The EU funding programme Erasmus+ has enabled two OTA trainees to gain a lot of important experience.
The two trainees are enthusiastic about Cyprus, and there was also a lot to discover in their free time. Copyright: private
"We came back with lots of interesting impressions and new energy," says Julia Büscher. Copyright: private
Julia Büscher (25) and Jessica Acioglu (25) were in the third year of their training as operating theatre assistants (OTAs). They had put a lot of energy into the past two years and the strenuous final exams were about to begin. A boost of energy would have been helpful now. And this came in the form of an internship abroad: the two went to Cyprus for almost two months. On the island, they expanded their expertise, brushed up on their English and got to know new people and a different culture. "We came back with lots of interesting impressions and new energy," says Julia Büscher. The stay abroad was made possible by Erasmus+. The EU funding programme provided the trainees with organisational and financial support.
Curious and adventurous, the young women arrived in Cyprus at the beginning of April 2023. Paphos, a modern harbour town in the south-west of the island, was to be their home for the next few weeks. Their internship was at the Blue Cross Medical Centre, a small private clinic specialising in urology, orthopaedics, visceral surgery, vascular surgery, ENT and gynaecology. "We were welcomed there with open arms," recalls Jessica Acioglu. "It was like joining a big, friendly family. Everyone was very open, involved us in the work processes and explained everything to us in detail."
Great teamwork on site
At the clinic, the two got to know the anaesthesiology, positioning care and the operating theatre. They helped prepare anaesthetics and operations and were also allowed to assist with minor outpatient procedures such as lumbar punctures. "We experienced great teamwork and felt very valued," says Julia Büscher. Everyone made an effort to look after the guests from Germany, and the two of them were even invited to dinner and outings together.
The trainees rented a three-bedroom flat together as accommodation. "The two of us could easily afford it," says Jessica Acioglu. A small hire car was also included. "We used it to set off on excursions straight after work and explore the island." The pair realised that Cyprus also has a lot to offer in their free time: ancient archaeological sites, beautiful cities, picturesque mountain ranges and breathtaking bays.
Julia Büscher and Jessica Acioglu agree that their time on Cyprus was simply fantastic. For Julia Büscher, it was even "the best time of her training", as she says. The two can highly recommend a stay abroad with Erasmus+. If you are interested, you don't need to be afraid of the bureaucracy. "Of course, it involves a letter of application with a CV, making arrangements at the OTA school and a few phone calls, but that's almost all there is to it," explains Jessica Acioglu. The trainees had Ina Buchroth, Erasmus+ project manager, at their side during the planning and organisation of the internship abroad. The two have now successfully completed their OTA training. They will remember their trip to Cyprus for a long time to come.
Are you interested in an internship abroad as part of your vocational training or would you like to complete an internship at a hospital in Europe? Further information: https://www.mhh.de/pflege/erasmus
Text: Tina Götting