Penn vs. Canadian Medical school

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>Hey guys, I don't post often (although I do lurk A LOT), but Ive been a bit stuck in my decision making for about a week, so I decided to post here and see what comments I can get out of you guys :D</p>

<p>My situation is quite unique I think. I live in Quebec (its a province of Canada for those who do not know). Here, we mostly speak french and we have a special education system (yeah crazy french people who want to be unique lol). Basically, we have 6 years of I guess we could call elementary school (from 5 to 12 years old), then we have 5 years of high school (people get out of it at the age of 16-17), but them before university, we have 2 years of cegep, which prepares us for university I guess. Basically we get into university after grade 13. We can directly apply to a pre-med program after our 2 years of cegep, unlike you US people who need to get an undergraduate degree in college before applying to med school. </p>

<p>Here is my problem; I got accepted into both Penn SEAS (I would probably major in bioengineering) and into the premed program of University of Montreal (Although the campus I got into is not in Montreal) here in Quebec, but I cant choose. I am interested in both fields as different as they might be and money isnt really an issue. On one hand, doctor is a very stable job with a good salary (Im not afraid of the hard work), on the other hand, Penn is a very good school and Im quite tempted by the new experience. What worries me a bit is what I could do after my studies at Penn, can international students stay in the US to find jobs. What about job propects in that field? </p>

<p>I guess I mostly want some of your opinions on my situation and chat with some current students and other international students.</p>

<p>Thanks for leaving your comments!</p>

2

<p>Oups sorry, its now pre-med program, its simply “med” program, MD program</p>

3

<p>Bump???</p>

4

<p>Penn’s biomed program tends to send a lot of students out to great medical schools. The medical school at Penn is renowned for its medical research, usually ranking in the top 3 with Harvard and John Hopkins. You won’t be discriminated against when you go look for a job just because you’re international.</p>

5

<p>I’m not too familiar with Quebec’s system. How sure are you that you want to go into med? I would encourage Penn if you’re interested in exploring different areas. You can always go back and apply to med school after your 4 years here. I personally came into Penn pretty set on being pre-med and doing the whole med school route. Now, I’m discovering other areas/fields which seem interesting that I might want to pursue. </p>

<p>Currently, staying in the US to work after graduation can be a bit tricky (there’s a whole uproar with Obama making it difficult for internationals to get work visas) but that could all change in 4-5 years. Plus, as an international student you get 1 year of “Optional Practical Training” which you can use at any point after your first year to work. You could “save” it all for after graduation. As a Canadian it may be easier to get a work visa (I don’t know if trade agreements or whatever help us out or not…haven’t planned that far ahead yet :P)</p>