What are the pathways for international students to study medicine abroad?

[Marvel]

Students can apply directly to Caribbean MD programs with high school or pre-med backgrounds, appear for entrance exams/interviews, and secure student visas. Some programs offer foundation or pre-medical paths.

[obinna]

My cousin recently chose the pathway of doing a one-year pre-med foundation before starting her MD program in the Caribbean. From what I’ve seen, that option really helped her adjust to living abroad, make friends, and get used to the study culture before diving into the intense medical curriculum. For families, it’s also comforting to know that there are structured steps, such as visa guidance, orientation, and student support services, that make the move smoother. Watching her confidence grow has been inspiring.

[Wren Blair]

Hello all, having gone through these threads recently, I’d like to share something
If you take the foundation or pre-med path, use it not just to cover academics but also to build relationships with faculty. Strong letters of recommendation make a difference in competitive programs.
For the entrance exams/interviews: don’t underestimate non-academic preparation. Things like communicating clearly, showing your motivation/why medicine, cultural awareness, these often come up in interviews.
Regarding visas, once you're accepted, keep copies of everything. Delays often come from missing paperwork or delays in translation/authentication.
Lastly, once you are in medical school, find seniors or recent grads who have navigated the residency or licensing process. Their experience on what works can help you avoid common pitfalls.