A degree in medicine has long been one of the most sought-after pursuits for secondary school and university graduates worldwide. For various reasons, sizable number of students would flock overseas to pursue medical studies. These international medical students, while having their opportunities to follow their doctoring desire, they also have distinct challenges to overcome. One Malaysian medical school has a unique curriculum where students spend first half of their studies in Dublin, then return to Penang for the second half of the course. This brief report addresses some pertinent issues that international students frequently encounter.