Medical and pharmacy students from 17 countries who completed their summer internships at Near East University Hospital shared their experiences: “We came on a recommendation, and we found more than we expected…”
Approximately 30 students from 17 countries who came to Cyprus as part of the Erasmus+ Exchange Program, through internship and research exchange programs carried out by the International Pharmacy Students Federation (IPSF) and the International Medical Students Association (IFMSA), are continuing their internships and research at Near East University.

Approximately 30 students from the Czech Republic, Palestine, Finland, Lithuania, Lebanon, Hungary, North Macedonia, Egypt, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Jordan gained practical experience during their internships at Near East University Hospital and had new friendships in a multicultural environment.

Students from different countries who choose Near East University for their internships share a common goal: to experience firsthand the recommendations they’ve received about the university. They explained that they decided to come to the TRNC based on the recommendations of friends who previously interned or studied at Near East University and their own research findings. They stated that the university’s technical infrastructure, well-equipped hospital, supportive academic staff, and practical opportunities far exceeded their expectations.

The students, who said, “We experienced firsthand how accurate what we heard before coming here was.”, also stated that they gained significant benefits in both their academic and personal development during this process. They emphasized that being in a safe, modern, and multicultural environment made them extremely happy. They stated that they not only developed their professional knowledge and experience but also experienced great social enrichment through interaction with different cultures.

Bianca Maria Ştefan: “I gained a great opportunity to experience the field I want to specialize in.”
Bianca Maria Ştefan, a fifth-year medical student from Romania, is interning in the gastroenterology department. Ştefan, stating that she wants to specialize in this field, said, “Interning at Near East University Hospital was a great opportunity for me. I gained a lot of experience and had the opportunity to practice.” Ştefan noted that a close friend had previously attended Near East University through the ERASMUS program, saying, “My friend had a great experience at the hospital and benefited greatly from the accommodation, social programs, university, and hospital facilities. He also had the opportunity to learn about the culture of Cyprus. After what he explained, I chose this university.”

Szczepan Kopaczel: “This internship was a wonderful experience for me.”
Szczepan Kopaczel, a fourth-year pharmacy student from Poland, completed internships in Pharmaceutical Technology, Analytical Chemistry, and Pharmacognosy at Near East University. Kopaczel explained that he researched this institution after seeing it listed on university exchange programs. “I was very impressed by the helpfulness of the professors and the opportunity to intern in the field I wanted. When I arrived, I realized all the positive comments were true.” Kopaczel, who stated that he had the opportunity to rotate across three different fields during his internship, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I didn’t expect this internship to be this great. I found so much more than I expected.” Kopaczel also stated that he was very impressed by the warm and safe environment in Cyprus.

Rola Al Aridi: “I came to improve myself, and I found a truly well-equipped environment.”
Rola Al Aridi, a medical student who came to Near East University from Lebanon for her internship, said she chose Near East University because she had heard about it from her friends. Al Aridi said, “My friends who had previously internship studies said that this place was technically well-equipped and has a nice environment. I came here to improve myself. And when I arrived, I found a happy and well-equipped environment, just as I had hoped.”

Michaela Meliorisova: “I encountered many more cases here!”
Michaela Meliorisova, a senior medical student from the Czech Republic who came to Near East University for her internship in ophthalmology, said she chose this university to gain more clinical experience. Meliorisova, noting that she encountered significantly more cases here than in her home country, said, “The fact that there are so many patients here has been a great advantage for me. I am very pleased with the opportunities the university provided and the professors who mentored us.” Meliorisova, who stated that she enjoys seeing and exploring new places, expressed her delight at being in Northern Cyprus and experiencing this internship.

Jordan Velkovski: “I was very happy to have the opportunity to practice more here.”
Jordan Velkovski, a medical student from Macedonia, is carrying out a gynecology internship at Near East University. Velkovski stated that one of his friends completed an internship at this university as part of a friend’s exchange program and was pleased, adding that he chose this university based on his friend’s recommendation. Velkovski noted that he gained valuable insights from observing the gynecology department, saying, “Everyone here is dedicated to their work and very knowledgeable in their field. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to practice and gain more experience.”

Joud Weal Aburajab: “Gaining experience at this high-tech hospital will greatly contribute to my career.”
Joud Weal Aburajab, a Palestinian resident interning in anesthesia, stated that Near East University’s multicultural structure and well-equipped healthcare infrastructure were influential in his choice. “Meeting people from different countries has also improved my communication skills. The experience I gained at this high-tech hospital will definitely advance my academic and professional development.”