Discover what life is really like for MBBS students studying abroad. Explore academic challenges, cultural experiences, personal growth, lifestyle, and future opportunities for Indian medical students overseas.

Mbbs 30 Jun, 2025

Life and Experience of an MBBS Student Abroad: Studying MBBS abroad is not just about attending lectures and earning a degree. It's a life-changing experience that changes candidates academically, personally, and professionally. Each year, thousands of Indian students take the step of pursuing their medical education abroad, motivated by factors like quality education, global exposure, and affordable fees.

But what does the life of an MBBS student abroad truly look like? The below section provides an inside look into the daily routines, academic expectations, cultural transitions, and others of students pursuing MBBS outside India.

Why Choose MBBS Abroad?

Every year, lakhs of students appear for the NEET exam to get into medical colleges in India. But due to limited seats and high competition, only a few candidates get admission. This is why studying MBBS abroad has become a popular choice because it offers quality education at a lower cost. Countries like Russia, Georgia, the Philippines, and Kazakhstan have good medical universities that are approved by the NMC and offer courses in English. These universities also provide good hostel facilities, Indian food, and a safe environment for students. Below are some points why students choose MBBS abroad:

Low Competition for Admission
Affordable Tuition Fees
Globally Recognized Degrees
English-Medium Courses
Modern Infrastructure and Teaching Methods
High-Quality Clinical Training
No Donation or Capitation Fees
Global Exposure

Daily Academic Life of an MBBS Student Abroad

Studying MBBS abroad is not just about lectures and books. It is a combination of classroom learning, hospital visits, and practical training. The daily routine of an MBBS student abroad is designed to provide a strong knowledge base and clinical skills. Below are what is the daily academic life of an MBBS student abroad look like:

1. Morning Classes

Students usually start their day early with lectures on subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, or Biochemistry. Classes are conducted in English in most universities.

2. Laboratory Sessions

After theory, students move to lab sessions where they perform practicals, such as dissections, microscope studies, and body part identifications.

3. Clinical Training

From the second or third year, students begin clinical rotations. They visit hospitals, observe doctors, and interact with patients under supervision.

4. Self-Study Time

Evenings are often spent studying, revising classwork, or preparing for upcoming tests. Many students form study groups for better understanding.

5. Assignments and Projects

Students regularly receive assignments and case studies that help them understand real-life medical conditions.

6. Language and Communication Classes

In some countries like Russia or China, students take language classes to communicate better with patients during hospital visits.

7. Doubt-Clearing Sessions

Many universities offer extra tutorial classes or doubt-clearing sessions to support students who need help with certain topics.

8. Library and Research Time

Students often spend time in the university library to read reference books or prepare for exams like FMGE or NEXT.

9. Health and Wellness Activities

Some universities encourage yoga, sports, or fitness sessions to help students maintain a healthy balance between study and well-being.

Cultural and Social Experiences of MBBS Students Abroad:

Studying MBBS abroad is not just about academics. It is also about adjusting to a new lifestyle and culture. Students get to meet people from different countries, try new food, and experience life in a completely different environment. These experiences help students grow, become more confident, and learn how to live independently. Below points contain some common cultural and social experiences of MBBS students abroad:

1. Adapting to a New Culture

At first, it may feel strange to live in a new country. But over time, students get used to the local customs, food, and way of life.

2. Making New Friends

Students meet classmates from India and other countries. These friendships become a strong support system during their time abroad.

3. Celebrating Indian Festivals

Many Indian students celebrate festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid together. Cultural associations often organize events, making students feel at home.

4. Trying New Food

Food habits can be different, but students enjoy trying new dishes. Many also learn to cook Indian food in shared kitchens.

5. Language Learning

In non-English-speaking countries, students often learn basic local language to help them during hospital rounds or while shopping.

6. Travel and Exploration

Students explore local cities, tourist spots, and nearby countries during holidays. It adds fun and adventure to their journey.

