Our Cities & Programs
Atlantis shadowing programs help improve your future med/PA applications, while letting you experience some amazing cultures and countries.
- Select your options based on the filters
- Only programs with availability are currently displaying. Our programs mostly consist of small groups, which is why we often fill programs, close them, and open new ones. Let us know if you’d like us to keep you updated as our programs open and close
- When you see a city name by itself on a program card, that denotes a shadowing program, which is the most common type we offer. Our Service-Research Projects, which are non-shadowing programs, are each clearly identified as a “Project.” Programs that include a Harvard Medical School HMX course show “+HMX”
Standard Break Options | Possible Advantages of Atlantis Over Each Option |
---|---|
Volunteer in a Low-to-Middle-Income Country (sometimes doing hands-on work with patients, which can result in automatic rejection by med schools) |
Do observation-only shadowing (AAMC compliant), interacting closely with doctors who have jobs more similar to those in the U.S. Add a diverse perspective to your future medical school class, since pre-med international experience in Europe is more rare |
Study abroad in a non-healthcare-related program | Make study abroad a major help for your pre-med path, instead of something that does not contribute directly to your goals |
Work to earn money | Shadow for a few weeks and work the rest of break – keeping in mind how valuable the investment is and the available payment plans you have |
Shadow domestically | Supplement domestic experiences with shadowing in Europe in order to gain depth, breadth, quantity of hours, and intercultural perspective |
Research | Get clinical experience – required by all med/PA schools, whereas research is usually not required. For schools that do not require research, great healthcare exposure beats research, if you have to choose. |
Take this as just one set of reasons. Any option on the left is a fair and reasonable option for certain circumstances. However, we are seeking to equip you with data you can use to make the decision that is best for you.
Is Atlantis for You? Take the Quiz
Keep In Mind
- Language skills are not required
- Alumni went on to 40 of the top 50 medical schools, and also to DO/PA & more
- Atlantis alumni become some of the few Med/PA applicants to have seen universal healthcare systems, and they often bring this up as a conversation in interviews
- Atlantis runs primarily Shadowing, but also Service-Research Projects, or a multi-country combination of Shadowing and/or Projects. Some programs also include a Harvard Medical School HMX course
- Atlantis programs include housing, some meals, excursions, health insurance, and more
- In a PhD-authored study, 93% of a large sample of alumni progressed on the competencies that medical schools use to assess applicants

Consider Programs That Combine Multiple Countries In One Trip
Multi-country programs compound both the short and long-term value of your experience.

Watch Video: The Atlantis Experience
Europe vs. the US
Compare healthcare costs and life expectancies between countries in Europe and the United States to see how the European system has some advantages over the American one —and disadvantages too—which is part of the reason why the Atlantis pre-health experience in Europe is unique and can be valuable later in med/PA applications and interviews.
Europeans Have Higher Life Expectancies
Yet Spend Far Less on Healthcare
I believe that highlighting the Atlantis experience significantly bolstered my candidacy and helped lead to numerous eventual [medical school] acceptances I was fortunate enough to receive.

George Bugarinovic
Atlantis '16
Johns Hopkins '15, Harvard Medical School '20
Atlantis is an opportunity of a lifetime…The program helped catapult me to a full-tuition (and generous living stipend!) merit scholarship at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine where I currently attend and will graduate with an MD.

