Decisions, Decisions. It takes a great deal of thoughtful consideration for the soon-to-be medical student to decide upon choosing a residency program abroad. Here are several issues to deduce in one's mind before this life-changing decision is made.

First of all, before becoming a student, one must realize that the residency duration is between three and five years depending upon the field one chooses. Then a determination of the specialty must be made, such as pediatrics, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology or surgery just to name a few. Deciding whether to simply go to medical school in Europe or to gain education in the US and then go abroad for a residency is another option. There are indeed a variety of advantages and opportunities in wanting to do residency training in another foreign country. More than a dozen exceedingly meaningful reasons exist as to preferring to perform one's residency at a school of medicine in Europe rather than in less developed countries. Following are only a few reasons:

-Many European universities use program and curricula standards that are on the same level as that of medical colleges in America. If a student should be leaning toward studying at various universities in Europe, it is comforting to know that English language textbooks as well as course review materials are used.
-Student safety is strictly upheld. Special care is given to remove any hazardous working conditions without adequate safety precautions first being used.
-A lot of medical institutions in Europe often have the distinction of using highly caring, experienced and educated instructors. It is not uncommon for a wide variety of professors to have both MD and PhD post-graduate degrees.
-If there are limited funds available for a medical training residency abroad, then thought should be given about studying in Eastern Europe, which is the leader in medical residency education that is low-cost. A medical student loan can help cover the costs of education, residency and the related expenses.
-It is often considered to be a mark of prestige to say that a brand new MD performed the step of residency in a European country. It shows the individual is cultured and has broadened their horizons.

Now, there has to be one final conclusive thought; how is the soon-to-be resident going to obtain a medical school loan to cover expenses? A US federal student loan will not cover everything that is needed if the student is even eligible. There is, however, a kind of private student loan that will help medical students wishing to find a specialty residency program in Europe which will include the following: interview traveling expenses, relocation costs and even board exam expenses. Unlike a federal loan, these additional expenses incurred by going overseas are covered. The student can complete the schooling and residency before starting to pay back the money.