Social | International Program in Medicine

Μιλάς Ελληνικά;🌺
Milas ellinika? Do you speak Greek or does it all sound Greek to you?

Here is your chance! The University of Crete’s Centre of Training and Lifelong Learning is now launching the course “First steps into Greek language and culture”.

An experienced teacher will show you the way in order to develop basic Greek language skills (A1 level) and a taste of Greek culture.

👉🏻When: from June 1 to August 7, 2026
👉🏻How: twice a week, 90 minutes per session, in small groups
👉🏻Where: online
👉🏻Why: it’s fun and you will be able to say “Yia mas” with a perfect accent
👉🏻Who: Anyone over 18 is eligible for participation.
Priority to University of Crete incoming students and faculty who participate in Erasmus+ programmes or are enrolled in an English-speaking course at UoC

✨Registration deadline: 15/05/2026
Check out the link bio for prices and enrollment.

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Μιλάς Ελληνικά;🌺
Milas ellinika? Do you speak Greek or does it all sound Greek to...

Spring break is still on for a few days, but most of our students are back to their base in Heraklion, Crete🌞✨🌊

We wondered how they spent their holiday, so we asked five of our students to share with us their holiday moments.

That’s what they showed us.

✨Lia: I spent Easter in Lemnos island with my family. In Greece there’s a tradition to walk
the epitaph all through the neighborhood on the night of Good Friday -and we did so!
Then, I watched the fireworks show put on for Easter night. And of course Ι studyed for
the biochemistry exam I have to take when we get back from the break.

✨Ore: My holiday was mostly spent with my family and friends at home, in Manchester,
catching up and enjoying each other’s company. However we did go plane spotting as a
family- as my brother is an enthusiast. We ended the day going round Manchester City
centre, shopping.

✨Mia: I travelled to Sweden to spend time with my family. During my holiday I experienced snow for the first time in my life! I’ve spent most of the time enjoying family
company and having snowball fights :)

✨Solytha Maria: I had a proper tour in Europe.

England: Visited friends I met through running and explored London for the first time!

Netherlands: Explored smaller towns I hadn’t seen before and met up with my friend from high school!

Poland: Toured the city with my childhood friend and saw the culture of Poland and started studying for my exam at cafes!

Belgium: Spent time with my grandparents; perfect mix of family time, studying, and relaxing!

✨Filippos: Two of my classmates from the medicine program joined me in my home country of Australia.
After spending some time in Sydney, we flew to my hometown where I surprised my friends and family!
We spent our days surfing, camping, hiking and
even made a few friends 🦘
We celebrated Easter the Greek way sharing a roast lamb
and a few glasses of raki and playing bouzouki!

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Spring break is still on for a few days, but most of our students are...

Greek Orthodox Easter is here!

Easter is widely celebrated in Greece: it is a great family and friends get together.
It is all about food - roasted lamb being one of Easter’s famous delicacies.
It is all about being outdoors, dancing and singing.
It is all about dying eggs red and then battling them out to crack.

Easter weekend symbolises the light, the regeneration of nature and new life.

Enjoy your spring break, everyone!🌼

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Greek Orthodox Easter is here!

Easter is widely celebrated in Greece: it is a great...

Big news for the University of Crete! 🎉

A few weeks ago, the Medical School of the University of Crete was officially designated as a World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Quality of Care and People-Centred Health Policies.

This is a major international recognition and an important milestone for our university and the wider health community.

Over the next four years, the Centre will work on implementing three main pillars:
supporting people-centered health policies across the Mediterranean region,
promoting compassionate and dignified healthcare
improving the quality of patient-centred health services

Stay tuned for more details!

#UniversityOfCrete #UOC #medicalschool #WHO #globalhealth

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Big news for the University of Crete! 🎉

A few weeks ago, the Medical School...

Proud moment for our International Medicine UoC team! 💙 On Sunday in Heraklion, we took on «Run Greece» together, with our International Program members showing up in full force. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Shoutout to all our students that participated, three members of our admin team and professors for joining the run. A day to remember! ✨

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Proud moment for our International Medicine UoC team! 💙 On Sunday in Heraklion, we took...