Selena Pasadyn
Atlantis ‘16
Harvard ‘16, Cleveland Clinic MD ‘21
It was the best experience of my life. I remember standing in the OR and saying to myself “I don’t care how long it takes, how hard it will be or how much money it will cost. I’m going to become a doctor.” I have told all my friends that are pre-med that they need to do this. Not only did I have an amazing time in the hospital but I also made friends that will last a lifetime.
Matthew
Athens Atlantis '19
University of Illinois Chicago
Atlantis provided the richest pre-med experience I’ve had to date, and I’m so thankful to have had this opportunity. I would go back and do it 100 times over!
Youssef
Turin Atlantis ‘19
Rice University
I was blown away by the experience I had. I would recommend it to anyone who is on the fence about going to medical school or stopping.
Bren
Burgos Atlantis '18
University of Arizona
My Atlantis trip to Spain was the best trip I have ever been on. Between shadowing some of the kindest and wisest doctors I have ever met, to making new friends, to traveling the world on weekends, Atlantis gave me the trip of a lifetime.
Adelia
Cuenca Atlantis '20
Lipscomb University
It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to learn so much about the medical field from the hospital, and I was able to have an amazing time exploring Viana and making life-long friends.
Devin
Viana do Castelo Atlantis '19
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Participating in Atlantis was truly one of the best decisions I could have made for my career. I learned so much and got to observe procedures that would be nearly impossible to observe in the United States. Going on the program solidified my desire to go to medical school and gave me confidence in the direction of my career.
Erin
Thessaloniki Atlantis ‘19
Wright State University
My trip to Merida has changed my life. The opportunities provided by Atlantis are nearly unattainable elsewhere. The program has made me confident in myself and my future.
Eva
Mérida Atlantis '19
University of California Davis
This program was the best thing I could have ever done. I was shown so many different specialties and feel I am so much more confident in going into medicine after this program.
Kerstin
Rome Atlantis '19
Hunter College CUNY
Atlantis was one of the best decisions I made as a pre-med student. I got to see medicine in action so close-up, and I never would have received that opportunity in the USA. I am truly thankful to Atlantis for helping me confirm that I am on the right path.
Sadana
Zaragoza Atlantis '19
George Washington University
The experience I gained through Atlantis was truly incredible and I don’t believe I could have gotten it anywhere else. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to participate in the Atlantis program.
Abraham
Toledo Atlantis '18
Cornell University
It was the best first-hand clinical observational experience that I don’t think could really be offered in the US. It was real life, in my face experience. I’ve shadowed and volunteered in Hospitals before but I’ve never been in an OR or seen surgery performed with my own eyes. It was a very unique experience.
Keren
Barbastro Atlantis '19
George Mason University
It was an incredible experience from start to finish. I learned tons and gained valuable experience in a hospital. Not just that, I made incredible friendships along the way.
Damian
Milan Atlantis '19
Moravian University
Atlantis was the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded, driven people who have become my lifelong friends. Atlantis also reminded me why I want to become a doctor and helped fuel my passion for medicine.
Elena
Bologna Atlantis '19
Wisconsin University
I loved this fellowship! I am so grateful for this opportunity and for everyone that made it possible.
Abigail
Cascais Atlantis '19
I was able to learn things not only about medicine but also about myself and the world we live in. I discovered the specific path of medical education I was to pursue and do not believe I would have done so without this program.
Abigale
Budapest Atlantis ‘19
University of New Mexico
I believe that Atlantis has truly [proven] my dedication and determination to become a doctor, and I believe that it will definitely do the same for many others.
Adonnis
Vilnius Atlantis ‘19
Saint Elizabeth University
The experiences I got to have through Atlantis are like none other. For me, this trip solidified that I am on the right path and that becoming a medical professional is exactly what I want to do.
Amanda
Trento Atlantis '19
University at Albany
It was the closest I could be to being a doctor/surgeon without being one. It is definitely an eye-opener and an experience every pre-med student should experience.
Amit S.
Lisbon Atlantis '19
Polytechnic State University
It gave me an experience that I will never forget! It confirmed my interest in the medical field and gave me a push in the right direction.
Ashley
Vigo Atlantis '19
I would recommend this because it is a great experience if you are applying for medical school, but also to grow as a person. I made so many new friends and had so many amazing experiences that I will never forget.
Ashley
Padua Atlantis '19
University of Mississippi
Every moment of my program was amazing! Getting the chance to shadow in my preferred specialty was so inspiring and motivated me to further strive to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Bouthiana
Coimbra Atlantis '19
Marshall University
This is an amazing opportunity for those wanting to see which specialties they may be interested in. You will find out if that is the path to focus on or not.
Carmen
Talavera de la Reina Atlantis '18
Loma Lima University
Atlantis has given me the opportunity to experience and obtain knowledge that I would not be able to gain in a regular classroom setting. The program also helped to remind me of my medical ambitions, regain confidence in myself, and focus on my pre-med journey.
Courtney
Zagreb Atlantis '19
Mount Royal University
This was truly an unforgettable experience. I enjoyed every second in the hospital. This fellowship was that last push and motivation I needed to continue my career in the medical field.
Elaine
Pontevedra Atlantis '19
University of Missouri Columbia
The Atlantis Fellowship has given me a broader perspective on the field of healthcare. The program has also brought wonderful people into my life.

