Atlantis

Super scammy. If you are considering an Atlantis program, move forward with extreme caution. This company has a track record of removing authentic removes. Previously, in the comments section of a now-removed sponsored post on The PA Platform (https://rb.gy/n8c3o5), many ripped-off students and parents expressed their concerns about this program. Even a European-based staff member for Atlantis articulated how the company poorly treats its staff and makes fake promises to students. This company, also known as St Marys Institute for Educational Excellence, has an F rating from the Better Busines Bureau: https://www.bbb.org/us/va/arlington/profile/education/st-marys-institute-for-educational-excellence-0241-236017782/complaints According to this TikTok, the company is potentially facing a class action lawsuit from its previous students. Company deletes negative reviews, only leaving 7s here so this review doesn't get deleted.

I shadowed in Lisbon and Viano do Castelo in summer of 2022 across various specialties, including pediatric anesthesiology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, general surgery, dermatology (including the burn clinic), ICU, and many more. You submit a list of specialties you're interested in, and the program director makes every effort to make sure they can find those opportunities for you. The physicians I shadowed were very welcoming and explained the procedures in English. Beyond shadowing hours, the program directors plan excursions like surfing or cooking classes once a week. I ended up getting super close to the other students in my program and we still keep in touch! Overall, definitely a great experience for anyone wanting intensive shadowing experiences who's also interested in exploring a new culture and making strong friendships :)

I went on an Atlantis Program in July of 2022 to Mantua, Italy for 3 weeks. From the Interview to getting prepped for my trip, to arrival at my apartment, shadowing and the excursions, it was a smooth process! I had the opportunity to shadow in the ER / ICU, Surgery, Immunohematology, Pediatrics, and got a private tour of their EMS system. I was shadowing on average 5 hours per day, yet in surgery / ICU I got more because there were additional cases / I really wanted the hours. Yes you do have to wake up early, and be punctual for shadowing! The cappucino in the morning was FABULOUS! I also explored near by cities such as Florence, Venice, Rome, Lake Garda which I made life long friends and experiences. From playing duck duck burrito in the apartments with the squad to experiencing an EDM Concert, still AMAZED at that experience to this day. This program gave me the realization that I wanted to dive into the business side of which I utilized the hours / experience on my MBA Application. Yes, it is an investment in ourselves and careers just like any part of the MD / DO / PA / Nursing process. I highly recommend this program if you're looking for an adventure, hours, friends for a lifetime, and you want to confirm in your heart the calling to medicine or not! Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the Atlantis staff, and everyone that made this process special. I would not be where I am today, and on the path that I am on without this experience. THANK YOU ATLANTIS!

I attended an Atlantis program in Valladolid, Spain in July of 2019! I absolutely loved the program because I got to travel, meet new people, watch surgeries and consultations, explore multiple cities of Spain and experience the culture, get shadowing hours (which is required by a lot of the grad schools I’m applying to), and so much more! Now, 4 years later I am still benefiting from the program because I get to talk about it in my PA school applications and interviews! I would recommend this program to any pre health student because it’s a great way to get a feel for medicine and different specialties, study abroad, and make great connections!

I had an amazing experience shadowing in Mallorca, Spain. Each week, I shadowed for about 20 hours, and switched departments every week. I was able to see Dermatology, Orthopedic Surgery, Ophthalmology and Ophthalmologic Surgery, and Neurology. The physicians and other healthcare workers were dedicated to teaching and helping students learn about a profession they love. During my time there, I stayed in apartment style housing for students in suite-style apartment. The City Managers were always on-call to make sure that everything was going well and that everyone was safe. The weekends were open for traveling and exploring on your own. That type of travel independence is another important skill the program helps students develop in addition to language immersion and a wider view of what different types of healthcare systems have to offer.

In Summer 2022 I shadowed abroad in Vigo, Spain with Atlantis through the University of Florida and it was incredible ! After my first year of college , I decided that the business field did not capture everything I wanted so in 2020 I made the switch to the pre-med track. With Covid blooming I had a hard time finding shadowing opportunities due to safety and health concerns in hospitals. I resorted to virtual shadowing and learned all I could but I still wanted to have a in-person experience with physicians. My academic advisor brought to me the Atlantis shadow abroad in Spain and I jumped on the opportunity. In this experience I left the country for my first time and submerged myself in the Spanish culture. I always wanted to study abroad but it never worked with my schedule given all my pre-reqs. Atlantis allowed me to scratch that itch and be one-on-one to two-on-one with physicians in Spain. I went for four weeks and shadowed a different specialty every week ( ER, Neurology, ICU, Vascular Surgery) culminating a total of 96 hours. I got to see even more than those 4 specialties because the doctors would invite me to see more operations and consults. My experience opened my eyes to the various healthcare systems and has allowed me to better understand the different ways of approaching health. I LOVED my location and where I got to live. For my first time out of the country I felt safe and secure Las I explored the city. I got to connect with prehealth students and also network with the physicians I met by getting their emails and keeping up contact. As I apply for medical schools now in the US this experience is consistently one I bring up in explaining my journey and love for medicine. I have grown tremendously in understanding of the duties and responsibility of a doctor because of this experience !

