PECULIARITIES OF ADAPTATION OF FOREIGN MEDICAL STUDENTS TO THE EDUCATION DURING THE WAR IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The war in Ukraine has had a profound impact on various spheres of society, including the education system. This study examines the peculiarities of the adaptation process of foreign medical students who are pursuing their education in Ukraine during the war. Prior to the war in Ukraine, approximately 80,000 foreign students from different countries were studying there. The majority of these students were medical students, with Indian citizens being the predominant group, who adapted quite actively and successfully to studying in Ukraine before the war. The onset of the war and the evacuation of students, as well as the shift to online classes, brought significant changes to medical education. The objective of this research is to explore the unique challenges faced by these students and identify strategies that can contribute to their successful adaptation to the educational environment. The research was conducted through online surveys in June and July of 2023. It was important to identify the key aspects of adaptation strategies through the students' experiences and perceptions. The findings indicate that the adaptation process for foreign medical students during the war in Ukraine is complex and multifaceted. However, despite the difficulties, the research also reveals that foreign medical students demonstrate resilience and the ability to adapt to a new environment. They employ various coping strategies, such as seeking support from peers, engaging in cultural interactions, and utilizing online resources to overcome language barriers. This research underscores the importance of institutional support and the role of educational stakeholders in facilitating the adaptation process of foreign medical students during times of conflict. Recommendations include implementing language support programs, cultural integration initiatives, and providing psychosocial services tailored to the unique needs of these students.