Do you know that there are plenty of students from Germany studying at the Faculty of Medicine in Kosice? Actually, students from German-speaking countries now form one of the biggest groups at the Faculty. What is the reason behind this? There is a strict system called Numerus clausus in Germany: applicants do not make standard entrance examinations but are accepted according to their results from secondary schools. Only those students, whose average is 1.3 (maximum 1.5) may be accepted to one of the German medical universities. The rest of them must wait an incredible 6 or 7 years to be given a second chance. Those students, who would like to study medicine or dentistry have one great alternative: studying abroad and acquiring internationally recognised degree abroad.
Lina is one of them. She agreed to give us an interview, so also other applicants see what they may expect and what is the level of the Faculty.
Hello Lina, thank you for accepting our invitation. Can you please present yourself in a few sentences? Why did you decide to study medicine?
My name is Lina Bach, I’m 23 years old and from Bielefeld and studying in the 2nd year of the program General medicine. Why did I decide to study medicine? In my family, there are doctors, my father included. Since I was small I always wanted to become a doctor. When I got older, however, my desire to become doctor was even stronger. After high school, I decided to do a training as a rescue assistant. This training gave me 100% certainty that I want to study medicine and I want to pursue this as my profession during my life. Now I sit at the lectures and take exams one by one. It is a great feeling when you know that you follow your dream step by step.
Why did you decide to come to the Faculty of Medicine in Košice (Slovakia)?
I have been informed about the quality of education in Košice, did some research on my own, watched videos, etc. I liked Košice at first sight, spoke with current students and asked them questions. The students were very positive and almost everyone recommended me to Košice. In the end, I decided on Košice, because I was very interested in the city and I understand the Slovak language very well through my Polish knowledge. I also liked the university very much, the very good relationship with the professors, lecturers and we students are almost like a multicultural family. I am very happy here in Košice.
I also liked the university very well, the very good relationship with the professors, lecturers and we students are almost like a multicultural family. I am very happy here in Košice.
My experience with the Faculty and University has been very positive so far. Students have good relationships with the professors and lecturers. Students are almost like a multicultural family. I am very happy to be here – in Košice.
Were you (or your parents) frightened by anything before you came to Košice? Were your doubts justified, or there is no reason to be frightened?
Actually, there was no big fear of coming to Slovakia, since it is very similar to Poland. On the other hand, it is a new country, new language and new culture for most of international students. I completely understand, when applicants are nervous before they come here.
How are the lecturers and the professors at the Faculty of Medicine in Košice and their level of education?
The demands are high – just like at any other faculty of medicine. You need to study a lot, if you do not want to be expelled from the Faculty. The professors and lecturers are very helpful and help you with any problem you may face.
You need to study a lot, if you do not want to be expelled from the Faculty. The professors and lecturers are very helpful and help you with any problem you may face.
If you show true interest in the problem, they support you. It is very joyful to study if you feel support from your teachers.
Are there many international students at the Faculty of Medicine in Kosice?
Yes, there are plenty of them, what I really like! One learns about different cultures, languages and countries. My group consisted only of Germans for instance at the beginning, but since there are always some drop-outs, study groups are getting mixed.
The learning is very individual for everyone. I like to study alone for some courses, eg in anatomy. On the other hand, there are subjects, where learning in groups makes bigger sense.
Is your degree from Košice recognized in Germany?
According to the Bologna process, my degree from Slovakia is recognized in the European Union, since it is a member country. I think there should be no problem when you decide to switch to some of German medical university after the first or second year. There are students who went back to Germany after the second year because they got a place to study there. For me, this is not the case – I decided that I wanted to study in English until the end.
According to the Bologna process, my degree from Slovakia is recognized in European Union, since it is member country.
What sports activities can you practice as an international student in Košice?
I play tennis and it is fun to play it here in Slovakia too. There are some activities you can practice here. There is something for everyone. What is great is that you can drive about 1 1/2 hours by train from Košice to the High Tatras, for skiing. It is 3 hours to Budapest and about 2- 2 1/2 hours to Poland.
If you had the opportunity again to decide where you could study, would you choose Košice again?
I think I have consciously made the decision to go to Košice, for the reasons described above. I like it very much here and I am satisfied. I really recommend it to anyone