25th of March - A big dual public holiday in Greece! 🇬🇷

Today, Greeks are celebrating for two reasons:
‣ the beginning of the 1821 revolution against the Ottoman rule - the Greek Independence Day
‣ the Annunciation of Virgin Mary - the Orthodox Churche’s celebration of the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she is pregnant to Jesus

☀️Remember that today super markets, most shops and public services are shut
🇬🇷 You can take a look at the city’s parades - “παρέλαση” in Greek- and the atmosphere of national pride
🎏 We traditionally eat fried cod with a garlic dip (σκορδαλιά)
🎉 The common Greek names Vangelis, Vangelio and Eva are celebrated on the 25th of March!
Enjoy the day - even with the rain 🌧️

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25th of March - A big dual public holiday in Greece! 🇬🇷

Today, Greeks are...

𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩! | Applications closed for the academic year 2026-2027.

🩺This year we received over 300 applications from more than 55 countries around the world.

A big and warm “Thank you” to all applicants, who took the time and effort to apply to our program!

🏛 We hope that you gained an idea of our program’s high standards and the University of Crete’s vibrant student life.

We are excited to begin the evaluation process and get to know you better.

Good luck to everyone!

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𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩! | Applications closed for the academic year 2026-2027.

🩺This year we received...

🌎 Happy Spring Equinox, “Εαρινή Ισημερία” in Greek!

Today, March 20, 2026, at exactly 16:46, marks the Spring Equinox in Greece.

The word “equinox” comes from Latin, equi meaning “equal” and nox meaning “night.” Today, daylight and darkness are nearly equal, with about 12 hours each.

This moment occurs simultaneously all over the world and signals the official beginning of astronomical spring.

🌸 Wishing everyone a joyful Spring Equinox!
🌞 Here’s to brighter days, warmer weather, and the beautiful blooming landscapes of Crete.

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🌎 Happy Spring Equinox, “Εαρινή Ισημερία” in Greek!

Today, March 20, 2026, at exactly 16:46,...

🫀As part of this first year’s “Neuroanatomy” course, 19 of our students will soon be starting their clinical visits at the Heraklion University hospital.

🏫 Classes will be held at the Neurology and Neurosurgery depts of the Uni Hospital.

🔹Our students will work in teams and receive training on how to perform a basic neurological examination on real clinical cases!
From March to May, they will learn to implement their basic knowledge of clinical neuroanatomy.

▷ One of the main reasons why students choose our International Program, is the fact that the Heraklion University Hospital is a short walk from the university. Clinical hands-on training at a 700-bed teaching hospital is one of the strengths of the University of Crete iMed program.

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🫀As part of this first year’s “Neuroanatomy” course, 19 of our students will soon be...

University of Crete Achieves Excellence in Quality Assurance Certification

The University of Crete has successfully completed the evaluation of its Internal Quality Assurance System by a panel of external experts appointed by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (ETHAAE).

According to the certification report, the University received the highest distinction, “Excellent” (full compliance), in all seven (7) quality assurance principles of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), as well as in the overall institutional assessment. The certification is valid for five (5) years, from February 9, 2026, through February 8, 2031.

This distinction affirms the University of Crete’s excellence in education, research, and institutional governance, and serves as a strong incentive for continuous improvement and the advancement of meaningful initiatives that benefit both the academic community and society at large.

The University of Crete expresses its great satisfaction with this significant achievement and remains firmly committed to advancing its mission of excellence.

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University of Crete Achieves Excellence in Quality Assurance Certification

The University of Crete has successfully...

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Step into the daily life of our students in Heraklion, Crete, where academic commitment meets...

NEO/Nore Weekend hosted by the International Federation of Medical Student's Association (IFMSA) Poland in Gdansk!

In spite of her demanding academic schedule, our 1st year student Ms Zuha Ajlan recently participated in the NEO/NORE Weekend organized by the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) Poland in Gdańsk. The event brought together medical students from different countries for interactive sessions, focused on clinical professionalism and research.

