This internship was a reminder that even though opportunities can come your way, it is up to you in terms of how much you learn and receive from these opportunities. A little timid in terms of asking and creating opportunities for myself, I was challenged during the shadowing portion to really be proactive and develop further opportunities myself, a crucial skill that is necessary as we enter the professional field.
Language Barrier:
Even though a language barrier existed, the warm atmosphere and the help of the staff and locals helped me fully receive the Tenerife culture in all aspects. With a weaker Spanish background, I was motivated to study and learn Spanish more because I wanted to embrace the culture quickly.
Shadowing:
Most of the days included visits to the hospital with the opportunity to shadow many different types of specialities that may be harder to shadow back in the United States. My shadowing experiences helped me realize the caliber of programs or experiences I will experience as I further my field in pre-medicine and medicine. With exposure and interaction with real patients, the level of professionalism and expectations are clearly higher than any previous program. I was able to realize and/or remember the reasons why I chose this field as I met the different doctors and patients.
Excursions:
Excursions were good and kept us busy. I would have liked to have at least one free day every two weeks or so to relax. (Everyday is scheduled) I loved the excursions but wished it also included a trip to Siam Park (Best Water park in Europe).
Overall, with the right people and experiences, I think this internship could really teach and effect a lot of students interested in this field. Not only are you able to meet fellow peers, you can experience a realistic view of the medical field.
What would you improve about this program?
The wifi was on and off at times, making it difficult. I know many students who were unsure about attending the program because the summer time was a crucial moment for medical school applications, and a reliable internet connection was needed to continue the application process. It was common to hear about their concerns due to the wifi. The staff worked quickly to find the best possible solution.
Also, because the internship is not cheap, many fellows discussed the desire to know how the cost was divided and allocated into the appropriate categories. While an excellent experience, more transparency into "where the money is exactly going" might have provided more of a sense of security for the fellows.
Response from Atlantis (Pre-Health Summer)
Hi Parth-- we're so glad to hear you had a great experience overall and that you got to experience both the Spanish and Portuguese islands. We're sorry to hear how you felt about the costs. We've taken your feedback seriously and we share more information about how our program fees are used for our future program participants.