Navigating Medical School and Culture Shock: A Challenge Faced by International Students

20 October 2023

Navigating medical school plus a whole new culture, all while living far from home, is no easy challenge, and one that our international students tackle every day. The Medicine International Students and Alumni Careers Evening, held recently at the Clayton campus, brought together current international medicine students and eleven alumni guests, all former international students themselves, to share experiences and learnings, give and receive guidance and advice, and build valuable new connections away from home.

Hosted by the Monash University Medical Society (MUMUS) International Representatives Leon Zhang and Joan Cheng, the alumni guest speakers were invited to participate in a panel discussion, small group speed networking sessions, and informal networking conversations with students.

Students had the opportunity to hear from alumni representing a wide cross-section of medical specializations, including Dr. Sean Tan, a cardiology consultant, Dr. Wilson Yang, a general surgery SET4, Dr. Anna Shalani, a rheumatology consultant, Dr. Zee Lim, an anesthetics registrar, Dr. Emily Yeung, a nephrology registrar, Dr. Densearn Seo, a medical startups medical advisor, Dr. Kean Kuan, Chief Medical Officer at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Dr. Karan Chauhan, a Royal Melbourne Hospital intern and founder of Karan Academy, Dr. Alicia Thang, Dr. Eleanor Thong, an endocrinology consultant and Year 3B Clinical Dean, and Dr. Caleb Lin, an emergency medicine registrar and diving and hyperbaric medicine trainee. Professor Michelle Leech, Deputy Dean of Medicine, also attended.

Leon felt that the alumni guest speakers’ personal stories provided pre-clinical students with a reassuring glimpse into their future job prospects and very valuable guidance for current clinical students. “Hearing from alumni who have stood in our shoes, can empathize with our challenges and can generously share their triumphs, their regrets, and their wise counsel was immensely helpful,” he said.

For Joan, a Year 3B Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine student, the highlight of the event was seeing the levels of engagement between students and alumni, with the speed networking sessions proving to be a hit. “It was a great opportunity for students to connect with alumni on a more personal level and get a glimpse of what their future careers could potentially look like,” she said. “Many students asked questions about work-life balance, alternative career pathways, and pursuing a specific specialty. It was an incredible way to show students that with hard work, dedication, and the right guidance, they too can achieve their career goals.”

Alumnus speaker Dr. Sean Tan found that students’ main concerns had changed since his time as an undergrad. “I learned that getting an internship position after graduation, the biggest fear for international students when I graduated, is now no longer a challenge thanks to the current Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria structure and the opportunity to make direct applications to rural and regional health services,” he said. “Instead, I could hear the shift in concern towards whether international student status could hamper career progression and entry into training programs after internships. It was interesting to see that students are still feeling concerned that their international status could impact career progression, although now at a different point in their careers.”

Dr. Eleanor Thong, alumna and current Year 3B Clinical Dean, said that she loved connecting with the students and listening to the panel discussion at the event. “It was also wonderful to reconnect with a few people I had not seen in years, and even more satisfying to hear all the success stories and diverse careers of the Monash international alumni,” she said. “Seeing Prof Michelle Leech was a delight as always, she was my Clinical Dean at Monash Medical Centre when I was a Year 3 student, and was one of my biggest inspirations to get involved in medical undergraduate education.”

Both offered great advice for international students who might need some extra inspiration to make it through the tougher times.

“Studying medicine is hard enough as it is, and being away from home in another country and culture can definitely make this experience more challenging,” Dr. Tan said. “However, you’re not alone in facing this challenge, and certainly there are and have been many others who experience similar difficulties. If you are finding things hard, reach out to other international students, international alumni, and the faculty – there is a lot of support available around you, but the first step involves being brave enough to voice out and share your difficulties. So if you’re finding it tough, speak up and talk to us!”

“Keep on swimming, and know that there is support for you if you ever find yourself feeling a bit lost or needing some advice,” said Dr. Thong. “So many students worry about getting jobs after graduation, getting into training programs, and being employed as a consultant in a public hospital. There will always be worries, but don’t let that take away the joy you have in studying Medicine. If you focus on giving your best in the present moment, I believe things will work out for you in the future. I know intern jobs are competitive, but believe it or not, your status as an international student becomes much less relevant when it comes to applying for training programs or consultant jobs.”

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Interested in getting involved with MUMUS?

If you are a Monash medical student, you are automatically a member of MUMUS. Be sure to follow the MUMUS Facebook page to keep up to date with their latest news and events.

Have you joined the Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences Alumni community?

The MNHS Alumni LinkedIn group is a great way to keep up to date with faculty news, events, professional development, and volunteering opportunities that Monash has to offer. Monash students are welcome to join the group prior to graduating. We look forward to welcoming you! And as Monash Alumni, update your details to keep in touch with all the latest news, alumni offers, and events.