Gap Year Programs in England

As a student from Hong Kong who had just completed my IB exams, joining the 10-week Medicine Gap Year course at Lite Regal was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I wanted a programme that would help me bridge the gap between school and medical school, push me academically, and give me real exposure to the medical world — and Lite Regal delivered all of that and so much more. Coming from an international school environment, I was nervous about studying abroad alone for the first time. But from the moment I arrived in London, the team and the other students made me feel at home. The small class sizes and supportive teachers meant I could ask questions freely, and I never once felt lost or overwhelmed. The academic side was incredibly enriching — we covered anatomy, physiology, cardiology, neurology, immunology, and so many other fascinating topics. What really stood out were the practical workshops: suturing, clinical skills sessions, medical simulations, and even dissection practice. These experiences made me feel, for the first time, like I was truly stepping into the world of medicine. The 4-week clinical shadowing was unforgettable. Being able to observe doctors in real hospital and clinic settings in London opened my eyes to how medical teams work together and how meaningful patient care can be. It also made me more confident that medicine is truly the right path for me. The course also really helped with my university applications. The UCAT prep, personal-statement guidance, and mock interviews were incredibly useful — especially since the application process can feel overwhelming for Hong Kong students applying abroad. I left the programme feeling much more prepared. Beyond academics, I loved the friendships I made. Meeting students from around the world, exploring London together, and supporting each other through the course created memories I’ll never forget. If you’re a student from Hong Kong (or anywhere else!) thinking of studying medicine, I can’t recommend this programme enough. It gave me clarity, confidence, and an unforgettable start to my journey into medicine.

Where to start with how much I came to adore Art History Abroad during the 12 week course? To begin, I would say that you don’t have to be an art historian or planning on majoring in art history to have a fantastic time in the program. As long as you love learning and are excited by museums and historical sites, you are perfect for this trip! However, as amazing as the tutors were, with their incredibly curated lesson plans and museum tours, I would say that the learning isn’t what makes this experience the best- it was the people I met. I made some of the greatest memories of my life during this program, and met friends I know I will never lose. The experiences you get to be apart of during this trip are life-changing, I don’t think I will ever get over visiting the Vatican on a private tour or being in St. Mark’s Basilica completely alone, and those are just two of the wonderful opportunities AHA offers! The tutors become your best friends, and the fellow students become family. I can’t recommend this program highly enough- it’s a fantastic gap year opportunity I would do a thousand more times if I could.