Savo Trajanovik (26) is a sixth year medical student from Skopje, Macedonia.

How is university life in Skopje?

We have only one medical faculty and it is in Skopje. Students from all over Macedonia study at this faculty, so studying here is a special experience. I think that student life, and studying, here is pretty different from anywhere else in the western countries. First of all because we have a different study program, and second because you know most of the people. This makes is sometimes easier, sometimes harder to concentrate on your studying, because we here have a diverse and very fulfilled social life.

Is it financially possible for everyone to study medicine in Macedonia?
It is very expensive, concerning the economical situation in Macedonia. It costs about €1000 and about €200 if the government supports you. Unfortunately, there are only a few grants.

 

What is good about the medical education in Macedonia? Is there anything you think needs improvement?

There are many good things but the best part of the medical education in Macedonia is the good relationship between colleagues and with some of the professors. The main thing that needs improvement is the opportunity to exercise your practical skills.

You experienced Dutch university life through an exchange program. What do you think is the biggest  difference between studying in Amsterdam and Skopje?
Educationally, I think in Amsterdam there are more possibilities to enrich your medical knowledge. I think the study programme is different and maybe better. Furthermore, I think the economic and political situation allows the medical faculty to purchase more material. Socially, there are small differences between Skopje and Amsterdam, some things are better here, some are better there. I am really glad I had the chance to participate in this exchange programme. We exchanged a lot of experiences, which gave us insight in each others social and educational life!

Describe your life in 2020…..
I see myself as a young but already successful gynaecologist. I will probably live with my wife and children by that time, which would mean I am happy both at work and home.

 

Photo by Darko Hristov, shared under Creative Common License