Yasemin Erbilen, a second-year student at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty, participated in a one-month research exchange program in Romania to gain international scientific and academic experience. From 1 to 31 July 2026, Erbilen took part in scientific research activities as part of the program hosted by George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology in Târgu Mureș, Romania.
Erbilen applied for the exchange program, organized through the Medical Students’ Association of Northern Cyprus (MSANC), which operates under the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), via the Eastern Mediterranean University Medical Students’ Association (EMUMSA), active within EMU. After meeting the required criteria, Erbilen was accepted into the program.
Actively Participated in Scientific Research Project
As part of the program, Erbilen participated in the research project titled “Fungal and Mycotoxin Contamination of Cereal Products Commercialized in Romania and Their Impact on Human Health” through IFMSA’s Standing Committee on Research Exchange (SCORE). Within the scope of the research conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Erbilen actively participated in laboratory practices.
During the one-month exchange, Erbilen had the opportunity to observe and carry out various laboratory procedures involving culture preparation and the examination of microorganisms, allowing her to reinforce through practical experience the theoretical knowledge she had acquired as part of her medical education at EMU. Through the research project, Erbilen gained first-hand experience of the laboratory stages of scientific research and also participated in various workshops, providing her with the opportunity to become familiar with the academic working environment in a different country.
“It Made a Significant Contribution to My Academic and Professional Development”
Describing the one-month SCORE exchange program in Romania as a valuable experience, Erbilen stated that the program provided her with the opportunity to experience a scientific research environment in a different country, develop her laboratory skills and undertake clinical observation.
Erbilen also noted that the opportunity to engage in academic and cultural exchange with medical students from different countries was among the key benefits of the program. She emphasized that the experience not only contributed to her academic and professional development but also enabled her to gain new perspectives and experiences in the fields of medicine and scientific research.
“Such Experiences Make Significant Contributions to Academic Development”
EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu stated that students’ participation in international research projects makes significant contributions to their academic development, noting: “One of the key components of medical education is the development of our students’ scientific thinking and research skills. We are highly pleased to see our students gain experience in educational and research environments in different countries within the scope of IFMSA and become part of international academic communities. We are equally pleased to welcome medical students from different countries to our Faculty, where they have the opportunity to study and interact with our students. Our student’s active involvement in a research project in Romania, participation in laboratory studies and academic interaction with students from different countries provided her with the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired during her education in a different academic environment. We believe that such experiences not only broaden our students’ professional perspectives but also strengthen their interest in scientific research.”
Prof. Dr. Kılıç: “We Value Our Students’ International Experiences”
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç underscored the importance of enabling EMU students to gain experience not only at their own university but also in academic and scientific environments in different countries through exchange programs. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that international exchange programs make significant contributions to students’ academic development.
Expressing their pleasure in seeing EMU students benefit from educational, research and professional development opportunities in different countries, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated: “We consider our students’ participation in international academic environments, exposure to different cultures and opportunity to gain diverse experiences in their respective fields to be an important part of our University’s approach to education. Our student’s research exchange in Romania is an excellent example of this approach. We are proud to see our student take an active role in a scientific research project and integrate the knowledge and experience gained through this opportunity with her education at our University. As EMU, we will continue to expand international opportunities that support the academic, professional and personal development of our students.”