13 June 2025

As the number of international students at the University of Nicosia Medical School and the School of Veterinary Medicine continues to grow, so does the importance of building bridges between those considering the journey and those already living it.

The Student Ambassadorship Programme aims to do just that — by placing current students at the heart of these outreach efforts.

Current medical and veterinary medicine students are encouraged to take part in country-specific open days, school visits, and virtual Q&A events, where they can offer guidance to future applicants by sharing their personal experiences.

‘It’s not just about admissions’, says Ms Eleni Kammitsi, Assistant Head of Admissions. ‘It’s about sharing honest, practical experiences in a way that builds confidence for future students who may be facing complex decisions — whether academic, cultural, or logistical’.

A recent example of the programme’s success features Abdalla Modar Dali, a second-year medical student from Qatar. Abdalla served as a student ambassador during an open day for Qatar-based secondary school students recently. Working alongside the Admissions team, he provided insights into the application process and authentic student experiences at UNIC Medical School, including the transition from secondary education, managing academic requirements, and adapting to a new cultural setting. Additionally, while in Doha, he visited his former secondary school, the American Academy School, where he shared his personal journey and engaged with more than 70 students in a question-and-answer session.

‘I remember how overwhelming it felt when I was applying’, Abdalla says. ‘I had so many questions — not just about grades or documents, but about whether I’d fit in, how hard the first year would be, what it’s like to live far from home. This programme gave me the chance to answer those questions for someone else’.

Abdalla’s involvement reflects the heart of the Ambassadorship Programme: peer-to-peer connection. By speaking from personal experience, student ambassadors play a crucial role in helping future applicants navigate uncertainty — and see themselves in someone just a few years ahead.

The programme is simple in structure but powerful in impact. Students volunteer to take part in events, co-hosting alongside staff and offering insight into academic life, student services, and cultural adaptation.

‘Every journey is different’, Ms Kammitsi adds. ‘But hearing from someone who’s faced a similar path can be reassuring’.

With more than 90% of UNIC Health’s student body made up of international students, the Ambassadorship Programme not only supports prospective applicants — it gives a voice to students who are already part of the UNIC Health community.

INTERESTED IN TAKING PART?

Current medical or veterinary students who would like to participate in the programme are invited to contact UNIC Health Admissions:

Medical School [email protected]
School of Veterinary Medicine [email protected]