What are the biggest misconceptions about Caribbean med schools? A perspective from a New Anglia University Student
Hey everyone,
I’m currently studying at New Anglia University and wanted to share a few thoughts on something I see come up a lot here — Caribbean medical schools.
Before starting, I had read a lot online (Reddit included), and to be honest, some of it made me pretty hesitant. Now that I’m actually in it, I feel like there are a few common misconceptions, myths if you will, that don’t fully match my experience:
- “All Caribbean schools are the same”
This is probably the biggest one. There’s a huge range between schools in terms of structure, teaching quality, and clinical opportunities. Lumping them all together doesn’t really reflect reality.
- “You won’t get proper clinical exposure”
From what I’ve seen so far, there’s actually a strong focus on preparing for clinical years early on. Obviously rotations depend on partnerships, but it’s not as limited as people often assume.
- “It’s a backup option only”
A lot of students here are very intentional about their choice — whether it’s for smaller class sizes, different teaching styles, or future plans (UK/US pathways, etc.).
- “There’s no academic support”
This one surprised me the most. The smaller cohorts actually mean more direct contact with lecturers and support when you need it.
That said, I’m not saying it’s perfect — there are definitely things to consider (pathways, perception, etc.), and it’s important to do proper research before choosing any school.
I’m curious to hear from others:
If you’re studying in Europe/UK — what have you heard about Caribbean schools?
If you’re in a Caribbean program — does this match your experience?
Interested to hear different perspectives.