“My exchange in Greece was truly unforgettable. I felt welcomed from day one—both in the hospital and by my host. I learned so much clinically, but also grew personally through the friendships, culture, and beautiful moments shared. It was the perfect mix of learning, adventure, and genuine human connection.”

“Athens is the most vivid city I have ever been to. Non-mediterranean people might feel a huge cultural shock. From my Spanish perspective, it’s like magic how one of the biggest European capital cities still has its very unique identity. The choice I’m the most proud of, is letting the Greeks fill my heart and my head.”

This is some of the feedback we received from the incoming medical students who participated in the exchange program organized by HelMSIC.

115 incoming students were welcomed by HelMSIC as part of the Clinical and Research Exchange program during the summer months, who were divided among the 7 Local Committees.

10 Local Officers worked since March to organize the exchange of the incomings.

20 active members of HelMSIC participated in the Exchanges’ Teams, contributing to the organization of the exchange.

The goal is always to ensure internships in the clinics and laboratories of the Medical Schools for the incomings, to provide for them the best possible boarding and lodging and to organize a social program full of activities and excursions, so that they can get to know Greece, the Greek culture and the Greek way of life.

However, beyond the participation of active members in the organization, the contribution of Medical students to the Exchange program was also enormous. Specifically:

45 Medical students hosted incoming students for his one-month stay in Greece and provided them with the opportunity to get to know the daily life of a Medical student in Greece firsthand.

115 Medical students participated as a contact person for the incoming students, helping them adapt to Greek daily life, answering questions and guiding them both before their arrival in Greece and during their exchange.

It is also worth reading the experiences shared with us by the Medical students who participated as contact persons and/or hosts in the exchange program:

“We have been contact persons for the last 2 years and we consider it to be one of the best parts of the exchanges, because you have the opportunity to make friends from all over the world, to actively participate in the excursions, parties and in general in the social program and its activities, as well as to get to know your city better while you are guiding students from abroad. Also, those of us who participate in mobility programs abroad, know how important it is to have someone to guide you from the first moment you arrive in the host country and who will give you valuable advice. This is exactly what we try to do for students who come to Greece.”

“As a contact person, you can see what it’s like to have an international student exchange in your city and get to know it again with medical students from all over the world. You have the opportunity to show off your Medical School, clinics and generally have an intercultural experience in your city!”

Intercultural interaction with people from all over the world and gaining new experiences are undoubtedly unique opportunities for medical students and shape future healthcare professionals.

On our part, we would like to sincerely thank each and every individual who contributed to organizing the exchange of incoming students during the summer months.

Overall, we offered a unique and unforgettable experience to the incomings and we hope it will remain equally unforgettable for you!