how would going to Chile look good on med school resume?

Question

As a senior in high school, I am going to spent two months in Chile with a family there while at the same time go to a local high school. I will also participate in clubs and sports. The reason for doing this is develop proficiency in spanish while at the same time be surrouded by culture and a different environment. So how would this make me unique or diverse as a med school applicant? how would this look good for med school?

Answer 1

It would look AWESOME on an application. It'll be even better if you can get involved in clubs or organizations while in Chile so that you can say you did something while you were there.

What a great opportunity. Have fun!

Answer 2

Any and all undergraduate research experience looks good on your resume/vita no matter what topic it's in. Your's will definately look good since you want to go in to psychiatry as a field. If I were you I'd see if you can handle doing more than 5hrs a week. If not, then that's fine, but I'd try to do it every term. In this day in age with the economy the way it is, that kind of experience is going to be priceless when you start applying for jobs. Every little bit counts. --plus, whoever the professor/grad student is that you'll be working with will be able to write you an excellent recommendation.

Answer 3

You need to be a bit careful. If you are a high-school senior, then you will have to complete a 4-year undergraduate degree before you can apply for med school. I am not sure if putting something you did in high-school will carry much weight with a med school admission committee. They are more interested in other things - such as your grades, professor recommendations, MCAT score, undergraduate research, extracurricular activities, and volunteer experience in hospitals and nursing homes. They mightn't even consider that as a factor! My best advice would be to somehow involve yourself in the medical system over there, and when you go to college, see if you can find ways to improve healthcare over there. It can all be from an academic point of view - but at least you can tie it into your personal essay such as "I visited Chile as a highschool senior, and my experience there led me to believe that a career in medicine is what I truly want. As an undergrad student, I engaged in extensive research in the area of Third-World health and the factors affecting citizens there. etc. etc."

Answer 4

Absolutely a plus! Any cross-cultural experience shows that you are open minded and tolerant. It suggests that you have some appreciation for the fact that people think differently. It should also give you insights into the health conditions and needs in other parts of the world.
And the second language skill is always an asset.

Answer 5

If you learn how to speak spanish more fluently or if volunteered with the less fortunate people in Chile like helping in a mission.