Elorm Yevudza
Atlantis '16
Amherst College '19, Columbia MD '24
It was an amazing, eye-opening experience to get to learn about the medical profession in another country. It allows you to fully understand how different things could be and how other countries go about performing healthcare. You also get the chance to meet so many new and wonderful people that I will be forever grateful for. It is an experience of a lifetime.
Erin
Larissa Atlantis '19
Northwest Ohio University of Kentucky
Atlantis allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a culture that I would probably have never done if it wasn’t for this program. I learned so much about a different healthcare system and was able to confirm that medicine is what I want to do in the future. The program is a perfect mix of being able to explore a foreign country while also helping you to achieve your future goal of being a doctor.
Erin
Mantua Atlantis '19
University of Notre Dame
It was the best shadowing and the best foreign experience I’ve ever had. A must for any pre-med student with travel fever or an interest in foreign medicine.
Fermin
Madrid Atlantis '19
University of Colorado at Boulder
You will be able to immerse yourself into a culture you’re unfamiliar with… and feel like a local. Look at body language and nonverbal signs and tones in the patients you meet, rather than the words they’re speaking.
Frank
Trieste Atlantis '19
Rice University
Atlantis opened my eyes to how healthcare, education, families, and much more operate in other countries. The diversity of our group allowed me to make friends that live all over the country, and we all walked away from our 6 weeks with a newfound respect for medicine, as well as a better understanding of what we may want our future careers to look like.
Gabrielle G.
Rijeka Atlantis ‘19
UVA ‘25
I absolutely loved my experience. My site managers did an amazing job giving us a real authentic Italian experience and were also very helpful with any questions we had. My group overall was fantastic, and it really made the trip that much better. I am so happy to have been able to see a different kind of healthcare system and use what I’ve learned in the hospital in my future career in medicine.
Hannah
Pavia Atlantis '19
Savannah State University
I loved it!! Would definitely recommend it to a friend. It is such a wonderful opportunity to be exposed to healthcare in another country. The doctors and medical staff are super friendly and love to be teaching you.
Jillian
Teruel Atlantis '18
Bates College
Overall, it was an experience that will help anyone who wants to pursue a degree in medicine. This experience will be one that not only will help me with getting into medical school but will help me become a better doctor. It will give me more of an understanding of the medical systems for those who live in different countries and the different techniques that physicians use.
Kaylen
Genoa Atlantis '19
Texas Tech University
This program definitely fueled my motivation to become a doctor.
Liliana
Valladolid Atlantis '19
College of the Canyons
Atlantis is a great way to immerse yourself in the medical field. Not only do you get to explore a new country, but learn more about healthcare itself. It was an amazing opportunity to compare healthcare firsthand. In addition, rotating specialties each week truly helps those who are unsure of which area of medicine they want to pursue.
Lindsay
Sibenik Atlantis ‘19
Eastern Michigan University
I would strongly recommend Atlantis to a friend… the trip was very well planned out, from excursions to our daily routine of going to the hospital. Also, I had the best experience at the hospital. I never would have expected to be able to see surgeries firsthand. All around, this program was amazing in every aspect.
Mattaya
Bergamo Atlantis '19
Wilfrid Laurier University
I loved rotating within the different departments and seeing a variety of procedures and patient encounters. Our site manager was also amazing throughout the entire program. He was always available and wanted to ensure that we had the best possible experience during our time in Hungary.
Prachi
Székesfehérvár Atlantis ‘19
UT Austin
Atlantis was an incredible experience. I was challenged to think about things that I had not thought of before about being a doctor. My love for my desired specialty was enhanced through Atlantis. I will always have a little bit of Spain with me wherever I go.
Rachel
Ponferrada Atlantis '18
Furman University
It was an unbelievable experience in which I learned so much about myself, medicine, and the kind of doctor I want to be.
Sabrina
Ourense Atlantis '19
University of Wyoming
Atlantis is an incredible experience that everyone should be able to have. The shadowing showed me incredible cases that really piqued my interest and made me think deeper into the field of medicine.
Shane
Tarragona Atlantis '19
University of Georgia
It is a great opportunity to be part of a clinical environment and also engage in different cultures. Thank you for the unforgettable memory and life-changing experience.
SoYoung
Puertollano Atlantis '19
Cornell University
I have no doubt that I will forever remember this experience. Outside of the enriched clinical component, I learned a great deal about myself while immersed in a culture so different from the one I have grown accustomed to.
Sydney
Calatayud Atlantis '19
Hope College
Overall it was an incredible experience to help me feel confident that I want to become a surgeon!
Taylor
Villarrobledo Atlantis '18
Utah State University
[Atlantis] allows one to experience a different part of the world, which can change a person’s perspective of culture and people in general.
Wendy
Belgrade Atlantis ‘19
MCPHS University
Shadowing the doctors in a hospital setting was a valuable experience and made me realize how much I want to be a doctor in the future.
Wynne
Manresa Atlantis '19
It was an amazing experience that was life-changing and has motivated me to work twice as harder to one day become a physician myself.
Alexa
Alcazar de San Juan Atlantis '19
University of South Florida
It was an amazing experience. I learned so much from this program. It made me finalize my decision on if I want to be a doctor or not.
Alexander
Almada Atlantis '18
Rochester Institute of Technology
Best fellowship opportunity ever, I couldn’t imagine missing out on this experience!
Alyssa
Albacete Atlantis '19
Drury University
Any doubt about my drive to practice medicine has been diminished. I want more of my friends who are pursuing this career to experience what I’ve just accomplished.
Rodney
Cáceres Atlantis '18
University of Georgia
It’s a truly wonderful and life-changing experience. You come out of the project with so much knowledge that you wouldn’t have imagined at the beginning.
Rene
Almansa Atlantis '17
Saint Martin's University
It’s a rare, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Truly an eye-opening opportunity that I can’t get anywhere else. This program makes me want to become a doctor even faster!
Sharon
Ferrol Atlantis '19
University of La Verne
This experience changed my life and I want it to help others. I loved it and would do it again!
Mallorca Atlantis '18
University of the Sciences
It was an amazing experience that shaped my perspective of the world. The experience overall helped motivate me and made it clear that I wanted to study medicine.
Veronica
Figueres Atlantis '19
I was following residents and doctors in Trauma and Orthopedics and was able to observe surgeries ranging from total shoulder replacements to spinal surgeries… I knew then and there I wanted to be in the place of those surgeons one day, working hard to better a patient’s quality of life through amazing surgical techniques and cutting-edge medical technology.

