other parents to handover their children to the correct place.
What I have got to know is there are many commercialized institutions that send students abroad. Most of them charge a huge amount and some of them never reveal the exact cost for the studies. Several agents conduct Pre Medical Programmes saying that it is equivalent to A/Ls. Many students who are studying in international schools misled by these places and they do not know that Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC0 does not recognize any Pre Medical Programme or Any Foundation Programme. Most of the teachers also mislead the children saying that these foundation courses save time and money. A child should minimum get the results of 2 Credit Passes and 1 Simple Pass in Advanced Level examination to register under the SLMC and the university also should recognized by the SLMC. Most of the Universities take students in the September intake and some agents sends them earlier for unnecessary foundation programmes for money.
Some institutions shows a low cost and send children to a university which is very far from the main city. The parents without considering the Transportation cost, easily misled by thinking about the lower course fee. They do not know that they can send their child to a better State University which is near to the city and also give the Recognized degrees. State University is better than a private, commercialized university as state university has a recognition and the standard. And when selecting a foreign state medical university, we need to consider how many Sri Lankan students are studying in that university. The services given by the institute, the recognition of the university and the degree, number of sri Lankan students, security, cost, demand, job opportunities, ERPM guidance, responsibility till the graduation, direct admission, and the trustfulness of the place have to be considered when selecting a proper place. Other than mentioned criteria, parents should communicate with the passed out students and clarify the facilities, services they have given to the student. Before paying any amount, check whether it is refundable as many places do not refund any fee though you have chosen another place.
If you have read this articles, I hope that it will be helpful to find the correct place to handover your child’s future.
Kumara karunathilaka