From Sweden to Cyprus: medical students gain clinical experience and cultural insight

For the past two months, five students from Örebro University in Sweden called Cyprus their home, completing part of their clinical training in Limassol. During this time, they gained valuable insight into a new healthcare environment while also embracing life on the island and its local culture.

Emma Ling, Louisa Johansson, Ingrid Holmquist, Thea Ingvarsson and Emma Johansson participated in this exchange through the NEOLAiA European University Alliance, which gives students the opportunity to undertake part of their studies at partner universities across Europe. Their placement in Cyprus was made possible through the collaboration between UNIC and Örebro University within the Alliance.

Near the end of their time here, we sat down with the students to hear how the experience had shaped their medical learning and personal perspectives.

Overall, they described their time here as both academically rewarding and personally transformative. During their placement at Limassol General Hospital, the students rotated through different departments, including paediatrics and obstetrics and gynaecology, where they observed surgeries, met patients, and practised taking medical histories in English.

While they noted some challenges in communication due to language differences, they said the experience strengthened not only their medical English but also their understanding of cultural differences in healthcare.

The students highlighted both similarities and differences between the Swedish and Cypriot healthcare systems, and appreciated the opportunity to experience medicine from a new perspective. ‘It has helped us better understand people from different backgrounds and perspectives,’  Louisa noted. ‘You learn a lot by going abroad’, Emma L. added.

One aspect of the Cypriot healthcare system that stood out was the close relationship between doctors and patients. ‘A lot of patients here have continuous contact with the same doctor or paediatrician’, Emma J. explained. ‘That continuity is something we really appreciated seeing’.

During their stay, they also had the opportunity to take part in a Mobile Eye Clinic expedition to Lythrodontas, where they worked alongside our partner ophthalmologists from Pantheo Eye Center and helped screen for ophthalmological diseases in the community. They described the experience as both meaningful and eye-opening.

But their time in Cyprus extended far beyond the hospital wards. They found the time to explore Cyprus’ beaches, enjoy the sunny weather and discover the local food and culture.

Their daily routine often included early-morning swims before heading to the hospital, followed by afternoons spent studying together and exploring local spots.

Beyond the clinical environment, the students also highlighted the warmth and openness of Cypriot culture as one of the most memorable aspects of their stay. ‘Everyone has been very kind and welcoming. We were invited to many activities by other students, and that made it much easier to adjust’, they shared.

As their time in Cyprus was about to draw to a close, the students said they would miss the welcoming atmosphere, the culture, and the friendships they made during their stay.