One of the most important decisions of your life is deciding the right place for your medical education, and in the past few years Georgia has become one of the most popular choices for Indian students looking for quality and affordable MBBS abroad. Georgia has world class universities that are well-known to give out degrees and have reasonable tuition fees which makes it a hot spot for thousands of medical aspirants. Despite the rapidly growing popularity of the country, there are a number of myths and misconceptions that tend to surface which makes students and parents confused and scared. These false beliefs have the danger of missing out on a life-changing opportunity.
At Yash Overseas, a well-known MBBS consultancy, we have guided hundreds of students to begin their medical careers in Georgia and we firmly believe that making the right decision requires having the right information. In this blog, we attempt to put to rest the most common misconceptions about studying MBBS in Georgia and do so using factual information, real experiences, and our extensive knowledge.
MYTH: 1 MBBS in Georgia Isn’t Globally Recognized
FACT: An MBBS degree undertaken in Georgia is accepted internationally, therefore,
presenting various career prospects all over the world.The medical universities located within Georgia are accepted by all international medical organizations such as:
⇒ World Health Organization (WHO)
⇒ National Medical Commission(NMC) India
⇒ Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, USA
⇒ Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research, FAIMER
⇒ Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia
This shows that students from accredited Georgian universities have the opportunity to sit for the following licensing examinations:
⇒ FMGE/NExT – Indian students wishing to practice in India
⇒ USMLE – Practice medicine in United States
⇒ PLAB – Practice medicine in United Kingdom
⇒ AMC – Practice medicine in Australia
MYTH: 2 It’s Very Expensive to Study MBBS in Georgia
FACT: Studying for an MBBS degree in Georgia is far more inexpensive compared to doing it in India, USA, UK or Australia due to the private medical colleges in India being comparatively costlier than their counterparts.
In fact, the average yearly fee for Georgian medical schools stands between $4 thousand and $7 thousand which translates to roughly ₹3.5 to 6 Lakhs per annum. This is on the lower side when considering the private medical colleges within India’s borders which charge ₹12 to ₹25 lakh annually.
In addition, these colleges often have unwritten policies of accepting donations or capitation fees which boosts the overall expenditure. Moreover, there is no donation or hidden charges associated with Georgian universities fees—what you see is what you pay.
MYTH: 3 Georgia Is Not a Safe Country for International Students
FACT: Georgia is in fact one of the safest nations in Europe. It is always near the top of the Global Peace Index, and crime levels are relatively low compared to most nations. Student life in Georgia is friendly and safe. Universities have 24/7 campus security Indian student group are vibrant and active. Public transport is secure and efficient. Locals are famous for being friendly and hospitable.
Moreover, there is a well-established and vibrant Indian student population in Georgia.
This gives new students a support system, the ability to access Indian food and cultural events, and an air of comfort. Thousands of Indian students are already studying MBBS in Georgia and have had positive, safe, and rewarding experiences. Georgia is secure and cozy for international students, with thousands of Indian students now studying without problems
MYTH: 4 Language Will Be a Barrier in Georgia
FACT: Students need not be familiar with the Georgian or Russian language to keep up
with the curriculum, excel academically, or succeed in university examinations.
The faculty of teaching are English-speaking and capable of teaching foreign students.
But in the clinical rotation period—where students deal with patients in hospitals—universities promote learning basic Georgian or Russian phrases. This is mostly to facilitate students to speak more effectively with local patients, most of whom might not be familiar with speaking English language.
But let it be understood that studying the local language is not obligatory, nor is it required to pass exams or graduate.
Mostly, students learn basic communication skills over time either through language support classes provided by the universities, interaction with locals, or by simply being immersed in the surroundings.
One of the best features of pursuing MBBS in Georgia is that all the top medical universities have the entire course in 100% English medium. It means that from day one until graduation, all lectures, textbooks, exams, assignments, and even clinical practice are in English. This makes it very suitable for international students, particularly those from India and other non-Georgian speaking nations.
MYTH: 5 No Indian food is available in Georgia
FACT: The assumption that Indian food is not found in Georgia is entirely wrong. If you wish to eat out, cook yourself, or have food delivered to your hostel, Indian food is readily available and widely used among the student community. Therefore, students will not have to sacrifice taste or tradition to pursue their MBBS in Georgia.
Moreover, Indian food is easily available in most big cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi.
A good number of Indian restaurants offer original cuisine like biryani, paneer, dal, and other regional dishes, primarily to the high number of international students. Many student hostels even have Indian-type mess facilities with home-cooked meals available daily, according to Indian tastes. For the cooking-friendly, Indian groceries and spices are available in local stores and specialty shops, and it is simple for students to prepare their preferred foods. Generally, Indian students in Georgia can find the convenience and taste of home without difficulty.