Emily Milesi
Ferrol, Spain 2018
Sonoma State University
We pre-meds go to study abroad fairs and are disappointed because none of the options are a fit for us since they don’t include the classes we need. I might have taken 5 brochures out of 200 programs at the fair, because none of them offer upper-level classes that fit a pre-med schedule, like physics, organic chemistry etc.
Nicole C.
Atlantis ‘20
Lehigh University ‘21
It’s hard as a pre-medical student to stand out from every other pre-medical student out there, especially when it comes to experiences before medical school. When I decided to travel across the world to shadow abroad, I knew I was helping myself stand out from the crowd. What I didn’t know was how deep my love for traveling would be and how deep my love for the people I met on my journey would be.

Michaela Dews
Viana do Castelo, Portugal 2017
Harvard University
In a world where networks are invaluable, I will cherish the relationships I had with the doctors I shadowed at Hospital El Bierzo. Many offered me their emails so that I can ask them questions or to be references for future applications. It meant so much to me that they wanted to invest in my future beyond my three weeks as a Fellow.

Hannah Perkins
Ponferrada, Spain 2018
Furman University
I met amazing people and saw incredible things shadowing in the hospital. I am very thankful for this experience and would recommend it to everyone!
Julia
Barcelona Atlantis '19
University of Miami
I had an incredible experience during my program. I learned so much about the daily routine of doctors in various specialties, while also building new relationships and getting perspective on a new culture.
Kyle
Torun Atlantis ‘19
University of Connecticut
I loved Atlantis. It was the best experience of my life. I met so many people and doctors that strongly impacted my life. If I had a little doubt about being a doctor, Atlantis scooped that away. I am one hundred percent sure that I am going to be a doctor and I will work hard to achieve it.
Leslye
Huesca Atlantis '18
University of Texas San Antonio
Atlantis provided me with an amazing shadowing experience. I was able to experience international healthcare in the best way possible. I think every pre-med or healthcare student should take part in an Atlantis program as it provides an amazing cultural experience that will be helpful in their future careers. The excursion was an added bonus that gave our group a chance to get to know each other and bond before the shadowing began.
Rebecca B.
Patras Atlantis '20
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences ‘18
63 Testimonials
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