Open Doors Day at the Francophone University Employability Center

First-year students from the Francophone University Branch in Medicine learned about the activities of the Francophone Employment Center (CEF) of the Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy during a meeting organized on October 10. The event was organized to showcase the academic and professional development opportunities available to students studying Medicine in French.

During the meeting, the advantages of Nicolae Testemitanu University as a full member of the Francophone University Agency (AUF) were discussed, including: access to calls for projects intended for member universities in the Central and Eastern Europe region (CEE), financial support for participation in Francophone scientific events, the Festival of Francophone students in CEE, the annual Award of the Francophone Laureate, professional internship scholarships in partner universities in France and Belgium, as well as other Francophone actions organized with the support of the AUF-Moldova National Office in Chisinau, including participation in projects, competitions, workshops, seminars and scientific conferences.

Associate Professor Gheorghe Placinta, dean of the Faculty of Medicine no. 1, noted that studies in French offer students the opportunity to access specialized medical literature, scientific publications and high-quality educational resources – an important element for professional development. "Students have the opportunity to expand their career opportunities. By promoting the French language in medical education, the University enhances its international prestige, attracting collaborations with academic institutions and health organizations from French-speaking countries," the dean emphasized. 

According to Associate Professor Corina Iliadi-Tulbure, vice dean at the Faculty of Medicine no. 1, Nicolae Testemitanu University offers students the possibility to learn in French, which represents a valuable opportunity, by opening new academic and sociocultural perspectives. "The study programs in French attract a greater number of international students, contributing to the cultural and academic diversity of the University, which ensures a solid training and openness to an international network of knowledge and collaborations. Such a multicultural environment develops communication skills and intercultural cooperation, essential in the medical field,"  the vice-dean added.

According to Veronica Ichim, deputy head of the Department of External Relations and European Integration, responsible for the Francophone University Branch, the Francophone Employment Center has a significant role in supporting students who want to develop their entrepreneurial and leadership skills. "Through seminars and training they are guided in the process of conceptualizing a business plan, developing project presentation techniques and identifying funding sources. The francophone activities carried out by CEF are supported by AUF and are adapted to the needs and specifics of our university, offering students development opportunities. This meeting represents an important step in the integration of francophone students in the university community and in promoting the Francophonie values in the medical field", Veronica Ichim specified.

Daniel Cristea, third year student at the Faculty of Medicine no. 1, presented information about the community of young Francophone ambassadors from the Republic of Moldova, in his capacity as president, and about activities of the organization within the international network of the Club of Francophone Student Leaders - part of the Francophone University Agency. He told the young people about the workshops, meetings and round tables that facilitate the integration of students into the francophone group. Also, based on their own experience of participating in international events, French-speaking students were motivated to participate in francophone activities from the first years of their studies.

Second-year medical student Cristian Trofimov also encouraged the participants to take advantage of academic mobility opportunities available to Francophone students to develop their careers and contribute to increasing the level of academic excellence in the medical field.

For their part, the first-year students reported why they chose to study Medicine in French.

Bogdan Marandiuc said that he grew up in a francophone environment, graduating from a specialized high school: "I see in this project a major development potential for young people, given the fact that it transcends both the verbal and the cultural barrier for the creation of potential collaborations among us, as well as all those who are interested in the Francophonie".

"Studies in French will open up new international opportunities for me, such as internships and collaborations with medical institutions in French-speaking countries," says Maria Placinta.

"Studying Medicine in French gives me the opportunity to learn, work and excel in an international environment," added Angela Vrabii.

Augustin Catana believes that the French language will give him access to valuable academic resources, experience exchanges and international collaborations.

Segolen Chirica decided to study in the francophone group to promote the French language. “This choice will allow me to develop essential communication skills and understanding of medical terminology in French. Thus, I will improve my ability to collaborate and interact with people from different cultures", the medical student concluded.

The Francophone Employability Center (Centre d'employabilité francophone/CEF) was inaugurated at our university on November 2, 2022.