University of Cologne
How did you draw up your Learning Agreement?
The web-site of the University of Cologne offered various study courses, which the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. J. Pavāre and I reviewed together and we decided which courses could be aligned with the RSU courses planned for that semester.
How is the study process organized in the receiving university? What is different compared to RSU?
The study process is similar to RSU, but there are some differences. Just like RSU, the University of Cologne has lectures (Vorlesungen), and their attendance is not noted. There are practical classes (Blockpraktika), where everyone must bring their attendance sheet and sign it at the end of the class. Practical classes in one study course usually last one week, but unlike at RSU, there are more hours. So, you could say that the practical classes are organised in a little more compact and intensive way.
There is another completely different type of course called Querschnittsblock, which consists of one major subject and three minor subjects (Kompetenzfelder). There is a test for each of these 4 subjects, of course, it is bigger for the larger subject; all grades are summed up which gives one overall grade. This was the case, for example, in Infectious Diseases and Immunology, where 3 small subjects complemented the big one, they were: Fever and Sepsis, Rheumatology, Transplantology, and Transfusiology.
There were also differences in terms of tests which were held in 2 rooms; the tests were sometimes completed on computers in the computer room and sometimes on sheets of paper in the classroom. During lectures and classes, it was visible that students were more sociable and lecturers were willing to engage in discussions with students, even during lectures.
What were the living conditions?
The living conditions were very humane. Although, I stayed in the cheapest dormitories in Cologne, which cost €180 a month, at least every student has a private room in Germany. I shared a hallway with 8 other people, we all had one big kitchen and 4 bathrooms with WC. The room also had a balcony where I could dry my clothes and enjoy the weather on warm days.
Did the Erasmus+ grant cover the living expenses?
Yes.
Your advice and recommendations for others choosing this city for their mobility
I think the only important recommendation is to apply for dormitory as soon as possible, because rent in Cologne is very high. You will have to pay at least EUR 400 for one room in a separate apartment, and as the living conditions in the dormitories are very acceptable, it would be better and more affordable to stay there.
The best memory or experience from Erasmus+ mobility
The most interesting experience was definitely a month-long internship at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the Leverkusen Clinic. I was not ready that I would be allowed to do so much as a student, because I had always heard the opposite about Germany. Basically, I could take medical histories of patients who came to the outpatient facility, I could do vaginal examinations, ultrasound of the kidneys, uterus, and foetus. I could draw blood and put peripheral venous catheters, and the system in Germany is slightly different. I could also participate and assist during surgeries, and see DaVinci's robot-assisted surgeries, which always took place on Tuesdays. I also saw the NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery) surgery, which was new to the clinic and which is performed through the natural orifices of the body.
The most valuable realization or lesson you have learned
Be open despite obstacles and barriers of your own making. You get knowledge, experience and form your character by using every opportunity.