My Atlantis experience in Genoa was a transformative chapter that seamlessly intertwined academic exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Through shadowing medical professionals, I gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of healthcare, fostering a deeper understanding of my future role as a speech language pathologist. Beyond the hospital, the city itself became my classroom, teaching me the art of cultural adaptability and offering a profound appreciation for diversity. The guidance of our dedicated city manager, coupled with Atlantis' comprehensive support, ensured that every facet of the program was seamlessly orchestrated, allowing me to focus on extracting the utmost value from each moment. From indulging in delectable local cuisine to forming lasting bonds with peers from around the globe, every interaction contributed to a profound sense of cultural humility and camaraderie. In retrospect, this experience has not only reinforced my passion for the medical field but also imparted life lessons that extend beyond textbooks. As I embark on the next phase of my journey, I carry with me a global perspective, an open heart, and the confidence to navigate the intricate tapestry of healthcare and human connection.

I completed 80 AAMC-compliant physician shadowing hours through the Atlantis Clinical Fellowship at Gennimatas General Hospital in Athens, Greece. My experience shadowing physicians in Athens, Greece, at Gennimatas Hospital was invaluable and gave me a fundamental understanding of what I hope to specialize in as a future physician. Through this experience, I not only embraced the ethical responsibility of learning from doctors through observation but also gained exposure to global healthcare. I learned how to overcome cultural communication barriers in my interactions with clinicians and recognized the subtle peculiarities of a foreign hospital. I built upon my critical thinking skills and utilized scientific inquiry as I followed along with surgical procedures and witnessed each unique doctor-patient interaction. This experience is a staple of my pre-med journey. From my clinical fellowship, I know that medicine is the only career path I desire.

I had the pleasure to travel to Sibenik, Croatia Summer of 2022. I came across this program through a school program at UT Austin and my application process was a bit different than most people who go on this experience. I do believe it was an easier application process but the experience I think was the equivalent to any other program. Our site manager, Ena, was so thoughtful and attentive to our needs. Although a bit chaotic, the hospital was open to teaching us about their day-to-day lives. On top of the great shadowing experience, we also got to wander the small town of Sibenik and interact with the sweet locals. Our weekend excursions planned by Ena were something to look forward to because it was a day filled with fun activities and yummy food. Overall, all my interactions with the Atlantis program have been positive and I am thankful I had the chance to partake in such an amazing trip.

Beautiful city, beautiful nature, wonderful food, wonderful hospital staff, the Atlantis program in Ferrol had it all! From the beaches to the forest to the restaurants and to the hospital, there was not one thing flawed! When going to Ferrol do not forget your sunscreen, hiking boots, and appetite for sea food. The beach at Domino's was the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. The hike in Las Fragas was extraordinary. The food in Ferrol was so delicious, my favorite by far were the zamburinas at the restaurant, La Cantina. Zamburinas can only be found in the coast of north western Spain, the region known as Galicia, which makes the eating of these zamburinas a must for any sea food lover. If I ever get the chance to travel to Spain again, I will most definitely have to stop by Galicia!

The fellowship I did in Trieste, Italy was an amazing experience. I got to meet new people from across the US who are instead in the same career path as me. I also got to know a experience a completely different care system than the one in the US. I also got to learn about the culture in Trieste. I would definitely recommend this fellowship! My site manager was really helpful and nice. It was great to see the city through the eyes of a local. I definitely saw things and are places that I would have not see or eaten had it not been for my site manager. This fellowship helped in reaffirming my decision to go into medicine and become a doctor. I was able to shadow different doctors in different types of departments. For example, cardiology, neurology, radiology and general surgery

Prior to my trip, I was nervous because I will be beginning my first year of college this fall. It was my first shadowing experience. The Atlantis staff on the post enrollment team dissipated that fear by giving me all the information I needed before going abroad. After I meet all the other fellows, I realized I would be learning as much from them as I would be from the hospital and city. They each had different backgrounds and different topics they were knowledgeable on. Between the other fellows, shadowing in the hospital (ER, Pediatric Surgery, and Neurosurgery) and my incredible site manager, I had a life-changing experience. My indecision about pursuing medicine is gone and I am beyond excited to begin my studies.

Shadowing physicians in a global health care setting was such an invaluable experience that has shaped and will continue to shape the kind of physician that I hope to someday be. I have never travelled outside of the US before, and yet Atlantis prepared me so well for this fellowship that I felt no anxiety whatsoever about traveling alone in a foreign country. My Site Manager made it so that I always felt safe and so that I also got the most of my experience, both in the hospital and during excursions/exploring the city. I learned so much of value while shadowing in the hospital. There is so much about global medicine that you can only experience; that you can’t be taught without firsthand experience. In Greece, I had the opportunity to see medicine practiced in manners both similar and different to that in the US, and it forced me to consider the pros and cons of both our healthcare systems. Furthermore, with the vast number of hours of shadowing you obtain, not only is it good for your resume, but it gives you a chance to decide if a career in medicine is really the right path for you. The shadowing isn’t easy; the language barrier and often long hours on your feet can be exhausting, but the life-changing learning experience is a reward well worth it. This program isn’t just an opportunity to explore global medicine. It’s an opportunity to explore a new country through weekly excursions and group dinners and to make meaningful lifetime friendships with fellow pre-meds. It is an experience that you will reflect on for the rest of your life and will shape your future career in medicine.

