Having hosted 27 students last month as part of IFMSA’s international exchange programs, Near East University is offering 34 international medical students clinical training and scientific research experience at Near East University Hospital in August.
Expanding its international academic collaborations day by day, Near East University brings together medical students from different countries around the world in Northern Cyprus. Organized under the coordination of the Medical Students Association of Northern Cyprus (MSANC) and within the framework of the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), Clinical (SCOPE) and Research (SCORE) Exchange Programs, the program brings together medical students from 26 different countries in Northern Cyprus. In this highly popular exchange program, students gain international experience by participating in scientific research studies while receiving clinical training at Near East University and Near East University Hospital.
The program, implemented in collaboration between Near East University and Near East University Hospital, included students from Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Estonia, Palestine, Croatia, Iraq, Spain, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, North Macedonia, Hungary, Moldova, Egypt, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, and Ukraine, who are participating in clinical training and scientific research studies.
Near East University, which hosted a total of 27 international medical students in July (23 clinical exchange students and 4 research exchange students), is including a total of 34 students in its educational programs in August (27 clinical exchange students and 7 research exchange students). Within the scope of the program, students gain practical clinical experience through rotations in different branches of the Near East University Hospital, and actively participate in scientific research conducted under the supervision of academics. In addition to clinical and academic studies, students have the opportunity to get to know Northern Cyprus closely through social and cultural events, and enrich their professional and cultural experiences with an international perspective by meeting colleagues from different countries.
Near East University Students Dean Prof. Dr. Dudu Yavuz Özkum emphasized that international exchange programs significantly contribute to students’ professional development as well as their exposure to different cultures. Prof. Dr. Özkum said, “This summer, we are hosting medical students from 26 different countries at our university. While gaining clinical experience at Near East University Hospital, our students also have the opportunity to participate in scientific research and work with colleagues from different countries. We find this interaction, which brings together young prospective doctors from different countries in the same academic environment, very valuable.”
“It’s a great place to learn new things, come and enjoy this experience!”
Anna Vahlova, a medical student from Slovakia studying at Near East University under the IFMSA Exchange Program, stated that she chose the exchange program based on the recommendations of students from her faculty who had previously come to Northern Cyprus, and expressed her satisfaction with the modern infrastructure and clinical training opportunities provided by Near East University Hospital. Vahlova, a fifth-year student at Palacky University Olomouc in the Czech Republic, said, “It’s a very modern hospital. There’s a lot of new equipment, and all the doctors are very professional. There’s so much to see and do. We have so many opportunities to learn.” Expressing that the exchange program significantly contributed to her academic and professional development, Vahlova said she would definitely recommend the program to other international medical students, adding, “It’s a great place to learn new things, and the people here are really helpful and friendly. Just come to Northern Cyprus and enjoy this experience.”
“One of the finest hospitals I’ve visited during my medical education!”
Greta Hody, a Hungarian medical student studying at Near East University as part of the exchange program, stated that her admiration for Northern Cyprus, which she had visited before, influenced her decision to return to the island for the exchange program. Hody, a sixth-year medical student at the University of Szeged, expressed her admiration for the modern structure of Near East University Hospital, the spacious areas it offers patients, and the high level of comfort, saying, “It’s one of the finest hospitals I’ve visited during my medical education. It’s really important that patients have their own spacious areas and privacy.” Hody also noted that the exchange program contributed to her professional development, giving her the opportunity to review different medical topics with her professors, which she said was very beneficial before her final year of medical education. Expressing her satisfaction with the social life in Northern Cyprus, Hody said, “The people here are very friendly and hospitable to us. We met students here and already have some plans to do together.”
“We are gaining a lot of practical experience.”
Romanian medical student Stefan Stanciu stated that he chose Near East University based on positive feedback he received from students who had previously participated in the exchange program. Stanciu, a third-year student at UMFST Targu Mureș University, said he gained practical training and research experience, particularly in the fields of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. He said, “We can perform antibiotic tests, and we gain a lot of practical experience in research on how to conduct research.” Expressing satisfaction with the social life on campus and in the dormitories, Stanciu said he would definitely recommend the exchange program to international medical students, adding, “You can really learn a lot here, especially in terms of research.”
George Jemna, another medical student from Romania, stated that he chose Near East University because of its large and modern facilities and the educational opportunities it offers. Jemna, a fourth-year student at the Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Lași Medical University) Faculty of General Medicine, expressed her satisfaction with her clinical training experience at Near East University Hospital, saying, “The doctors were very friendly and helpful. I also have the opportunity to see many surgeries and experience different techniques and approaches.” She also noted that she was impressed by the social and sports facilities on campus, and wholeheartedly recommended the exchange program to other international medical students, stating, “You can focus on your professional development. It’s a very relaxed, easy, and enjoyable environment. I love that literally everything is here. From a huge supermarket to sports centers and fields, there’s everything. We can get together in the evenings and play volleyball. We also have transportation options with shuttle buses.”