Seychellois in Slovakia: We Miss the Beaches, but Martin Is Amazing
Jessenius Medical Faculty in Martin is known for its large number of international students. For many years, it has been attracting future doctors from Norway and Iceland. In recent years, it has also become home to students from a totally different part of the world – the tropical paradise of Seychelles. Currently, there are 23 of them studying medicine in English. How do they learn about Martin? What do they like and what they miss? Chloe Nibourette, who is already in her 5th year at Jessenius, shared her experience with us.
How did you learn about studying medicine in Martin and why did you choose it?
I learned about it from our government scholarship program in Seychelles. They recommended Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary as places to study. I also heard about Martin from older students who had studied here. Their experience was good, so I decided to choose Martin. I did some research online, saw that it is a nice place, so I applied, passed my exam, and was accepted.
Do you like studying in a smaller city? Comenius University also offers medicine studies in English in Bratislava, the bigger capital city.
I visited Bratislava and do not regret choosing Martin at all. It is better for me to be in a smaller city. It is quiet here, with fewer distractions. Also, I did not know any Seychellois in Bratislava — all of them were in Martin.
Are you satisfied with the school?
The study program itself is good, as are the professors and the infrastructure. The administrative support staff is also amazing. I would like to have more clinical exposure, since we will be doctors soon, but besides that, everything is fine.
How is student life in Martin?
Amazing! We Seychellois stick together, but we also make friends with other students, and there are students from all over the world here. It makes life very interesting. I can learn about their culture and their life back home. When I have free time, I like to travel. Vienna and Prague are two of my favourite cities to visit.
Seychelles as a country is totally different from Slovakia. What was the biggest cultural shock for you when you arrived five years ago?
It was the food. In Seychelles, we eat a lot of fresh fish and seafood, which I love. I had to adapt to a different cuisine. Luckily, I rent an apartment and can cook at home. Although it is not always as fresh as back home, I can always cook something from what is available here. I always bring a lot of spices when I visit home. Sometimes I go to restaurants with my friends. I like goulash! I also appreciate the diversity of healthier food options here in Slovakia. Compared to back home in Seychelles, there is a wider range of nutritious and allergy-friendly products. As someone with a milk allergy, having more lactose-free and dairy free products choices really helps.
Did you adapt to the different climate?
Yes, the climate was also a shock. In Seychelles, we do not have four seasons — it is hot all the time. When I first arrived, it was summer, but then autumn and winter came, and I had to adapt to the cold weather.
What about the Slovak language?
It was difficult at the beginning, but we had to learn Slovak for two years at school, and now I can communicate a bit — with locals in restaurants and also with patients at the hospital.
Would you recommend Martin to others back home?
Yes, I already have. I have friend from my hometown back home who is here in her first year now. Martin is one of the best places to study medicine!
Are there times when you feel homesick and miss something from your home country?
I usually travel home twice a year, in June and December, and come back in September and February. I felt homesick after I returned in February because the weather was so gloomy. But once the sun comes out, I am fine. Although we all miss the sea and the beaches!
Barbora Tancerová
Cooperation between the Seychelles and Martin has been ongoing since 2012
How did the Seychelles learn about medical studies in Martin? The initiative came from the Republic of Seychelles. The former President of the National Assembly and current President, Patrick Herminie, studied medicine at Charles University in Prague, graduating in 1990. In 2012, he organized a working trip for representatives of the Seychelles to Central Europe, during which they visited several medical faculties in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia. On May 23, 2012, they also visited Comenius University. In Martin, they were accompanied by Erika Halašová, then the Vice-Dean for Pedagogical Activities and International Relations. “Margaret Pillay from the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources Development, responsible for pedagogical activities, and Henry Telemaque from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Seychelles, a surgical consultant in hospitals, were among the visitors. They toured our facilities, learned about our teaching methods, accommodation options, and overall life in the city. In the end, they decided to establish cooperation with us. I believe the key factors in choosing Martin were the small class sizes and the safety of the city,” says Professor Halašová. Every year, several top students from the Seychelles receive funding for their studies. When Patrick Herminie visited Comenius University Bratislava on November 28, 2014, during his visit to Slovakia, he also met with the first Seychellois medical students studying in Martin.
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