Studying Medicine in Georgia: How Hourana Found the Right Path at Alte University
When Hourana first considered studying medicine abroad, Georgia was never part of the original plan.
After not securing a place at medical school in England and facing an unexpected change in circumstances, she found herself making a last-minute decision that would ultimately become one of the best choices she ever made.
Today, as a third-year medical student at Alte University in Tbilisi, Hourana describes her experience as transformative, highlighting the welcoming community, supportive university environment, and unforgettable memories she has made along the way.
This is her story.
Quick Profile
Student Overview
- Student Name: Hourana
- University: Alte University
- Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
- Course: Medicine (MD)
- Year of Study: Third Year
- Applied Through: MedConnect Europe
Why Hourana Chose to Study Medicine in Georgia
How a Last-Minute Opportunity Led to Alte University
Unlike many students who spend months researching universities, Hourana’s move to Georgia happened incredibly quickly.
Originally planning to study elsewhere, her circumstances changed shortly before enrolment. MedConnect Europe suggested Alte University in Tbilisi as an alternative option. With only two weeks before departure, she decided to take the opportunity.
Looking back, she has no regrets.
According to Hourana, moving to Tbilisi has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. She particularly appreciates the welcoming atmosphere, the international student community, and the opportunity to experience a completely different culture while pursuing her medical degree.
What Made Tbilisi Feel Like Home?
Why the International Student Community Helped Her Settle In
One of the biggest surprises for Hourana was how quickly she settled into life in Georgia.
She explains that the combination of friendly locals and a large international student population made adjusting far easier than expected.
Rather than simply studying abroad, she has been able to immerse herself in a new culture, build lifelong friendships, and create memories she enjoys sharing with her family back home.
For her, studying abroad has become about much more than earning a degree.
A Fast and Stress-Free Application Process
How MedConnect Simplified the University Application
With departure only weeks away, there was very little time to organise documents and university admissions.
Hourana credits MedConnect Europe with making the process remarkably straightforward.
Instead of navigating paperwork independently, she explains that the admissions team handled most of the application process, requiring only a few signatures and essential payments from her side.
The speed and simplicity of the process allowed her to focus on preparing for her move rather than worrying about administration.
Arrival Support That Started Before Landing
What Help Did MedConnect Provide After Arrival in Georgia?
Support did not stop once the university application was complete.
Hourana recalls receiving assistance before even boarding her flight to Georgia.
Upon arrival in Tbilisi, airport transfers were arranged, temporary hotel accommodation was organised, and she was introduced to other incoming students.
What Practical Support Was Available During the First Week?
During those first few days, she also received help with:
- Finding suitable accommodation
- Understanding rental contracts
- Learning which apartment websites to use
- Setting up a Georgian SIM card
- Opening a local bank account
- Downloading essential local applications
Having experienced students and MedConnect representatives available throughout the process made settling into a new country significantly easier.
Life as an International Medical Student in Tbilisi
What Were Hourana’s First Impressions of Tbilisi?
When Hourana arrived in Georgia, she deliberately avoided setting expectations.
Instead, she approached the experience with an open mind.
The result was a pleasant surprise.
She explains that she fell in love with Tbilisi almost immediately and quickly realised that the city offered far more than she had anticipated.
Its atmosphere, culture, architecture, and welcoming community exceeded her expectations from the very first day.
Finding Halal Food and Practising Islam in Georgia
Is Halal Food Easy to Find in Tbilisi?
Before moving, one of Hourana’s biggest concerns was whether she would be able to find halal food.
She feared she might struggle to source halal meat and considered the possibility of having to change her diet.
Instead, she discovered that halal chicken and meat are widely available throughout Tbilisi, including in many local supermarkets and neighbourhood stores.
Are There Mosques and a Muslim Community in Georgia?
She also found an active Muslim community with access to both Sunni and Shia mosques.
According to Hourana, the mosques she visited were welcoming and inclusive, and major Islamic occasions such as Eid are celebrated through community prayers and university gatherings.
She believes students from many different faith backgrounds can comfortably practise their religion while living in Georgia.
What Is It Like Studying Medicine at Alte University?
How Responsive Is Alte University to Student Feedback?
Hourana describes Alte University as highly responsive to student feedback.
Early in her studies, her timetable initially ran from morning until late evening.
After students raised concerns, university management adjusted the schedule accordingly.
She says this demonstrated the administration’s willingness to listen and actively improve the student experience.
Small Class Sizes Create Better Learning
Do Smaller Classes Improve the Learning Experience?
Another feature Hourana particularly values is the relatively small class size.
