Transition from the HDPCS program at Gulf Medical University, Ajman to Medical University of Lublin, Poland can be bittersweet. It not only involves changes in the living conditions, but the education system as well. 

Documentation and formalities are the first and the foremost silent stressors. You will come across various paperworks including credit transfers, visa processes, TRC applications, university registrations and accommodation issues. All this isn’t intellectually hard, just mentally draining. First and the foremost is the fee payment. While in the last semester of studies at GMU, a financial letter is sent out to everyone. Please make sure to make the payment on time via bank or currency exchange organizations to ensure smooth visa processing. 

Secondly, booking an accommodation for visa purposes is a crucial step. You can either choose to show a reservation at a hotel for at least 90 days or choose to present the contract of the residence you have decided to stay at. 

After coming to Poland, you will be welcomed with a short orientation and tour of the hospitals and university buildings by Mr. Konrad Sikora and other student ambassadors. The instructions about the timings and the code of conduct that need to be followed at the hospital will also be given at the orientation. 

It is advisable to email your passport size photograph to Mr. Konrad Sikora in the orientation week itself to ensure that you obtain your student card from the university. This student card is beneficial in availing ticket price reductions and student discounts while using public transports and some restaurants.    

Few tips: Stay organised. Keep digital and physical copies of everything. Moreover, book TRC appointments well in advance as it takes time to process the application.

Moreover, after three years of preclinical science courses in the UAE, teaching style can feel different in Poland. The learning objectives here are more self directed, clinically resonated and less spoon fed. You will be expected to show up daily for the hospital rotations on time and know how to interpret basic lab results. Studying from Powerpoint presentations is usually not encouraged and having deep clinical knowledge from the recommended books will yield the best results in exams and even in the hospital. 

Like GMU, doing clerkships every year is mandatory and the signed and stamped clerkship cards are supposed to be submitted at the front desk.  

Lastly, cultural adjustments hit quietly. Moving from the Gulf to Europe demands quite a lifestyle reset. Simple things like food habits, weather and social interaction might feel different. However, people are welcoming and ready to help everyone. Taking help from your mentors and seniors will always make this transition easier. 

Final thoughts: Starting over might feel uncomfortable and may demand time and energy. However, the friendly and welcoming staff and doctors make the journey less challenging.