Atlantis (Pre-Health Summer)

Program Reviews

Nana Ama
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best summer ever

This was one of the best experiences I have ever done. I got to see multiple surgeries that I was soooo excited for. And learn of some of the most amazing physicians ever. They were soo welcoming and it such inspirational three weeks. We had excursions as well on the weekend that allowed for the students to bond and get to know each other with every dinners. I truly loved learning from the different departments and specialties I was in. And I would definitely like to do it again if the finances allows! Best summer ever and very valuable insights to the world of medicine

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make sure to will go around and have plans, look at the city. Make a good use of your time there!
Pros
  • Friendly country
  • Good food
  • Loved watching the surgeries
Cons
  • Sometimes it felt like the people in the hospital didn’t want us there
  • Did try to go outside as much
  • People smoke every where
Sheel
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Shadowing in Portugal

This was truly an amazing experience. From exploring Lisboa itself with its rich history, vibrant streets, and breathtaking oceanic views, to visiting the surrounding suburbs that each had their own unique charm, I felt constantly captivated. Meeting all of the wonderful doctors at ULS Santa Maria was equally inspiring, adding a meaningful and personal dimension to my trip. Honestly, I think Lisbon has become one of my absolute favorite places in Europe. Trust me—having visited four other countries on the continent, none of them quite match the city’s cultural beauty, seaside atmosphere, and sheer variety of fun things to do. I cannot recommend it enough!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Most nerve wrecking moment was trying to get back to Lisbon after a weekend excursion to Cascais. I overcame it by asking around enough eventually to take the correct bus back home.
Pros
  • A new culture
  • Beautiful hills/cities and transportation
  • Nice weather
Cons
  • Hot around afternoon (very hot)
  • Very touristy (some areas overcrowded)
Emma
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Atlantis - Athens Program

This was a super meaningful and memorable program! I really enjoyed meeting individuals from different backgrounds and learning more about the Greek healthcare system. Additionally, my city managers were so kind and helpful, and I hope to continue my friendships with everyone I met. Witnessing 10+ surgeries and shadowing different departments was a very unique and rewarding experience for me that made me realise how dedicated I am to providing such care to future patients. I recommend this program to everyone.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The first time watching a surgery
Isabel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Atlantis Shadowing Experience

Atlantis ran an amazing program in Italy this past summer. I had such an amazing time while being able to connect with some incredible medical professionals. The trip was a perfect mix of education and traveling. We were able to go visit so many nearby towns and also big cities while getting to dedicate at least 6 hours a day to being in the hospital. I would recommend this experience for any premed who thinks they aren’t able to study abroad due to heavy coursework. It was the highlight of my summer.

Brendan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best trip of my life!

Atlantis was such an amazing first time hospital experience! Even through the language barrier I still had the time of my life! Everyone in the hospital was super friendly and treated me like family. This gave me an amazing insight into an environment I could possibly be in within the near future. The program outside of the hospital was almost better than the in hospital experience. The Friday excursions were always a blast and we had plenty of free time to explore Spain on our own. I met some very special people and made connections for life. I am beyond thankful for my experience and would definitely do it again if my schedule permits it.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Freshen up on your language! I definitely should have prepared better for that! Luckily I had two translators within the group who I grew very close with.
Pros
  • Lifetime connections
  • Seeing new parts of the world
  • Learning about spain culture
Cons
  • Language barrier
  • n/a
  • n/a
Isabel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Pavia, Italy Atlantis Fellowship

This Atlantis Fellowship in Pavia, Italy was by far one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. The appeal of combining two things I love - traveling and health - was one I could not let pass. The healthcare professionals in Pavia were some of the kindest I have yet met, more than eager to enlighten us on the procedures we witnessed or problems we came across. They went out of their way to explain the medical terms and procedures to us. I truly learned so much through their help and guidance. As for the cultural aspect, Italy will always have a place in my heart. Getting to know a smaller town such as Pavia, discovering all its hidden treasures and even living like an Italian for a short amount of time was unforgettable. Another huge aspect of this program which became a win for me was the people I met throughout it. I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with my group there. Overall, this was a priceless experience that helped enhance my medical and cultural scope.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't be afraid to ask questions to anyone - doctors, nurses and the like. Many of them are more than happy to share what they know with you and if they aren't.. well someone else is sure to help!
Pros
  • Healthcare system was really interesting to get to know.
  • Food and excursions during the program were unforgettable.
  • The free time to do things was so nice to have.
Cons
  • I would have loved more group meals
  • The breakfasts lacked some sustenance
Amelia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Genoa Italy- 2025

