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Web Release
10-07-2025
- Health
- Web Release
Thinking of Studying Medicine Abroad? 7 Steps to Get Started
Studying medicine abroad is an exciting and life-changing opportunity – one that opens the door to global education, diverse clinical experiences, and an international medical career. But it also means making big choices and being prepared. To help aspiring doctors make the right choices, St. George's University, School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, has provided seven key guidelines that prospective doctors should take into account before embarking on this rewarding but challenging path. Know your why and what are your career goals Before pursuing a medical degree, it's essential to be fully committed to the journey. Studying medicine requires years of dedication, discipline, and resilience. Take time to reflect on your motivations – why you want to become a doctor and align them with your long-term career goals. Consider where you envision practicing medicine after graduation and what kind of impact you hope to make. Being clear about your desired specialty, location, and goals will guide your decision-making and help you stay focused throughout your studies. Additionally, studying abroad can significantly broaden your perspective. Exposure to different healthcare systems, cultures, and belief systems enhances your adaptability and cultural competence – skills that are increasingly valuable in today's global healthcare landscape. Strengthen Your Academic Foundation Success in medical school starts with a solid grasp of core subjects – biology, chemistry, and physics. Understanding the relevance of these subjects will not only help you meet entry requirements but also prepare you for the rigorous curriculum ahead. Maintaining a strong Grade Point Average (GPA) is crucial. Your GPA reflects your academic consistency and can significantly influence your eligibility for medical school. While GPA is important, many institutions also consider other factors such as letters of recommendation, teacher references, and extracurricular involvement. To boost your academic performance, consider strategies like: Staying on top of assignments Participating in study groups Asking questions in class Applying feedback to improve continuously Developing these habits early will position you for long-term success in your medical journey. Sharpen Your English Skills In places like Canada, the US, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, medical graduates looking for placements must be able to speak and write English very well. One option is completing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which incorporates hearing, reading, writing, and speaking tasks to assess your English proficiency. Additionally, thousands of educational institutions across the globe recognize the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A good grasp of medical vocabulary will also ensure seamless communication among physicians and all healthcare professionals from different universities, hospitals, and other medical institutions. Choose the Right Medical School Make a shortlist of accredited medical schools that align with your career goals. Look beyond the curriculum – explore residency placements, campus life, and alumni stories to get a realistic view of what each school offers. Understand Licensing and Residency Pathways Each country has its own licensing requirements for medical practice, often involving country-specific exams. For example, if you plan to practice in the United States, you'll need to pass the USMLE – a three-step exam that tests your medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and patient-focused skills. Research these pathways early to ensure your chosen medical school aligns with your long-term career and licensing goals. Make the Most of Education Fairs & Counselors Education fairs are a great way to speak directly with university representatives and get answers about programs, campus life, and application requirements. SGU regularly attends fairs across the GCC, offering valuable insights into its program/tracks and global clinical opportunities. You can also work with education counselors to simplify the application process and get help with visas, housing, and paperwork. Prepare Mentally and Financially Studying medicine abroad is both exciting and challenging. Be ready to adapt to a new environment, balance academics with self-care, and manage your wellbeing. Financially, explore scholarships, student loans, and budgeting strategies. Consider buying second-hand materials and tracking daily expenses to make your money go further. You should also be financially-prepared for your time abroad and explore any scholarship opportunities and student loan options that you maybe eligible for to help pay for your studies. Conclusion: A medical career is a long-term commitment – planning ahead academically, financially, and emotionally will set you up for success. For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU's website.
The Mainichi
29-06-2025
- The Mainichi
Social inequality in China may be behind English test proxy cases in Japan
TOKYO -- A slew of suspected cheating cases have been uncovered in the Test of English for International Communication, known commonly as TOEIC, held in Japan. A Chinese student has been arrested over his alleged involvement, and is suspected to have acted as part of an exam cheating ring. A closer look into these cases reveals circumstances unique to China. "We have a perfect test proxy group." This is one of the ad copies on Chinese-language websites promising high TOEIC scores by hiring proxy test-takers. Some claim they will refund the fees if the scores are not met as promised. Detailed information, including prices and process, is not available on the website. A potential customer must scan a 2D code to access a messaging app, exchange messages individually with a representative, and then proceed to make a formal request. There were also ads for similar cheating tactics for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). About $8,000 to hire proxy test-taker; training session offered In June, one Chinese woman in her 20s accessed one of the similar sites out of curiosity and exchanged messages with their representative through the Chinese messaging app WeChat. The representative presented two methods and pricing for taking the TOEIC: "Test proxy costs 59,000 yuan (about $8,200) and the earphone method is 29,000 yuan ($4,000)." Proxy refers to someone impersonating the client taking the test, while the earphone method involves the client going to the test site themselves, wearing a device in their ear, and receiving answers via audio from another person solving the test questions elsewhere at the site. Because this method requires the client to physically attend the exam site, it is considered burdensome and risky, and the representative told her that there was a preliminary "training session." In both cases, exam venues were located in Japan. Clients are instructed to pay half of the service fee upfront and the remainder after the results are released. The Chinese woman said she exchanged dozens of messages with the representative, but ultimately stopped communicating due to the fraudulent nature of the method. Coordinated operation involving Chinese nationals? The cheating techniques the woman was introduced to resemble those uncovered in a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigation into proxy test-taking and cheating schemes allegedly involving Chinese nationals. In May, the MPD arrested Wang Likun, a 27-year-old graduate student at Kyoto