By Eric Tiettmeyer

Medical schools in the Caribbean
Although it is recommended that you attend medical school in the country you wish to practice medicine, there's no reason you can't study abroad for your medical degree. There are benefits for the right student.
Besides a multi-year extended educational vacation in a paradise location, the more liberal (compared with the U.S.) admission policies at international schools may give that qualified student who was bumped from U.S. based admissions, a chance at their medical school dream. High performers may also be satisfied by a chance to return to the U.S. for clinical rotations in the later years of school. Matching to U.S. residencies may be more challenging as you may be entering that process as an international student, but for a student who pursues a specialty like global or tropical medicine, the clinical work opportunities with foreign and developing country populations may be worth the risk.
Here are "The Big Four" international medical schools to consider, all located in the Caribbean.

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF THE CARIBBEAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (www.aucmed.edu)

Located on the island of St. Maarten, the blend of Dutch, French, African and American cultures will surround you on a daily basis. Residents from 90 different nations make this island diverse and vibrant. With a beach for every square mile on the island, the AUC campus is never far from fun water activities like diving and sailing. as well as sports, and duty free shopping. Not sure if medical school at AUC is right for you? AUC offers a Candidate Assessment on their website which will give you an idea of your success in about a minute, and put you in touch with a local admissions advisor.
ROSS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (www.rossu.edu)
With graduates practicing medicine in every U.S. state, Canada and across the world, Ross University's 35-acre campus located in Dominica, West Indies, features a US-modeled medical school curriculum and a technology enabled learning environment. Their highly advanced anatomy and medical imaging lab provides a unique learning experience that begins the first week at RUSM.
When class is not in session, spend your free moments With graduates practicing medicine in every u.s. state, Canada and across the world, Ross University's 35-acre campus located in Dominica, West Indies, features a US-modeled medical school curriculum and a technology enabled learning environment. Their highly advanced anatomy and medical imaging lab provides a unique learning experience that begins the first week at RUSM.
When class is not in session, spend your free moments on the regions most mountainous and volcanic island.
The campus also provides tennis, volleyball, soccer and more opportunities, and many of Dominica's secluded
lakes and hot springs are not far from campus.

ST. GEORGES UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (www.sgu.edu)
With a 35-year history nestled on the island of Grenada in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, St. George's University sits with a backyard of beautiful blue Caribbean waters and amazing reefs, perfect for diving.
Diving not your thing? There are 65 state of the art buildings to find new friends, investigate, play and enjoy during your stay on the True Blue peninsula studying medicine. SGU also offers a School of Veterinary Medicine which was established recently in 1999.

SABA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (www.saba.edu)
Offering tuition 30-40% lower than other medical school counterparts, and participating in U.S. Federal Student Aid programs, Netherlands based Saba University offers a medical school program in paradise, and allows you to later return to the U.S. and practice medicine anywhere in the country. Saba is now accepting applications for classes starting in January, May and September. With hiking, diving and more on the beautiful island of Saba, you will find plenty to do when you take a break from your studies.