First students on trailblazing medical programme

Twelve overseas students from as far afield as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Hong Kong who are taking the new trailblazing International Foundation for Medicine programme at the University of St Andrews, were officially welcomed by the Dean of Medicine this week.

The programme, solely for overseas students and believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, is being provided by the University’s English Language Teaching Centre in conjunction with the School of Medicine.

After meeting the Dean of Medicine, Professor Hugh MacDougall, the students experienced a traditional Scottish afternoon tea in University reception rooms adjoining historic St Mary’s Quadrangle and met the student medical society committee to get the student angle on life and study in the School of Medicine.

The International Foundation for Medicine Programme is an intensive science and language programme for overseas students wishing to enter the School of Medicine at the University.

It is designed to bridge the gap between high school and university and to equip students with improved English language skills and to prepare them to cope with studying medicine at a British university.

Students have a full timetable which provides a blend of science, academic study skills, medical ethics, communications studies and dedicated language support, as well as an opportunity for cultural orientation and integration into student life.

Director of English Language Teaching Jane Magee said, “I am absolutely delighted to have such a multinational, enthusiastic group of students to be trailblazers on this programme. I believe this is the beginning of an excellent relationship between English Language Teaching and the School of Medicine.”

The director’s enthusiasm was echoed by one of the students Mayu Otsuka,17, from Japan who said: “I love everything about the University of St Andrews. The town is really beautiful and all the people I’ve met have been so kind and friendly. On the first day I arrived I felt at home already. The staff have put a lot of effort into making every experience enjoyable with activities which allow me to explore more about the place where I am living, which makes me feel more comfortable.”

ENDS

Note to Editors:

1. Successful completion of the International Foundation for Medicine programme allows students to progress to a six year medical degree. Phase 1 (years 1-3) at the University of St Andrews from which students graduate with a BSc Honours degree in Medicine.

Phase 2 (years 4-6) at the University of Manchester Medical School culminating in graduation as a doctor with the degree of MB ChB.

NOTE TO PICTURE EDITORS:

Picture available from University of St Andrews Press Office – contact 01334 467227 / 462530.

Students are pictured with the Dean of Medicine Professor Hugh MacDougall, Director of English Language Teaching Jane Magee (left) and International Foundation for Medicine Programme Director Catherine Kerr-Dineen (right).

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Marion Gibson on 01334 462167
Ref:  new medicine programme 091008
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