International medical students “StudMedInterCulture”

This project expands the range of support services available for international students. Unique in Germany, but in line with Hesse's integration policy, our project aims to harness the tremendous potential of international medical students. Their successful completion of studies is intended to generate medical, social, and cultural multiplier effects.

The JLU has set itself the following goals:

• The German language skills of international medical students are promoted through joint learning with German medical students under the guidance of didactically trained tutors in the GAIA Café (Active Together for Intercultural Exchange) and through target group and needs-oriented courses of the JLU International Office (AAA) with a focus on the medical-scientific field in order to increase academic success.
• In the Intercultural Outpatient Clinic at the University Hospital of Giessen, international and German students work together in small groups in direct patient contact to learn about the significance of cultural differences and integrate this knowledge into their further medical studies.
• The medical knowledge and skills of international students in the clinical phase of their studies are utilized in a valued manner by having them act as translators during patient information sessions for patients with a migration background. Within the project, the legal issues surrounding this opportunity are also being addressed in collaboration with the Faculty of Law at JLU.
• As part of the intercultural skills training program, international students, together with German students, are also offered an introduction to the German legal system, including patient rights derived from the Basic Law. An excursion to the Hadamar Memorial is part of this program.
• In the long term, the project also aims to significantly improve medical-specific information for patients with a migration background and the practical training of all medical students.
• The project will be scientifically evaluated and monitored throughout its entire duration by the Institute of Sociology at JLU Giessen. Ultimately, the goal is to sustainably improve medical care for patients with a migration background through the development of intercultural awareness in medical studies.

This will be achieved through a model project that is not only visible but also aims to create transferable structures that can be used at other locations.