7. Participating in Campus Events

Universities hold cultural shows, talent hunts, sports events, and international student meets where students can show their talents and make memories.

8. Handling Homesickness

In the beginning, students may miss home, but regular video calls, making friends, and staying busy help them adjust emotionally.

Cost of Living and Budget Management

Living abroad as a student means managing your own money wisely. Apart from tuition fees, students have to spend on accommodation, food, transport, internet, and other daily needs. Learning how to manage a monthly budget helps students live comfortably without overspending. With proper planning, MBBS abroad can be affordable and stress-free. The table below breaks down the approximate tuition fees of different countries abroad:

Country	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)	Total Cost (5-6 Years)
Russia	INR 2.5 – INR 5 lakhs	INR 20 – INR 30 lakh
Georgia	INR 3.5 – INR 6 lakhs	INR 25 – INR 40 lakh
Philippines	INR 3 – INR 6 lakhs	INR 20 – INR 35 lakh
Kazakhstan	INR 2 – INR 4 lakhs	INR 15 – INR 25 lakh
Ukraine	INR 2.5 – INR 4.5 lakhs	INR 20 – INR 30 lakhs

Additional Expenses

Hostel/Accommodation: INR 10,000 – INR 25,000/month
Food & Transport: INR 5,000 – INR 10,000/month
Miscellaneous (books, SIM card, visa, etc.): INR 1 lakh - 2 lakh annually

Food, Festivals & Homesickness

Living away from home means missing familiar food, celebrations, and family. For many Indian students, adjusting to a new country includes dealing with changes in meals and missing home during festivals. But when time passes, students find various ways to feel more comfortable and stay connected with their roots. Below are some common experiences:

1. Missing Indian Food

In the beginning, students miss homemade food. But many universities have an Indian mess or nearby restaurants that serve Indian dishes, which overcome this problem.

2. Learning to Cook

Many students learn to cook simple Indian meals. This not only saves money but also gives a taste of home.

3. Celebrating Indian Festivals

Indian students abroad often come together to celebrate festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Navratri. These events help them feel at home.

4. Staying in Touch with Family

Students make video calls, send messages, and share pictures regularly to stay close to their families.

5. Coping with Homesickness

It’s normal to feel lonely at first. Making new friends, joining cultural events, and staying busy help students overcome homesickness.

6. Trying Local Food

While Indian food is available, many students also enjoy trying new local dishes and learning about different cultures.

Choosing the Right Medical Colleges Abroad for Indian Students

Choosing the Right Medical Colleges Abroad for Indian Students is a very important step in the MBBS journey. The quality of education, recognition of the degree, safety, cost, and student support all depend on the candidate's choice of university. Indian students should look for NMC-approved colleges that offer English-medium courses, good clinical training, and strong student support systems.

Factors to Consider while Choosing Medical Colleges Abroad for Indian Students:

NMC Recognition
WHO & ECFMG listing
Medium of Instruction (English preferred)
Duration of Course (5 or 6 years)
FMGE passing rate of alumni
Safety and the Indian student population
Cost and scholarship opportunities

Top Recommended MBBS Countries for Indian Students:

Russia: Affordable, old universities, Indian communities
Philippines: US-based curriculum, English speaking
Georgia: Modern infrastructure, friendly environment
Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan: Budget-friendly
Uzbekistan: A Growing Destination with NMC-approved colleges

Life and Experience of an MBBS Student Abroad combines future opportunities, cultural enrichment, personal development, and academic excellence. It has its share of difficulties, such as homesickness and language barriers, but the benefits greatly exceed the drawbacks.

Studying MBBS abroad provides an opportunity for a successful medical career to thousands of young Indians. In addition to teaching medicine, the MBBS abroad program for Indian students provides freedom, flexibility, and a global perspective.

With the right planning, university selection, and determination, students can make the most of their journey. The MBBS abroad in India is rising, especially when it's completed with strong clinical knowledge, FMGE success, and soft skills.