Online courses are about to start or have recently started for most Ukrainian universities, bringing great relief to medical students who have been stranded after being forced to drop out in the face of war.

Many students who returned home after the Russia–Ukraine War broke on February 24, 2022 did not know when they could resume their studies. The introduction of e-learning has reassured them that they will have the opportunity to complete their courses.

Medical students says the hindu that they were notified of the switch to e-learning by mail. Many breathe a sigh of relief. “Even though it’s online, I’m glad there’s some continuity,” Raifa, an undergraduate medical student, told the publication. “My college emailed me about online classes starting soon.”

CNBC reported that university authorities are reproduce the pandemic model e-learning, in which instruction is delivered through virtual presentations, seminars, and pre-recorded videos. This comes despite the fact that some teachers are hiding in bunkers in Ukraine or have fled to neighboring countries for their own safety.

However, these universities work at a small staff. Some teachers have joined the Ukrainian army or volunteer for rescue operations. Others can’t connect to their courses due to spotty internet connection.

“Teachers are doing their best to cover the portions that have accrued because of the four-week vacation,” said Joshina Jose, a third-year medical student at Lviv National Medical University. told The Times of India. “We miss the practical lessons. Teachers said the licensing exam (KROK-1) which was scheduled for June may be postponed due to the situation.

The lack of a practical element has caused Indian medical students grief in the past. Those locked out of chinain particular, have spent two years fearing for their future as the National Medical Commission – and many other bodies in India and beyond – do not recognize or endorse any medical courses taught solely through online settings.

Medical students at Ukrainian universities fear that a similar situation will apply to them. “Although the college gave us a timetable and the teachers promised to be available to help us with the course; practical lessons are vital,” Vikram Katiyal told The Hindu.

Indian medical students weigh their options

Many students have turned to government authorities for help, seeking admission to medical schools in their respective countries. “It’s exam time for medical universities in Ukraine in March-April,” said Sidratul, a fifth-year Indian student at Odessa National Medical University. says the hindu. “Our vacation will start in June and we will lose a year if corrective action is not taken by mid-April.”

Government agencies in several countries, including India and Egypt, have measures announced to allow students to carry out their internships or compulsory studies locally. Universities in other countries have also opened their doors to affected students, including those from Poland, Hungarythe United Arab Emirates, and more.

However, transferring out of Ukrainian universities turns out to be a painful process. The abrupt evacuation of thousands of students means many had no transcripts or proof that they had studied at a particular university, while those who had already paid their fees in full are also reluctant to commit. additional transfer fees.

Due to this, many want to complete their studies in Ukraine itself.

“We don’t want to take any chances on how course breaks and transfers will work for us in the future,” one student who did not wish to be identified told The Hindu. “Almost every country has its own rules when it comes to foreign nationals working there as doctors or even for those who want to study for post-graduation. It is preferable to complete the entire course in one country and one university.

Online courses in Ukrainian universities disrupted by sirens

Teachers still in Ukraine teach in bunkers, which they sometimes have to abandon when the sirens sound. Source: Fadel Senna/AFP

Lectures by lecturers and teachers still in Ukraine are accompanied by the occasional sound of coded sirens. “If the second siren goes off five seconds after the first, the people in the area have to take refuge in bunkers,” Jose explained. “If there is a siren after a long interval, it means the situation is safe.”

The constant threat of danger means teachers are forced to occasionally pause their online classes to seek safety. Shri Ranjani, a fifth-year medical student at National Prigone Memorial Medical University, describes how an “air siren” is displayed when threatened.

“The teacher may come back within 30 to 60 minutes or not come back at all,” she told The Times of India. “We have to attend four online classes a day. Among the 13 students in my promotion, three come from Tamil Nadu. The other students come from northern India and Egypt.

“Although the university offers us online lessons, there is no guarantee what will happen next as our teachers attend online sessions from bunkers. We ask the authorities here to admit us to medical schools in the country because we will not be able to return to Ukraine in the near future.

Anikha Merrin Thomas, a third-year student at Bogolomets National University, told The Hindu: “Although the university offers us online courses, there is no guarantee what will happen next as our teachers attend the sessions online. line from bunkers”.

Indian students studying in Ukrainian universities also keep in touch with their professors and professors to ensure their safety.