I loved getting to see different sides of medicine and learn about their healthcare system. Not only did we shadow, we had a meeting with the emergency control center to learn about their “911” system. Overall, I made a really good connection with one of the doctors I was shadowing and felt comfortable asking him questions. All of the doctors understand/speak English! I also made close friends throughout the process that I have visited in the US! So worth it I already talk about things I experienced!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I got to compare a surgery I saw in the US with a surgery I saw in Italy! It was very cool to see different methods and learn from Doctors with different training techniques!
Pros
  • Meeting new people from other places with the same goal as me!
  • Comparing Healthcare Systems
  • Getting to travel!
Cons
  • Some of the organization pre trip
  • Understanding healthcare workers(that weren’t the doctors)
  • Some of the specialties they told me I would see were not available
Katerina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Program Ever!

I did a 3-week program in Rome, Italy, and it was such an incredible experience. I shadowed in the OB-GYN, internal medicine, and endoscopy departments, which gave me the chance to see a wide range of cases and learn from different doctors. Every day was a little different, and it was eye-opening to compare how healthcare works in Italy versus at home.

One of the best parts was meeting so many new people. Our group got really close, and I’m still in touch with several of them today. The program leaders were also amazing — they made everything run smoothly, but also hung out with us outside of the hospital. We had group dinners, explored the city together, and it honestly felt like a little family by the end.

Of course, being in Rome was a highlight in itself. After shadowing, I’d wander around the city, grab gelato, or just get lost in all the history around me. If you’re thinking about doing this program, I’d say go for it. It’s a perfect mix of medical experience, cultural immersion, and making friendships that last. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend three weeks abroad.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My biggest advice to future travelers is to say yes to everything — the shadowing, the group dinners, and even the spontaneous late-night gelato runs. The hospital rotations are super rewarding, but some of my favorite memories actually came from the little moments outside of shadowing, like wandering through side streets with friends after dinner or laughing with our program leaders over pasta. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and really get to know the people in your group— I’m still close with several of them today.

Also, wear comfortable shoes! You’ll be walking everywhere in Rome, and somehow the best conversations always happened while we were exploring the city together.
Pros
  • Gained hands-on exposure by shadowing in multiple hospital departments (OB-GYN, internal medicine, endoscopy).
  • Made amazing friendships with other students and program leaders — I’m still in touch with many of them.
  • Group dinners and exploring Rome together made the experience feel like both a professional and cultural immersion.
Cons
  • The days could be long and tiring, so it’s important to pace yourself.
  • Would’ve loved more structured opportunities to meet and connect with local Italians outside of the hospital setting.
  • The mornings started very early, so adjusting to the schedule took some effort.
Tia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable Experience!

I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible experiences I've had during my Atlantis study abroad trip shadowing doctors. From the intricacies of orthopedics to the delicate procedures in cardiology and the fast-paced environment of general surgery, every moment has been invaluable. I was especially blessed to witness a triple bypass surgery and pig aorta valve surgery, and a hip replacement, as well as spending unforgettable time in the orthopedics ER with Dr. Dmitry Cherkes Zade.

Beyond the medical realm, I've cherished the time spent exploring Venice and visiting the neighboring cities of Padua and Florence. Murano, with its stunning glass art, also captured my heart. A highlight was visiting the University of Padua, where luminaries like Galileo and William Harvey once taught, and viewing an anatomical theatre. And the Basilica of St. Anthony, the final resting place of St. Anthony and Gabrielis Fallopii, the man who discovered the fallopian tubes.

Overall, I am immensely thankful for this journey, which has broadened my horizons and deepened my passion for medicine.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Viewing Galileo's vertebrae!
Pros
  • Adventure
  • Food
  • Learning
Cons
  • Housing
  • Temperatures
  • Humidity
Anayeli
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gorizia Shadowing

I had a great overall experience during this shadowing program. I learned a lot shadowing their doctors. I was able to shadow in a variety of specialties and two different hospitals. One aspect that was very refreshing was seeing patient care centered solely on the patients best interest without the consideration of insurance or how they are going to afford any of their treatments. Overall the experience was very informative and fun. Our city manager was also very helpful, and easy going! I loved my experience, and if i had the opportunity I would do another one!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go in with an open mind, seeing different specialties. You will experience a vast amount of different medical specialties that give you more perspective on medicine in its entirety. You will also be exposed to different foods and cultures, so be open for new experiences. It was an amazing experience and I recommend it to anyone going into the medical field.
Pros
  • Medical exposure
  • Clinical hours
  • New experiences
Cons
  • Sharing a room
  • Potential drama