PreMed Mondays: 52 Letters of Mentorship to a Future Doctor by Dale Okorodudu

Author:Dale Okorodudu [Okorodudu, Dale]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clovercroft Publishing
Published: 2018-06-19T17:00:00+00:00

Week 27

FIVE REASONS TO CONSIDER STUDYING ABROAD

To my premedical friend:

It’s very easy to get comfortable with where you are in life. I’m referring to where you are at both physically and mentally. There’s much to be gained by experiencing something different. Studying abroad is a wonderful way to do that. In full disclosure, I didn’t do this, but should the opportunity arise, I certainly would. Here are five reasons to consider studying abroad:

1)You can learn a new language. You may not become fluent, but you’ll learn enough to get by. Day by day, our world is becoming more global. No matter what field you go into, medicine included, being familiar with multiple languages is beneficial.

2)You will get exposure to a different culture. While learning a new language is part of experiencing a cul-ture, there’s much more to it than that. The way people dress, the foods they eat, the way they greet one another, the intent behind their actions—all of these things are a part of a society’s culture. It is important to gain an understanding of how other people function in the world, and to acknowledge that there are other ways to live besides the way you do.

3)You will make new friends. It is important to remember that life continues, even while you are on the premed journey. Friends are important, and they are part of your journey. Studying abroad will give you the opportunity to make brand-new friends who you would have never met otherwise. These can become lifelong friendships.

4)You will gain an appreciation of your own culture. You have probably heard the saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Well, even though your culture won’t be gone when you are studying abroad, just being away can give you a greater appreciation. Simple conveniences that you take for granted every day will be brought to light when overseas. Such things will give you a greater appreciation for your homeland.

5)It’s just a really cool thing to do. Not too many people can say they have traveled to a foreign country and spent several months there. When you look back at this later in your life, it’ll be a really cool thing to tell people. That in and of itself is enough!

My challenge to you this week is to spend five minutes talking to someone from a different country. Step outside of your box and learn to appreciate someone different.

I’d love to hear how your challenge went. Tweet me @DoctorDaleMD #PreMedMondays. I continue to pray for your success, and I look forward to our time together next Monday.

Dr. Dale

THIS WEEK’S ASSIGNMENT

Take five minutes to talk to someone from a different country.

How did you learn to better appreciate that person?

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