Studying MBBS abroad is the dream of many Indian students, and Georgia has become a preferred destination on account of cost-effective fees, English language education and the European way of learning. When I opted for MBBS in Georgia, there was a thrill to a new academic journey that would lead me to build an international medical career. But as one of the naive first-time international students, I did some silly things you could have avoided if someone had told me. In hindsight, these weren’t deal breakers in my travels, but certainly could have made things less stressful. Writing about those and sharing experiences can help future aspirants to take judicious calls and not commit the mistakes we've made.
1. Failure to Read or Understand NMC Guidelines prior to Admission
One of the biggest mistakes I committed was that I did not carefully read the rules and eligibility criteria laid down by the National Medical Commission (NMC) before seeking admission. I thought only an MBBS from any foreign university would make me eligible in India. I only discovered later that NMC has prerequisites on the duration of the course, clinical training, internship and licensing tests.
What I learnt: Students should cross-verify if a university abroad is in line with the latest NMC standards before making it the final choice, to avoid any hassle when they come back home.
2. Ignoring WDOMS Recognition
“I did not pay much attention to the World Directory of medical college (WDOMS) when I was admitted.” I later came to know that WDOMS listing is an essential requirement for a candidate so as to appear in licensure exams of many nations, including India, the US and the United Kingdom7143.
What I would do differently: Always check WDOMS 1 year before application to confirm global recognition and, therefore, eligibility to sit for different international licensing exams.
3. Selecting a University That Didn’t Do Much Research
During my MBBS in Georgia preparation, I trusted online ads and references from family and friends a bit too much. I did not consider appropriate hospital affiliations, quality of clinical exposure, the student teacher-ratio, as well as true students' reviews.
This absence of research had an impact on my clinical education in the early years.
What I would do differently: Students should not go by brochures — they have to work on going beyond a university and finding out about the hospital tie-ups, teaching methodology, infrastructure and alumni experiences before choosing one.
4. Underestimating Cultural and Climate Adjustment
Relocating to another country involves lifestyle changes, and I underestimated how much cultural nuances, food customs, and weather could alter day-to-day life. In the first few months, it disrupted my heavy study regime and caused unnecessary stress.
What I learned: Knowing the local culture, climate and everyday living in advance leads to quicker adjustment for students, allowing more focus on studies.
5. Not Taking Communication Skills Seriously
Even if the MBBS course is conducted in English medium, I did not realise the necessity of developing communication skills much necessary for clinical postings and vivas. Hence, effective communication with teachers, patients and colleagues is one of the key factors required for learning in medical education.
Take home: Exposure to pressure before you arrive at university is strongly beneficial for your medical English, presentations and early confidence with patients and performance in academic and clinical settings.
6. Delaying Licensing Exam Preparation
There were exams like NExT, USMLE and PLAB that I didn’t study for, thinking that I would be able to manage after graduating. This belated discovery did many a pressurising and suffocating number to me in my last years, and time to prepare was constricted.
What worked for me: Time-efficient preparation, matching the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline preparation standards, lowers anxiety and enhances pass rate in exams.
7. Ignoring Early Clinical Exposure
In the first couple of years, I was very theoretical and didn't attend hospital training if it was imposed. I realised later that we need early clinical exposure to learn skills and gain confidence.
What this told me: Real-time learning about the clinical posting from day one, meeting patients, is what creates a link between theory and medical practice.
8. Poor Time Management
Juggling between lectures, self-studying, and revisions with personal life was difficult, as time management on my end wasn't the best. Without the schedule, I used to be overwhelmed during exams.
Takeaway: A daily schedule, even if very structured and disciplined, increases productivity while lowering anxiety; it is key to obtaining a healthy academic-work-life balance.
9. Hesitating to Seek Academic Help
Whenever I was unable to comprehend some topics, I used to hesitate to take the help of professors or seniors, as it seemed like a blemish to me. I was a bit slow to learn this because I hesitated.
What I learned: “I wish I had consulted senior students and ‘faculty elders’ right from day one to clear my concept on every topic and avoid any academic backlogs.”
10. Ignoring Mental Health and Well-Being
It was little by little, insensitive, forced-drew me toward it, until living away from home, academic burden, and exam tension took their toll on my state of mind. I downplayed earlier symptoms of burnout that affected my academic work and health.
What I learned: Mental health is just as important as academics — seeking balance and staying connected to family are necessary for survival in the long term.
Conclusion
Studying MBBS in Georgia can be a highly rewarding and career-defining decision if made with proper planning and knowledge. If students wish to develop a successful career in medicine, they should steer clear of these common pitfalls and only opt for such universities that are acknowledged by the NMC, listed by WDOMS and also at par with the worldwide standards of the WHO.
Real experience teaches us, because it saves time, stress and doubt. The right preparation is the key to successfully studying medicine in Georgia.