Rather than attending lectures with hundreds of students, most of her seminars include approximately 20 to 25 people.
This creates closer relationships with lecturers, who become familiar with each student’s strengths and weaknesses and are able to provide more personalised academic support.
She also praises the teaching staff for their accessibility and willingness to help whenever students require assistance.
Academic Support Beyond the Classroom
What Personal and Academic Support Does Alte University Provide?
According to Hourana, university support extends beyond academics.
She explains that programme managers remain approachable for both educational concerns and personal issues, offering guidance whenever students need help navigating challenges during their studies.
This level of pastoral support has played an important role in helping her feel comfortable living abroad.
Balancing Medical School and Social Life
Can You Have a Social Life While Studying Medicine in Georgia?
Despite medicine being a demanding degree, Hourana believes students still have plenty of opportunities to maintain a healthy social life.
During her first year, timetables were largely assigned by the university, but many days still finished by late afternoon.
As students progress through the programme, they gain greater flexibility over scheduling.
How Much Free Time Do Students Have at Alte University?
At the time of the interview, she enjoyed several completely free days each week alongside lighter teaching days, giving her time to:
- Study independently
- Spend time with friends
- Explore Tbilisi
- Participate in extracurricular activities
She believes achieving a healthy work-life balance is entirely possible.
Is Tbilisi Safe for International Students?
How Safe Does Hourana Feel Living in Tbilisi?
Safety is often one of the biggest concerns for students considering studying abroad.
As a female student, Hourana initially had reservations before moving.
However, she says those fears disappeared after arriving.
In fact, she personally feels safer walking around Tbilisi at night than she previously did in England.
She notes the visible police presence throughout the city while emphasising that officers are generally unobtrusive unless assistance is needed.
Her experience has left her feeling secure and comfortable living independently.
Healthcare in Georgia Is Accessible and Affordable
What Happens If You Need Medical Care in Georgia?
Hourana also shared a personal experience that highlighted the accessibility of Georgia’s healthcare system.
After being bitten by a dog, she quickly travelled to an immunisation centre where treatment was provided immediately.
Although she did not have health insurance at the time, she found the costs surprisingly affordable.
Should International Students Get Health Insurance?
Nevertheless, she strongly recommends that all international students obtain comprehensive health insurance before arriving in Georgia for additional peace of mind.
Advice for Students Thinking About Studying Abroad
What Advice Does Hourana Give Future Medical Students?
When asked what advice she would give future students, Hourana encourages them not to overthink the process.
She acknowledges that homesickness and difficult days are natural but believes the opportunity to live abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What Are the Biggest Benefits of Living Abroad?
For her, studying in Georgia has meant:
- Meeting friends from around the world
- Learning about different cultures
- Experiencing life in a completely new country
- Developing both personally and academically
She feels these experiences have been just as valuable as the medical education itself.
Career Opportunities After Graduating from Alte University
Can Alte University Graduates Return to the UK or Work Internationally?
Although Hourana initially planned to return to the UK after graduation, studying abroad has broadened her perspective.
She is now considering multiple international career options.
She explains that Alte University actively works to ensure students meet GMC-related training expectations while also providing USMLE preparation for those considering careers in the United States.
With classmates from the Middle East, Europe, South Africa, and many other regions, she believes the programme prepares graduates for an increasingly global medical profession.
The Value of the MedConnect Community
How Does MedConnect Support Students Beyond Admissions?
For Hourana, MedConnect Europe became much more than an admissions service.
She describes it as a community that introduced her to many of her closest friends.
Through welcome events and social gatherings, she met students studying across different universities in Georgia, creating a wider support network beyond her own campus.
Even after two years in Tbilisi, she continues attending events and enjoys helping newer students settle into their own journeys.
Why Hourana Recommends MedConnect Europe
Why Would She Recommend MedConnect to Future Students?
When reflecting on her experience, Hourana says she would confidently recommend MedConnect Europe to friends and family.
She believes the organisation simplified every stage of the admissions process by handling document preparation, translations, university communication, and ongoing student support.
Most importantly, she values the friendships and community that came with applying through MedConnect, describing it as an experience that extends far beyond simply gaining admission to medical school.
Final Thoughts
What Can Future Students Learn from Hourana’s Story?
Hourana’s journey demonstrates that not getting into medical school in the UK does not have to mean giving up on becoming a doctor.
A last-minute opportunity led her to Alte University in Tbilisi, where she discovered a supportive learning environment, an international community, accessible healthcare, strong academic guidance, and a city she now proudly calls home.
For prospective students considering studying medicine in Georgia, her experience offers reassurance that success abroad can often begin with taking an unexpected opportunity.