Some may hear the call of sunny Spain, while others may prefer the Orient's mystical call. If one wants something out-of-the-ordinary for his medical residency experience, he may be consider traveling abroad. Of course, traveling abroad can be pricey. However, if a student has excellent academics, he may be counting on a private educational loan to help him realize his dreams. Before he starts sending applications or booking flights, he should examine some practical considerations that could affect his future career choices.

First of all, American medical practices, policies and systems remain unique. Most countries have rigorous standards to which medical personnel must comply, but none of these systems are universally reciprocal. Therefore, no one can guarantee that he will receive academic credit in the U.S. for completing a residency in China. If this standard seems harsh, one must consider the fact that each country has a distinct set of diseases and conditions that plague its population. Gaining residency in France could equip one to understand that country's needs, but a French residency would not translate into useful experience for medical practice in India.

In America, foreign doctors with many years of experience must complete a U.S. residency before being licensed to practice medicine in America. This same standard typically applies to students who have done a residency or attended medical school outside of the U.S. Consequently, here's the safest option for satisfying one's wanderlust without repeating part of his education: he should attend a foreign university for a year during his undergrad and then transfer back to the States for medical school and residency. While most medical students find that this approach works best, there are some rare exceptions.

For instance, some rural or low-income universities actually welcome foreign or foreign-trained students. The main reason for this trend is that these areas receive very few applications, period. They are literally glad to get whatever students they can. On the other hand, these small universities sometimes do not have full accreditation or have difficulty getting their credits to transfer. One also has to consider where he wants his education to lead. If he plans to practice in Podunk Town, USA, it's acceptable to do a residency abroad and then finish at a little-known university in the US. However, if he would prefer a lucrative practice in a metropolis, he'd better stick to the States for residency and to prominent institutions for med school.

If foreign residency sounds like a viable option, a private educational loan might help. Otherwise, one should get training and residency where he plans to practice. There's a wide world of opportunity available, but some of those opportunities might be waiting in one's own backyard.