EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Improving the chances for immigrant doctors

Improving the chances for immigrant doctors - Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Introduction

Albeda College offers a training programme for doctors initially trained in other countries. The courses are designed to give foreign-trained doctors a better chance of doing well in medical faculty admission interviews and during further training in the Netherlands.

Problem

What is necessary to give foreign-trained doctors a greater chance of placement in university medical training at Dutch universities?

Description

In the spring of 2003, the Albeda College was asked to create a link programme for doctors educated abroad in collaboration with the Naturalisation section of the Social Affairs and Employment department of Rotterdam and Emplooi. The level of Dutch of the doctors who are eligible for this programme is insufficient and communication in the broadest sense is a hindering factor in immediate participation in university-level education.

Approach

In consultation with the relevant bodies and representatives of the target group, consisting of former course members now studying at the Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Albeda College designed a programme comprising the following components:

Dutch language skills - a general course raising the standard to level 4 or 5;
modules - specialist language, terminology and texts for the medical sector;
computer skills;
English language skills;
biology;
physics and chemistry terminology;
portfolio and job application training;
trainee placements.

Results

A total of twenty-four participants were admitted to the course.
Of these, four have now been admitted to the Erasmus University in Rotterdam.
At the time of writing, twenty participants are preparing for their Dutch examination and admissions interview.

Experience

Before starting the programme, an assessment is necessary.
For a number of course members, personal problems impede the way to successful study.
Not everyone is able to learn the Dutch language is a short time.
The use of the Nuffic portfolio helps the participants because, as preparation for the admission interview, it nicely expresses their training and work experiences in their own country and in the Netherlands.
Finding trainee posts is not easy: many institutions think that this group cannot as yet be widely deployed.

Contact info

Albeda college
E. Kraaijveld, tel. +31 10 4443528

Project start date

01/04/2003

Links

Albeda college

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Employment