The programme I am currently enrolled in is in partnership with the Erasmus Programme that aims to train students in the field of Plant and Animal Genetics. Thus far the programme has sparked great interest as it is tailored to have me well rounded as a future Animal Geneticist aiming to increase food production, animal welfare and food security. The subject matters covered are intriguing and it pushes me as a scientist to want to understand and learn more, more importantly, it gives me the zeal to want to improve what already exists in terms of methods or technologies being used for genomic prediction for example. Overall the programme is a five star ranked programme.

I did my erasmus in Goettingen 2 years ago and it was one the best experience of my life. Coming from an Italian university it was a real breakthrough for me!

Lectures: since classes were so interesting and well thought and organized, I had to dedicate to studying much less time than I was used in Italy. The typical day consisted in 2-3 hours of traditional lectures in the morning (all students together, powerpoint and so on), and then groups activities (about 10 students in each group) in the afternoons, like seminars and the so called “lecture at the bed of the patient”, where specific topics or clinical cases were discussed.

Internship: I found the best environment to learn where all the doctors were interested in teaching and involving students in their clinical practice. I was always assigned to a tutor and I was allowed to examine patients, help in the OR and assist doctors in all their activities. All doctors were very friendly and invited always me other for lunch, even offered me to go back and work there at the end of my studies.

Facilities: the hospital is organized around students, all students need is there: lectures room, offices, lockers, canteens, libraries. Also the sport center and the campus is very close, so you can make the most out of your time without downtimes for moving from a place to another or waiting.

Students’ offices: even if I was a foreign student, I didn’t have any difficulties in finding everything I needed every time since everything was efficiently organizes (schedules, websites, classes,…) and in case I had any doubt the erasmus office was almost always open and available to help, as any other office.

Overall, I had the most amazing experience, I learned a lot even if the language was not my mother tongue and I found passion for studying medicine again.