Over the recent years, Guyana has emerged as one of the most popular choices among students seeking MBBS abroad, globally. The current statistics have shown that over 500 students from 26+ countries have joined medical schools in the Caribbean. On further segregation, Guyana alone hosts more than half a percentage of these students. 

With several med schools, it is evident that international students often find Guyana as a favourable destination. The country offers some amazing opportunities that too at an affordable cost, however, for students from around the world, the region can pose some challenges if proper precautions from the very first step are not taken. 

Here are 5 common challenges that studying MD/MBBS in Guyana for international students:

1. Recognitions of the Medical Degree 

Medical schools of Guyana are known for their US-based education at an affordable price. However, many a time, their med schools are not recognised by the necessary bodies, hence making the attained degree invaluable as it cannot be used to practice anywhere. Therefore, despite the words, it is better to do your own research and find out about the recognitions, accreditations and affiliations of the university and thus, that of the medical degree. 

In regards to the recognitions, Lincoln American University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) & Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), empanelled by the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) now National Medical Commission (NMC), Medical Council of Canada, Australia, etc, and recognised by National Accreditation Council (NAC), Guyana. 

2. Clinical Rotations & Affiliated Hospitals

Another important aspect that students often overlook, when deciding on their med school is the list of affiliated hospitals by the university for clinical rotation. According to the American medical curriculum, during the last two years, the student is required to take part in clinical training/ rotation and gain application skills in the professional world.

At LAU, the students can get to practice their clinical rotations in some of the best hospitals in Guyana, India, Nepal, etc. The list of affiliated hospitals includes Georgetown Public Hospital (Guyana), Manmohan Memorial Teaching Hospital (Nepal), Max Healthcare Institute (India) and St. Joseph & Mercy Hospital (Guyana). The LAU students can learn directly from the professionals at these hospitals and can even indulge in identifying their expertise and specialisation. 

3. Global Reach & Exposure

One of the key reasons various aspiring medical students opt to study abroad is the advantage of having global exposure. When finalising the university, do give a check about its international participation. These participations often bring in more opportunities for the students to participate and associate with field experts across the world. 

LAU is one of the youngest and fastest-growing medical institutions on the path of being an epicentre of healthcare research and education. The university has a noteworthy association with several reputed universities for the academic enrichment of the students and to make education more inclusive and accessible for all. The university has associations with the Sharda University and Singhania University, India as well as several other reputed universities of Russia like Orenburg State Medical University and Perm State Medical Program for academic exchange programs to give the students more exposure and access to worldly resources.

4. Safety & Accommodation Struggles 

Guyana is a rapidly evolving choice among aspiring medical students across the world, therefore, finding accommodation can be quite a hassle with the ever-increasing demand.
 
One of the other concerns faced by the students is safety. Though the country, in general, is quite safe, there are some sub-urban regions where safety can be quite a concern. 

LAU provides all the students with hostels. And in case, those are unavailable, the university takes care of the accommodation arrangements for the students. Moreover, the entire campus as well as the hostel facility is properly monitored. With the gated entry and 24x7 CCTV facility, the university takes all the proper precautions to ensure the safety of all its students. 

5. Adaptability Concerns

For several students who are stepping out of their homes for the first time and joining university life and that too abroad, adaptability can be quite a concern. With the new environment, new culture, new people, new lifestyle, new eating habits and new routine it can get a bit overwhelming for the students to adjust to new surroundings. 

At LAU, student life is peaceful and full of young energy. The students can easily find their peers, mentors and many times, seniors from their hometowns. Apart from that the university also takes care of the eating habits of its students, for example, Indian mess facilities for Indian students, and celebration of traditional & cultural festivals.