When I first thought about studying abroad as a nursing student, it did not feel realistic. My schedule already felt full of prerequisite courses, volunteering, and trying to stay on track to start clinicals. It can feel like there is no room to leave campus, even for a short period of time.
However, after learning more about how studying abroad works for healthcare students, I realized that it is possible. It just requires more planning and a better understanding of how your degree requirements align with UT’s education abroad programs.
Understanding In-Residence vs. Transfer Credit
One of the most important things to understand early is the difference between in-residence and transfer credit.
In-residence credit counts toward your UT GPA, while transfer credit does not. This distinction is especially important for pre-med students. Many professional schools look closely at your GPA and science coursework, so where and how you take certain classes can matter.
For nursing students, the situation is even more structured. The nursing curriculum follows a specific sequence, and many courses must be taken in residence, especially once clinicals begin. This means that not every study abroad course will fit into your degree plan.
Because of this, it is very important to meet with your academic advisor before committing to a program. They can help you understand how credits will apply and whether a program fits your timeline.
Timing Is One of the Biggest Challenges
For both pre-med and nursing students, timing is often the main barrier to studying abroad.
Pre-Med Students
Pre-med students often feel like every semester is already planned out. Between research, internships, volunteering, and MCAT preparation, it can feel impossible to leave for a full semester.
This is where shorter programs become very helpful. May Term and summer programs allow you to study abroad without interfering with your long-term goals. A May Term program takes place right after the spring semester ends, and many summer programs still leave time for internships or research later in the summer.
These options make it possible to gain international experience without delaying graduation or missing important opportunities.
Nursing Students
Nursing students have less flexibility once they begin clinicals. After clinicals start, studying abroad during the fall or spring semester is not an option.
Because of this, planning ahead is very important. If you want to study abroad for a longer period of time, it must happen before your first clinical semester. This requires early conversations with your advisor to ensure everything fits within your degree plan.
For many nursing students, May Term and summer programs are the best option because they do not interfere with clinical schedules.
Programs That Work Well for Healthcare Students
There are several programs that are especially well suited for pre-med and nursing students because they focus on healthcare, science, and global systems.
AIFS Abroad: Comparative Healthcare
- Term: May Term Affiliate.
- Location: London, England; Barcelona, Spain; and Rome, Italy.
- Credit: H S 329S / PBH 337.
- Focus on comparing healthcare systems in Europe and North America.
- Learn about systems like the National Health Service and other universal healthcare models.
- Explore topics like healthcare funding, access to care, mental health, aging populations, and COVID-19 response.
- Includes site visits to clinics, hospitals, and medical schools.
- Opportunities to interact with healthcare professionals and see systems in practice.
- Strong emphasis on discussion, debate, and real-world application.
- Helpful for students who want a broader understanding of global healthcare systems and policy.
Cognitive Neuroscience Immersion in Geneva
- Term: May Term Faculty-Led.
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Credit: PSY 355N.
- Focus on how the brain supports cognition, including memory, perception, and decision-making.
- Covers topics like brain imaging, neural networks, neuroplasticity, and cognitive disorders.
- Strong emphasis on critical thinking and experimental design.
- Combines lectures, discussions, and hands-on learning.
- Located in a major research hub with access to institutions like the University of Geneva and EPFL.
- Includes cultural activities and excursions alongside academic content.
- Good option for students interested in neurology, psychiatry, or research.
Engaging Global Health in Costa Rica
- Term: Summer Second Faculty-Led.
- Location: Heredia, Costa Rica.
- Credit: N 309 / N 390D and N 354 / SPN 319S.
- Focus on global health systems, health disparities, and social determinants of health.
- Learn how culture, policy, and environment impact health outcomes.
- Study Costa Rica’s universal healthcare system, which is known for high-quality care.
- Participate in site visits to healthcare and community organizations.
- Opportunity to practice Spanish in healthcare settings.
- Includes coursework related to global health and Spanish for healthcare professionals.
- Strong fit for students interested in public health, community health, or working with diverse populations.
Exercise and Sport for Health, Fitness, and Performance
- Term: May Term Faculty-Led (currently inactive).
- Location: Greece.
- Credit: KIN 352K / KIN 310 / KIN 321.
- Explores the connection between exercise, health, and performance.
- Combines scientific concepts with historical and cultural context.
- Study the origins of physical activity in ancient Greece and its impact on modern health.
- Visit major historical sites like the Olympic Stadium and Panathenaic Stadium.
- Includes lectures, workshops, and experiential learning activities.
- Exposure to Mediterranean lifestyle patterns associated with positive health outcomes.
- Good option for students interested in preventative health, rehabilitation, or wellness.
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad as a pre-med or nursing student may not look the same as it does for other majors. It may not be a full semester in another country. Instead, it might be a few weeks during May Term or a summer program.
However, these experiences are still meaningful. They provide new perspectives on healthcare, expose you to different systems, and help you grow both academically and personally.
If you are interested in studying abroad, the best thing you can do is start early. Talk to your advisor, explore program options, and meet with one of our Peer Mentors! You should consider how an international experience can align with your goals.
This blog was contributed by Kripa Kohli and Jonah Roming, Peer Mentors for Spring 2026. Kripa is a junior biology major in the College of Natural Sciences. Kripa studied abroad in Seville, Spain, through the Evolution: An International and Cultural Perspective program in the Summer of 2025. Jonah is a School of Nursing second-year student participating in the Peer Mentors program. Jonah studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland, in Spring 2024.
