Medical Gap Year Programs

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.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted the second semester of my gap year to be different from the first, which I spent in Spain. I had always heard wonderful things about Cape Town and was eager to finally experience it for myself. From orientation onward, I felt incredibly supported by the VAC team, and that support continued throughout my time here. Embrace the love everyone at VAC has to offer—it truly is such a special program, and I hope more people come to appreciate it as much as I now do. One of my goals was to learn how to be truly passionate about my internship, and I absolutely achieved that. I also loved working with the kids and sharing games from the US with them—it was an unforgettable experience.