Studying Abroad

The main programs that allow students to study abroad without taking a leave of absence include language study programs, medical research internships (research programs), and overseas clinical training. These clinical training programs range from observational internships for lower-year students to team-based medical practice internships for upper-year students.

The list of study abroad programs offered by the School of Medicine is available here.

Language Study Abroad Program

Language Training and Summer School Programs (University-wide Offerings)

Students attend intensive daily English classes at language schools affiliated with universities (18 courses available). The program also includes extracurricular activities such as visits to cultural sites and tourist attractions, fieldwork, and exchange events with other students. This provides an enjoyable opportunity to experience local life while using English.
Program Schedule: March and August

https://global.okayama-u.ac.jp

The Medical Short-Term Study Abroad Program in New Zealand (offered by the School of Medicine)

In addition to English language studies at the language school located on the campus of Massey University in New Zealand, participants can learn about the New Zealand healthcare system through lectures and interactions with local students.
Program Schedule: A four-week period between January and March.

Unique Learning Programs and Activities of This Program

In this program, participants not only study English but also learn about New Zealand’s healthcare system through lectures and interactions with local students.

Lectures on New Zealand’s Healthcare System by Local Doctors and Nurses

Lectures will be delivered by local doctors and nurses, focusing on the differences between public and private hospitals in New Zealand, as well as the working conditions in the healthcare sector.

Interaction with Local Students

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with local medical and nursing students. Discussions can range from academic topics to personal interests, fostering connections with peers of the same generation.

Visit to a Conservation Facility for Unique NZ Wildlife

Participants will visit a conservation facility dedicated to protecting New Zealand’s native birds, which are threatened by invasive species. This offers an insightful experience into the country’s efforts to preserve its unique ecosystem.

The scheduled visit to the “Orokonui Ecosanctuary,” a conservation area dedicated to protecting New Zealand’s native birds.

Medical Research Internship

A hands-on research experience program is offered for third-year students, running from October to December for three months. Participants join research labs and actively engage in cutting-edge research. In addition to labs within the university, students can also participate in research at leading laboratories outside the university and abroad. Between 2001 and 2023, a total of 357 students have taken part in this program.
For further details, please look here.

Medical Research Internship

Overseas Clinical Training

The department strongly promotes team-based clinical practice training. As part of this effort, it has offered opportunities for medical volunteering (for first to third-year students) and clinical practice experience courses (for fourth and fifth-year students) since 2014.
In the elective clinical training program for sixth-year students, participants can join team-based clinical practice as active members of the medical team.
To date, 34 students have participated in overseas clinical training programs between 2014 and 2021.