University, on the spot for suspected unlawful entry into a TOEIC testing venue in Tokyo's Itabashi Ward, using someone else's ID. The MPD had been investigating after receiving reports by the TOEIC operator in May that they "found a test-taker muttering in Chinese during the exam." When Wang was apprehended, he was carrying a student ID under the name of another Chinese student, bearing a photo of his own face. Authorities also seized "smart glasses" equipped with a camera and communication functions, as well as a small microphone attached to a face mask. Multiple cheating scheme businesses suspected At the Itabashi Ward test venue, approximately 40 test-takers had registered with the same address as Wang. It is believed, by doing this, they sought to be assigned the same venue as him. Based on these circumstances, the MPD suspects the involvement of organized cheating service providers. Investigators believe Wang not only acted as a test proxy under the instruction of a Chinese agent but also was planning to use audio to relay answers to other Chinese test-takers at the venue. On June 7, after Wang's arrest, the MPD voluntarily questioned 10 Chinese nationals suspected of attempting to cheat during another TOEIC session held in Tokyo. Sources close to the investigation said there are multiple exam fraud businesses in China, and the fees paid by clients can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen (hundreds to thousands of dollars), depending on the provider. They may be exploiting Japan's lax countermeasures One reason for the surge in exam fraud by Chinese nationals in Japan may be the comparatively lax anticheating measures at Japanese test venues. A 26-year-old Yokohama woman, originally from southern China, says the country imposes strict cheating countermeasures. "In China, metal detectors are used to inspect belongings before entering the room for high school entrance exams or mid-terms and finals. If you have a cellphone, it will be confiscated," she explained. One investigative source said, "They think cheating is easy in Japan and they won't get caught. We're being completely underestimated." Social inequality in China Some observers believe that the trend is also connected to the fact that there are Chinese individuals aiming to study or work in Japan due to unique social circumstances in China. A 32-year-old woman from a farming village in western China, who now lives in Tokyo's Katsushika Ward and runs her own business, said, "If I had been born in Beijing or Shanghai, I probably would have just worked in China." According to Tomoko Ako, professor of modern Chinese studies at the University of Tokyo, China has a family registration system designed to limit migration into cities, which distinguishes between urban and rural residents. Rural residents face discrimination in employment and other areas, while those who live in urban areas where universities are concentrated tend to have advantages in education and job opportunities. Additionally, in China, there are "privileged classes" such as the so-called "Second-Generation Reds," descendants of high-ranking officials who contributed to the Communist revolution. These elites often use money or connections to gain competitive advantages. In contrast, Japan is said to have less pronounced inequality based on birthplace or social class compared to China. Achieving high scores on tests such as TOEIC can expand one's options for school or employment. These circumstances might encourage some Chinese individuals to move to Japan, where they can better leverage their abilities. Ako added, "Among the privileged class, there may be people who engage in illegal behavior in Japan with the same mindset they had in China. For others, the inherent unfairness of China's system might make them feel that rather than engaging in fair competition, it's better to pay money to exploit loopholes -- leading some to turn to cheating."
Time of India
13-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Is the CBSE board exam result valid in the US?
If you're a parent or student with a CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) result in hand and thinking about studying or working in the US, you might be wondering: Is my CBSE result valid in the US? Well, the short answer is, yes! But there are a few important things to keep in mind to make sure your credentials are recognized and accepted across the globe. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The CBSE board is one of the most recognized educational systems in India, overseeing exams for school children from classes 10 to 12. It is designed to provide a standardized curriculum across India and is widely respected. That said, education systems in different countries vary, and the US follows its own set of academic standards. So, it's important to understand how the CBSE system fits into the US academic structure. The good news is that the CBSE is generally recognized in the US, especially when it comes to undergraduate admissions. Many universities in the US accept the CBSE class 12 results as part of their admission process, especially if the student is applying directly after completing their secondary education in India. However, CBSE isn't exactly the same as the US high school system. In the US, students typically follow a 12-year education system (grades 1–12) which is split between middle school, high school, and sometimes college preparatory years. CBSE, on the other hand, is more centralized and focused on standardized exams in senior school years. That means if you've completed your CBSE exams, it's important to convert your marks into a GPA (Grade Point Average) or equivalent to ensure it fits with the US educational framework. Most universities use GPA or letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) when considering applicants. The conversion from the CBSE percentage system to the US GPA system can sometimes be tricky. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For example, a CBSE percentage doesn't always map directly to the standard 4.0 GPA system used in the US. But don't worry—most US universities are familiar with the CBSE system and will either convert the marks themselves or use a recognized conversion scale. You can also do this yourself using online GPA calculators, or by using the help of credential evaluation services. These services assess your academic records and provide a US-equivalent transcript, which universities often require. What about college and university admissions? When applying to US universities, you might need to provide additional documentation such as standardized college entrance exams in the US. While CBSE results are important, most US universities will require a standardized test score to assess your readiness for college-level work. Another consideration is English language proficiency. If English wasn't your first language in school, you might need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. These tests measure how well you can understand and use English, and they're often required for international students applying to US colleges. So, yes, your CBSE board result is recognized in the US, especially if you're applying to universities and colleges. However, it's important to do the homework on your end. Make sure your marks are converted to GPA, and be prepared to provide additional documentation like standardized test scores and proof of English proficiency. With a little extra effort, you can be well on your way to studying or working in the US! The main takeaway here is—don't stress. CBSE is a widely accepted board, and US colleges are familiar with it. Just follow the right steps, and you're all set!