Through innovative, team-based activities, which included collaborative problem-solving simulations, participants strengthened their scientific thinking, communication skills, and international networking. This exchange experience not only enriched her academic perspective but also equipped her with practical ideas she is eager to share with her peers.

Her participation reflects both academic dedication and a commendable commitment to professional growth beyond the classroom.

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NEO/Nore Weekend hosted by the International Federation of Medical Student's Association (IFMSA) Poland in Gdansk!...

Alumni of the BRAIN and MIND Sciences Seminar Series
Studying neuronal oscillations in the primate brain: from simplified static stimuli to virtual reality

Eleni Psarou, MSc, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow,
Zero-Noise Lab, Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) of the Max Planck Society, GERMANY

Thursday, February 19, 2026
14:00-15:00
ZOOM LINK
Meeting ID: 898 1282 5746
Passcode: 703942

https://med.uoc.gr/en/seminar-studying-neuronal-oscillations-in-the-primate-brain-from-simplified-static-stimuli-to-virtual-reality/

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Alumni of the BRAIN and MIND Sciences Seminar Series
Studying neuronal oscillations in the primate...

Celebrating the end of the examination period!

A suggestion for tomorrow (Saturday, February 7, at 21:00) :
Chamber Music Series
Concert Hall - Cultural Conference Center of Heraklion Crete

(https://www.cccc.gr/gr/events)

The repertoire for violin and piano is vast, as these are two of the most beloved instruments among composers and music lovers alike, throughout the centuries.

The countless sonatas written for this combination offer a kaleidoscope of styles and tonal colors. Tonight’s program focuses on Johannes Brahms and César Franck, two leading composers of late Romanticism, a period characterized by emotional richness and dramatic contrasts and shifts.

Between these two masterpieces of Romantic passion, and in complete contrast to them, we will hear Paul Hindemith’s Sonata in C major, a work of solid twentieth-century architectural design that simultaneously conveys an almost childlike innocence through its simplicity and humor.

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Celebrating the end of the examination period!

A suggestion for tomorrow (Saturday, February 7, at...

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As applications for our regular call are underway, take a glance at our program!

www.imed.med.uoc.gr...

NEWS UOC INTERNATIONAL
Periodical Edition of the University of Crete – Issue 17

https://news.uoc.gr/news/2026/26-01/17_Jul_Aug_25.pdf

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NEWS UOC INTERNATIONAL
Periodical Edition of the University of Crete – Issue 17

https://news.uoc.gr/news/2026/26-01/17_Jul_Aug_25.pdf

Significant Publication by Professor George Chamilos

Warm congratulations to the Associate Dean of our School, Professor George Chamilos, and our colleagues on their publication in Nature.

The study highlights the important role of albumin in the defense of the human body against mucormycosis and is already being recognized for its significance in Science and Nature.

(https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09882-3)

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Significant Publication by Professor George Chamilos

Warm congratulations to the Associate Dean of our School,...

Wishing all our students a Happy New Year filled with success, growth, and exciting new achievements!

As part of the celebration, scrubs were offered to our 3rd-year students as they get ready for their first patient contact in the upcoming semester.

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Wishing all our students a Happy New Year filled with success, growth, and exciting new...

Grateful for a wonderful year and excited for the one ahead.

Best wishes for the holiday season!

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Grateful for a wonderful year and excited for the one ahead.

Best wishes for the...

Professor Venetia Zachariou, Edward Avedisian Professor and Chair at the Chobanian and Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine, was one of the distinguished visiting faculty members who delivered a series of lectures on Anesthetics & Analgesics, Stimulants of CNS, Anti-psychotics and Antidepressants, as part of the Pharmacology A course of our program.

It was both a pleasure and an honor to host Professor Zachariou, who is also one of the coordinators of the Boston - Crete student exchange program.

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Professor Venetia Zachariou, Edward Avedisian Professor and Chair at the Chobanian and Avedisian Boston University...

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