The Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s IVSA Cyprus team met with students from IVSA Erzurum, implementing a comprehensive exchange program filled with academic and social activities.
Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, continues to host exchange students from abroad. The International Veterinary Students Association Cyprus (IVSA Cyprus), operating under NEU Office of Students Dean, hosted students from the IVSA Erzurum branch in Cyprus. The program, enriched with academic training, practical workshops, cultural excursions, and social activities, contributed to the development of students’ professional knowledge and skills. The program also provided opportunities for learning about different cultures and building international friendships.
During the practical training sessions organized within the scope of the program, students participated in the Halloumi and Kefir Workshop, where they experienced the production processes of Cypriot dairy products. They also had the opportunity to get to know the academic and technical infrastructure of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine by visiting its microbiology and pathology laboratories. Furthermore, they enhanced their professional knowledge and experience by receiving practical training on animal welfare, care practices, hygiene, stress management, and ethical approaches in the laboratory animal workshop held at the Experimental Animal Research Center (DEHAM). The exchange program, filled with academic training, practical studies, cultural explorations, and social activities, concluded with a farewell evening.
A rich academic journey from theory to practice…
The students began their program with an introductory breakfast. Following breakfast, they had the opportunity to closely examine the production processes of Cypriot dairy products throughout the Halloumi and Kefir Workshop conducted by Prof. Dr. Hatice Beyza Ulusoy, a faculty member of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The workshop covered all stages of halloumi production through practical demonstrations, while also addressing food safety and the responsibilities of veterinarians in this field. Participants reinforced their theoretical knowledge with practical applications by experiencing traditional Cypriot flavors. During laboratory visits, students were introduced to the academic and technical infrastructure of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Accompanied by Assist. Prof. Dr. Halit Şükür, students visited the Microbiology Laboratory and learned about advanced technology devices and laboratory practices used in veterinary medicine education. Following this, they toured the Pathology Laboratory, gaining a close look at the faculty’s educational and research facilities.
One of the notable academic activities of the exchange program was the laboratory animal workshop held at DEHAM. In the practical training led by Veterinarian Meliha Temizel, students received comprehensive information about the care, welfare, stress management, and hygiene practices of laboratory animals. The workshop, which included a practical demonstration of the lavage procedure, also covered ethical principles and scientific approaches to be observed when working with animals.
They explored the historical and cultural riches of Cyprus…
Students had the opportunity to get to know the historical and touristic values of Northern Cyprus closely. During a visit to Varosha in Famagusta, they learned about the historical past of the region. The students then had the opportunity to socialize and get together at a picnic organized on the beach. Continuing their cultural tour in Kyrenia, they visited St. Hilarion Castle, Bellapais Monastery, and Kyrenia Castle, examining the region’s important historical structures firsthand; the students concluded the day with a pleasant time spent at Kyrenia Harbor. The program also included a visit to the walled city of Famagusta. At the St. Barnabas Archaeology and Icon Museum, students explored Cyprus’s rich historical and cultural heritage, and then visited Othello Castle and Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, observing the region’s multifaceted history firsthand.
During visits to the Near East University campus, students had the opportunity to learn about the university’s museum collections. Various artifacts and collections were examined at the Herbarium and the Cyprus Modern Art Museum, while the campus leg of the program concluded with a visit to the Cyprus Car Museum. The visits ended with a meeting with the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz. During this meeting, students shared both their academic experiences and their impressions of Cyprus.