Author: Jessica Lobb | Major: Biology | Semester: Summer 2024
Practicing phlebotomy techniques in the medical school lab.
If you had asked me a year ago where Cyprus was on a map, I would not have been able to tell you. Yet in a matter of four weeks, this small mediterranean island was able to steal my heart and teach me lessons that will stay with me forever. I chose to study abroad with the “Global Semesters Summer in Cyprus: Premed” program for four weeks this summer. When I was initially searching for programs, I found it difficult to narrow it down. There were so many options to choose from, but I decided that I wanted a course that would expand my cultural competence in the medical field and provide me with a learning experience I couldn’t find in the states. As an aspiring doctor, I was looking for something that would introduce me to a medical school experience. The Cyprus premed program fulfilled that for me, offering an anatomy and clinical skills course in a human cadaver lab (something not common for undergraduates in the United States), as well as a class evaluating global healthcare management.
On top of this, the courses were offered at the University of Nicosia which is a highly ranked university in Europe. I was not disappointed by my program choice. During my time abroad I was able to hold a real human heart, learn various medical exams using models, visit a hospice center, collaborate with students to practice physician bedside manners, and so much more! A lot of time was spent in the classroom each day, but the instructors had a hands on, discussion-based approach to the courses which made them much more engaging.
My favorite part of the program was reviewing anatomical structures with a current medical student, Ahmed. Ahmed was extremely passionate about learning medicine, and his excitement to teach us how the body works was infectious (no pun intended). It was especially unique to be able to learn with real human cadavers, as I find it much easier to learn if I can apply the knowledge with my hands. By the end of the program I was shocked by how much I had learned in such a short period of time!
The most valuable lesson I learned while abroad came from my management of healthcare professor, Ms. Ghobrial. After years working as a nurse in both the United Kingdom and Cyprus, Ms. Ghobrial has a very realistic understanding of healthcare, and she pushed me to think not just about why I want to be a medical professional, but what my own core values are. We discussed difficult topics such as euthanasia, patient dignity, the duty of doctors to be involved in policy making, and what constitutes quality medical care. These are hard hitting questions, but Ms. Ghobrial explained that if we don’t know our own morals and attitudes now, how are we supposed to uphold them in our future careers? This was an enlightening viewpoint that I continue to think about after the program and will certainly consider as I pursue the medical path.
My time in Cyprus was also impactful beyond the classroom. As part of the program, we took multiple trips throughout the island, including a day trip to the northern area of Cyprus currently occupied by the Turkish. Back in 1974 Turkey invaded Cyprus, and to this day the United Nations monitors a buffer zone splitting the country in two. I visited Famagusta which used to be the most prominent tourist city on the island but now is merely an abandoned ghost town. Our tour guide grew up in Famagusta and explained how the Greek Cypriots were forced to abandon their homes in a matter of days, never able to return. It resonated with me how fortunate I am to live in a place free of serious political and military conflict. There are people out there who have lost everything, and I need to be more aware of this devastation in the world.
On a more positive note, the most surprising part of my time during the program came from the fact that I spoke with many Cypriots who had never met an American before! The island is not a popular tourist destination for Americans, especially the capitol Nicosia. It was fun to share stories with these Cypriots and give them what was hopefully a positive first experience with someone from the United States. Those conversations with locals were always the most exciting! Ultimately, I could not be more fulfilled with my study abroad experience. Every individual I met was amazing, the island was beautiful, and the courses were eye opening. I would highly recommend University of Arkansas students to consider the Global Semester Summer in Cyprus program!