An Interest in Biology Leads International Pupil, Leo, to Study Medicine in Cyprus

After Brexit made UK medical schools unaffordable, Leo, an international student from Germany, successfully applied to a medical school in Cyprus. Leo’s initial interest in studying medicine stemmed from a life-long curiosity about biology which led to an inspiring stint of work experience in Nepal and created a passion for supporting medical practice there. Leo joined Sedbergh in Year 9.

WHAT A LEVELS ARE YOU STUDYING?

I’m studying Chemistry, Economics, Biology and German for A level. Biology has always been my favourite subject.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR UNIVERSITY?

My plan is to study medicine. I was going to study in England but because of Brexit the fees have changed for me so I’ve applied in Cyprus because they offer a degree that you can use in the EU, America and the UK – which is not common.

I decided to study medicine because I’ve got a lot of friends and people from my old school [in Germany] who’ve studied medicine and they said it’s the best choice of their life. When I told Mr Lucas that I wanted to study medicine he told me I would have to do work experience. I started with a week in a clinic in Germany run by a family friend. He then gave me connections at the hospitals. In total, I did five weeks in Germany in different hospitals and three weeks in Nepal with a kid’s health organisation. I really enjoyed it.

I used both of my work experiences to write my personal statement. For my application I had to do an interview and say why I wanted to study medicine – to see if you’re really interested in it [medicine].

DID YOU PURSUE ANY EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS?

I go to the School of Athens every week and Dr McMeechan made me head of Burke & Hare – the biology society.

What’s been the most valuable thing you’ve done for the purposes of preparing your applications?

Obviously my work experience in Germany was great – everything was state-of-the-art and perfect – but the three weeks in Nepal it was the total opposite and that made me want to do it even more. It was quite rough because, for instance, there is only one MRI scanner in the entire country – there is pretty much is no medical system at all. So, it was quite rough driving through the streets and going to the hospital and seeing people who can’t get treated because there is no money there at all. So, I found that the most valuable experience.

Have you taken away anything from that work experience that will influence your career?

Yes. I’m planning that I’ll finish my degree, work for several years to get experience and then go back [to Nepal] in the summers.

How has Sedbergh supported your ambitions?

My biology teacher, Dr McMeechan, prepared me for all of the extra biology exams that I had do for interviews. Mr Lucas showed me what paths are best to take – especially after Brexit when the university fees for non-UK citizens went up – he helped me to see that there are other options than the UK for medicine as well.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP YOURSELF CALM AND RELAXED DURING EXAM TIME?

I don’t really get stressed because of exams. So, I don’t need to do that much [to stay relaxed]; probably my approach is just don’t worry about it; I don’t see the point in trying to get full marks – that’s not going to happen. I’m also in a corridor with two other people in the same position as me; that helps.

Was there anything that made Sedbergh School stand out for you when you were choosing a School in the UK?

The size of it – another was school I looked at was a bit too big for my liking. The surroundings as well. The biggest part of it though was Sedbergh is about 98% boarders – another school I looked at was more like 10% – so, obviously at that school during the day its fine, but if you’re alone after school – like I would be – it would be a bit rubbish.

What did you gain most from being at Sedbergh?

I would say probably independance and friendships. In Germany you get given everything; here you get a lot of support but in sixth form you manage everything yourself if you want to. In Germany its very different; there is no school sports and you don’t live with your friends.

I really enjoyed the School’s sports programme. In Germany I didn’t do as much sports as at Sedbergh because for every sport you have to join a club. You go there yourself. As much as I can, I will try to keep my sports going.

I would 100% definitely recommend a stint boarding overseas for other students. When I leave I’ll miss the Sedbergh environment; I won’t live with my friends anymore, you don’t have that close relationship with your teachers where you get coached by them and have lessons and chapel with them.