There is no single factor I can point out as the decision of what and where to study hinges on numerous factors. But for me, I always knew of my desire to study medicine in English from a young age and so the question was where to study, not what. However, as many prospective medical students would know, medicine in English, in general, is not cheap to study, neither is it in abundance. This is when Italy emerged as a potential destination due to its charming mix of lifestyle and culture, affordability and, most importantly, quality. Choosing the University of Padua out of all the available options wasn’t exactly easy, as information regarding this relatively young program was limited at the time. Nevertheless, the university's international recognition and reputation, particularly in medicine, stood out. Ranked as one of the top medical schools in Italy and among the top 125 in the world, the University of Padua was a globally recognized university with a rich history, known for its excellent quality and research-oriented approach. Hearing praiseful comments about the university, especially one from an alumnus of the university, further solidified my decision.
Another pivotal factor in choosing Padua was the city itself, or more specifically its suitability for me. Situated in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, Padua boasts a high standard of living and accessibility to neighbouring cities. Despite not having visited Padua prior to enrolment, I learned of its student-friendly atmosphere and multicultural environment. The proportion of the university compared to the city's small, yet sufficient size meant that the city was essentially a ‘city campus’, where life revolved around the university and adapted to its many students and staff. This was something I better understood once I started living here as wherever you go around the city you can always find a part of the university, which definitely instils a sense of identity and belonging.
Overall, the combination of academic excellence, city liveability, and student-friendly environment made Padua an ideal choice for pursuing my medical education.

There are numerous aspects to appreciate about the Medicine and Surgery degree program here at the University of Padua.
To begin with, it’s an incredibly diverse program and this diversity fosters a rich multicultural environment, allowing students to interact with individuals from various backgrounds. This exposure has personally provided me with the opportunity to forge friendships with great people from across the globe. It has also allowed me to learn from a wide array of perspectives and cultures, significantly broadening my understanding of people.
The program benefits greatly from the expertise of lecturers who actively engage in research. This research-oriented approach, with the availability of facilities and staff, gives students the privilege of learning from some great minds that can provide them with the tools and the resources they require. I hope these research opportunities are expanded and becomes more readily accessible as I think it’s a great addition to the training of any prospective doctor. I was also very pleased to find the early-stage internship activities integrated into our curriculum which allowed me to gain valuable insights into the healthcare field, further sparking my passion and curiosity for medicine.
Another notable feature of our degree program is its relative youthfulness. While some may view this as a disadvantage, I see it as an opportunity for students to play a significant role in shaping and improving the program. By actively participating in discussions and initiatives, students can contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the academic practices, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness for the future.

Most of our courses primarily consist of theoretical lectures, so anything that deviates from this format definitely catches my attention. As someone who prefers active participation over passive listening, I found the lab sessions particularly engaging. Specifically, I really enjoyed the cadaver dissections conducted during the anatomy course, where we had the opportunity to examine various human organs, such as the heart and the brain, firsthand. In general, any classes beyond the traditional classroom setting, whether it be lab work or practical teachings, have been immensely stimulating and allowed us to apply theoretical knowledge in a hands-on manner.
The availability of elective courses starting from the third year also stood out to me. Although I have only volunteered and have not yet fully taken elective courses, I think it's a great practice to have some variety in our curriculum and gain insights into various medical specialties.
Another standout aspect for me so far has been the annual internship activities, which begins from the first year. Each year, these activities vary, providing a diverse glimpse into the different facets of medical education, practice and hospital environments. I believe that beginning our involvement in hospital settings from the first year is an excellent opportunity for any new medical students because it adds diversity to our learning experience and offers insights into what it actually means to be a doctor.

Meeting new people in a new country can indeed be daunting, not to mention overwhelming, especially with the added challenge of a language barrier. However, Padua stands out in this regard, boasting a higher level of English proficiency compared to many other Italian cities. This makes life, and making friends, much easier for international students, albeit still not smooth sailing. With its diverse multicultural student population and vibrant Erasmus culture, one doesn't feel like a stranger while exploring the city.
The fact that Padua is essentially a student city, with students and university-affiliated individuals forming the majority of the population, is incredibly advantageous for any prospective student. Whether it's socializing or getting things done, the university's city campus means that you're always in proximity to fellow students or friends you haven't seen in a while. The city's relatively compact size ensures that you're never too far away from an event or a gathering, allowing for unexpected social interactions. And as they say, the most remarkable connections are often the result of spontaneous encounters.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as experiences can vary greatly from person to person. From my experience, I can say that it was both easy and challenging to meet new people when I first arrived here. On one hand, the English Medicine and Surgery program attracts a diverse group of individuals from all over the world, and it presented me the ample opportunity to connect with those around me. On the other, it was challenging due to the somewhat secluded nature and location of our classes. This limited interactions with other students did not provide the exchange medium, especially among international students, that I was hoping for. It definitely took some time to settle down and get used to the environment and I had to put myself out there to expand my social circle.
Ultimately, it all depends on your willingness to step outside your comfort zone and your ability to put yourself out there to seize the opportunities. I personally believe that the city and the university do present a conducive environment for meeting new people. And fortunately, there are a range of experiences, events, and activities year-round that cultivates an amicable environment while also offering countless chances to forge new connections. The possibilities are truly limitless in Padua!

Yes, I am, and I make an effort to engage in them on a regular basis. Whether it's hitting the gym, playing sports, participating in events, or going to different courses/activities, I try to keep myself active in this regard as I believe extracurricular activities are essential for a fulfilling student experience. They enrich one's social life, foster personal growth, and even contribute to academic achievement.
During my first year, extracurricular activities weren't really a priority for me as I focused on settling in, finding accommodation, and navigating bureaucratic procedures while also keeping up with academics. However, in my second year, I actively sought out extracurricular opportunities and found them to be a valuable addition to my life. My only regret is not exploring them sooner.
Of course, balancing extracurricular activities with academics as a medical student (but also for any other student) can be challenging, but once you establish a routine, the benefits become apparent. For international students, the language barrier, particularly the lack of proficiency in Italian, can pose a hurdle when looking to regularly participate in such activities which is why even a basic understanding of Italian can greatly enhance the experience of living and studying here. Thankfully, the university offers Italian courses on a free basis for students (which provides an opportunity for meeting new people and diversifying your social circle!). But regardless of your Italian proficiency, there are numerous opportunities available for those willing to seek them out. Padua's vibrant student community ensure that there are always new experiences to discover and enjoy.