English Veterinary Medicine programme in Wrocław? Why not!

• Annabell Koenig came to study at UPWr from Germany. Currently, the graduate is a co-owner of a veterinary clinic. 
• Cathinka Myhrer Bach learned about the English-language veterinary studies at UPWr through the Norwegian company European Education Consultants. 
• Clothilde Curnis came from France to study in Poland. Today he works in a team of ten outstanding veterinarians specializing in the treatment of horses.

The first classes of the Veterinary Medicine course, also known as the English Division, started in 2007. According to Agnieszka Kłapkowska from the dean's office of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, during the first years student groups held only about eight to twelve people. Currently, there are 20 to 45 students in the English Division each year – over 160 students in the entire faculty. 

Among the 77 graduates who have graduated from UPWr, three previous English Division students share their memories of their time in Poland and at UPWr. 

Annabell Koenig 

Annabell Koenig comes from Germany. She was a student of Veterinary Medicine in 2011-2017. – My family has Polish roots and my grandfather was a veterinarian. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and I learned from my family that it was possible to study in Wrocław, but since my Polish was not good enough, I decided to study it in English – says the graduate. – I’ll never forget the day I got accepted. A new adventure started. When I arrived in Wrocław it already felt like home. Everyone, from dr. Karczmarczyk, the Dean, all the way to the people from the dean's office and teachers, helped me when I had any questions or when I was in need. I’m proud that I studied at one of the best veterinary schools in Poland – adds Annabell Koenig. 

After graduation, Annabell returned to her hometown in Germany, where she started working in a veterinary clinic for small and large animals. She's also the co-owner of the clinic since January 2022. – Thanks to the knowledge provided by my professors at UPWr, I can treat my patients today. And I will never forget the memories and friendships I made during my time in Wrocław – says the vet. 

Cathinka Myhrer Bach 

– I learned about the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences through the Norwegian company EEC (European Education Consultants), run by Ellen Bergene. She worked with the university in the recruitment department and helped us with all the formalities related to studying abroad. She told us where to translate our grades from Norwegian High school to English, what documents we needed, etc – says Cathinka Myhrer Bach, highlighting that she finds the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences a good university. – Although we were not part of the regular schedules and we had to organise many things ourselves, such as the exam sessions, I believe it was an advantage which gave us a lot of freedom and flexibility. Most of our lecturers were great at what they do and some are even very prominent in the European Veterinary Society. It was great to have professors who taught us with such passion and knowledge – adds the graduate. 

Cathinka Myhrer Bach is currently working in a small animal clinic in Norway where she treats all sorts of illnesses, ranging from skin problems to orthopaedic problems, but focuses mainly on dentistry in dogs and cats. – I like my job and my busy schedule, but as a vet I feel a certain pressure. It requires a lot of time from you. Veterinary work is not for the faint hearted! However, I'm also doing a graduate programme in general Veterinary Medicine and I’m learning new stuff all the time – says the graduate from Norway. 

Clothilde Curnis 

French graduate Clothilde Curnis didn't want to study in France for two reasons: she wanted to be able to work anywhere in the world, hence the idea to study in English, and she didn’t like the path to enter French veterinary schools. – I started looking for good universities with a certificate and a European equivalent. I learned about the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences from my mother's friends from Poland. When she visited them, she checked out the university and liked it very much.  Moreover, I liked the fact that there were around 10 students per class, which was a huge plus. I decided then to apply to UPWr – says Clothilde Curnis, highlighting that she is very pleased with her stay and education in Poland. 

After returning to France she continued her specialisation at the best Equine Hospital in France, CHVE de Livet, and she now works with a team of ten exceptional vets in Burgundy. – When I compare my studies in Poland to my colleagues, I don’t regret having moved abroad – adds Clothilde.

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