The first two Oldenburg medical students from the European Medical School Oldenburg-Groningen are now starting their academic year at the University of Groningen.
Lucia Christians and Julia Vogel were bid farewell by Prof Dr Gregor Theilmeier, Dean of School V - School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Oldenburg, and Dr Gerd Pommer, Chair of the Association of Friends and Sponsors of University Medicine Northwest. For their stay at the University of Groningen, the students will receive a scholarship from the association totalling 250 euros per month for six months, which will then be converted into a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). "The School is delighted about the intensified co-operation between Groningen and Oldenburg, which certainly finds one of its most beautiful forms of expression in the exchange of students. The fact that this exchange is made possible by a scholarship from our sponsorship organisation shows how great the support for the EMS from the region and its districts is," said a delighted Theilmeier. And Pommer added that the association would also be happy to support students in the future. Especially in the area of science, there will be financial support for projects and congress visits.
The student exchange between the Medical Schools of the Universities of Oldenburg and Groningen is an integral part of the medical degree programme at the European Medical School Oldenburg-Groningen. Medical students from Oldenburg can study at the University of Groningen for twelve months, complete a research semester or clinical internships at Groningen University Hospital. In return, the students from Groningen spend their exchange as part of their medical studies at the four Oldenburg clinics and at selected internship practices in the north-west region. One of the aims of the exchange is for the students to familiarise themselves with a different healthcare system and gain intercultural experience alongside their medical studies. In addition, the Oldenburg students can further improve their knowledge of the local language, which they have already acquired in Dutch lessons at the university.