I did not know what to expect when leaving for my Pontevedra fellowship, but I was pleasantly surprised. Our site manager is one of the best people I’ve met, I made so many friends, saw so many surgeries and consults, and got to travel around Galicia! I came in wanting to be an OB/GYN, and after my obstetrics round confirmed that it is exactly what I want to do. My life is changed and I am so much smarter and different in the best way after this experience. I learned so much more than I ever thought I would’ve.

The Atlantis Fellowship is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not only are you able to shadow intelligent and outstanding doctors, but you are able to immerse yourself in a new culture that teaches as much as it does enlighten you. I am so glad I took a new step toward my medical career and went with the Atlantis Fellowship. The doctors are kind, encouraging, and genuinely care about your learning experience. I was able to see many operations and the doctor-patient interaction that is held in Spain. I plan to take some tips from these doctors as they were very reassuring and kind to their patients. The activities outside of the program left me speechless such as Park Guell, the Sagrada Familia, and Paddle boarding. I was also able to travel to Costa Brava for a weekend adventure and I have never seen such clear water. The program offers a lot of opportunities that I wouldn't give up for anything. This Fellowship is an opportunity, I believe, can be a great point on a resume and an outstanding talking point in an interview discussing cultural diversity and professional experiences.

I have never traveled abroad before this trip so I was a bit scared to go away for the first time alone. I have to say that the three weeks that I spent in Rome was the best time I have ever had. I didn't want to leave. There was so many opportunities to explore the city. Everyday my group would walk around and get lost in Rome which is the best way to explore! I tried so many new foods and learned so much about the Italian culture and lifestyle. The site managers for our trip were the best that anyone could ask for! They showed us the best restaurants and took us on the most amazing excursions outside of Rome. The best part of this trip was being able to be in the hospital everyday and shadow doctors. Every department that I was assigned to was so nice and eager to help me learn. Getting an opportunity like this in the US would be near impossible. After this experience I am sure that the medical field is where I want to be. I have developed a new love for traveling abroad and I want to explore the world as much as I can while I am in school.

Program: Internship in Italy Shadow Doctors 20+ Hours/Week Jun 25, 2019 I am very very satisfied with my shadowing experience abroad in Italy. At first, I did have my concerns as the AAMC shows statistics and discourages students from SHADOWING abroad due to the risk of students being involved in medical procedures. I would like to clear this doubt for those who are interested in this fellowship as Atlantis is VERY VERY strict and abides by their policy of no physical fellow-patient interaction. Atlantis is very clear with all the rules that must be followed etc. That being said, the fellowship was incredible. I was able to shadow under general surgery, urology, and vascular surgery. All of these departments always had surgeries or patients and all the hospital staff were incredibly helpful. Though some of the hospital staff did not speak english, many if not all residents spoke english and were able to explain procedures to you if the attending surgeon was busy. Many of these doctors are incredibly well trained and have excellent english so language barrier is usually not a problem. Aside from shadowing, the weekly excursions (I don't want to spoil them if you are attending the fellowship) were very very fun. There's a lot of pictures to be taken and a lot of friendships to be made and it was quite the experience. Genova is very very scenic with mountains, beaches (mostly rocky but you can still find sandy beaches), and architecture. Genova is known for their pesto and I really really recommend you try it. The Atlantis fellowship is expensive but provides you an experience that is priceless. I was able to pay for this through fundraising, asking family members, working a part-time job, and a little bit of assistance from my parents. This really has taught me good saving/spending habits for my future. What is your advice to future travelers on this program? I highly advise future travelers to get to know the other fellows prior to the fellowship. It'll allow you to adjust much quicker.

I had the best experience I could have ever wished for. It was a fulfilling experience and very educational. Everyone in the hospital was very kind and did their best to improve the quality of our shadowing experience. Furthermore, I fell in love with the town. Everyone was friendly and happy. Also, the food was incredibly affordable and delicious. We tried many new things like octopus and found that it wasn't bad like we expected. Overall, I would love to do this experience again with Atlantis.

The Atlantis Fellowship was a unique opportunity to shadow and learn about the healthcare system of another country while in undergrad. I was extremely impressed by the staff and how helpful they were to make sure each fellow had the best experience. They prepared us with pre-departure meetings and on-site orientations, which allowed us to be very successful in shadowing. I was able to shadow in many specialties and view 18 surgeries in the OR! Outside of the hospital, I explored Athens and several Greek islands. I highly recommend this for any serious pre-med students who also love to travel and learn about other cultures.

My experience was great, but I felt as though I had no idea where my money was going. It is incredibly expensive. I found out that Atlantis does not pay the doctors even though the hospitals need the money. I’m wondering where my thousands of dollars went.