Mangaluru: Viva Espana! Long Live Spain!-that’s what 12 Spaniards, all students of Universidad Europea (University of Europe)-Madrid-Spain had to say, who are here in the City on a “Student Exchange Programme” at AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), and also who will be participating in the ‘Dazzle 30’- an Inter-Dental Collegiate Exhibition Contest organized by ABSMIDS, to mark “Oral Hygiene Day”, which is celebrated Nationally on August 1 every year. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with these students from Universidad Europea at Kadri Park on a bright sunny Wednesday afternoon. Introducing them to me, one of the Spaniard said, ” Enkalu Koolida Docteru” (We are teeth doctors (dentists) in Tulu, which he had learned from Prof. (Dr) Nailady Sridhar Shetty-Founder Dean of ABSMIDS.
L-R (Standing) Dr Audrey D’Cruz (ABSMIDS), Simone Frau, Nicola Spagna, Federico Pucci, Syed Fraz Ali, Roneil Lidder, and Pratap (Coordinator- Field Services & Inter-Cultural Learning(FSL-India)
L-R (Seated) Laura Vidal Ochoa, Beatriz Jimeno Rodrigues, Stefania Stincone, David Estevez Ibanez, Alberto Moreno Melgarejo, and Dr Shishir Shetty (ABSMIDS)
Susana Pardo Sanchez and Carmen Arquero Dominguez from the group are missing in the photo
Narrating about their University, Prof. Alberto Moreno Melgarejo of Universidad Europea said, “Established in 1995, Universidad Europea de Madrid (UEM) is the largest private university in Spain, with more than 15,600 undergraduate and graduate students on two campuses in Madrid and one in Valencia. UEM offers a university education that is international, innovative and tailored to today’s job market. UEM is a member of Universidad Europea. The University offers a holistic academic experience that will transform you into a professional ready to enter the international workplace”.
“Universidad Europea de Madrid centers its efforts on an educational model based on developing each student’s competencies, including their management and communication skills, with a strongly international approach. Villaviciosa de Odón Campus, La Moraleja Campus and the University Health Clinics comprise a university setting where you will have the opportunity to learn and train with students from all over the world, sharing the most advanced facilities and the most comprehensive services for your practical work and activities: fully equipped laboratories, student dormitories, sports clubs, language centers, libraries, and many other useful student services. The University’s Career and Placement Office (GOE) will advise us and help us to choose the best career options in top professional environments, where 90% of the students find work within a year of graduating” he added..
Alberto further said, “Widening our academic and employment horizons is a reality at Universidad Europea de Madrid- thanks to the international programs and internships in more than 40 different countries, as well as student exchange agreements and over 70 “full English” or bilingual degree programs to choose from. And due to this student exchange programme, we are happy and lucky to be here in this friendly and picturesque coastal town, Mangaluru- a great town with great educated people. We love it here, and if we get a chance we will come back one more or many times”.
Speaking to Mangalorean.com, the students narrated their experience and stay at ABSMIDS- they said, ” We are happy and thrilled to be at ABSMIDS. We are impressed at the well-managed atmosphere, friendly doctors, professors and staff, good and courteous hospitality. Principal DR Krishna made us feel at home and treated us like one of his family members- great guy, great doctor!. We learned a lot about dentistry during the past few days, the facility has all the modern dentistry equipments, and the doctors/professors take keen interest in making sure we imbibe what they teach/train us. The faculty at ABSMIDS are all professionals with good knowledge and experience, and we are lucky to learn from them, and take back home and share the knowledge what we learned here to our junior students at Universidad Europea”.
Speaking about Mangalorean food, they said, until now they had tried Aloo Ghobi, Paneer masala, Cheese Naan, Tandoori Chicken, and above all, “Chai” (Masala Tea) and lassi being their favourites. They are looking forward to taste the coastal favourite like Kori Rotti, Chicken sukka, Ideal “Gadbad” Ice-cream, and Dum Biriyani. When asked what is their favorite Spanish food, they said- Paella, Tortilla-de-Patata (Spanish omelette), Croquettes, Pisto-Spanish Ratatouille etc – they will be cooking some of the Spanish delicacies during the International food/culture night at the ABSMIDS on 13 or 14 August.
“We are really impressed by the Health-Care system at ABSMIDS, specially where they are providing free dental care for patients. We don’t find such kind of benefits in Spain-only medical benefits available in Spain is through insurance coverage. We like the plans here, where they focus on people living in rural areas. We will be looking forward to work with the people in rural areas in the coming days of our schedule. We can’t thank enough for all the friendship, kind hospitality, good knowledge and training that we have received so far from everyone at ABSMIDS- thanks-a-million !” added the students.
In the coming days, the Spaniards will take part in Dental and Medical Camp for employees of Lamina Industries-Baikampady, and many other medical camps, projects and activities all scheduled before they departure to Spain on 17 August 2105. Speaking about these students, Prof. (Dr) Shishir Shetty and Dr Audrey D’Cruz said, ” We are happy to have these friends at our campus-they are so friendly, courteous and fun loving people. They are very interactive, adopt very well to local culture and food, they are not fussy at all. We would love to have more Spaniards and other foreign students in future under the Student Exchange plans. Through these foreign students we also learn their culture, traditions, food etc- we are extremely happy to be associated with these students, and we look forward to have close encounters with foreign students in the future”.
ABMIDS, the Crowning Glory of the Nitte Education trust, now, Nitte University is celebrating 30 years of Academic and Clinical Excellence. Community service has always been its forte since inception and Rural Health service its passion and mission. This year as it celebrates its “Pearl Anniversary” (30 years), the institution will be organizing 30 different community outreach programmes such as School Dental Health programmes, Single day Denture camps etc under the flagship of “Dazzle 30”.
Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangalore Press Club, Dr Krishna Nayak-Principal, ABSMIDS said, “Department of Public Health Dentistry, A.B.Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences is hosting for the Firs time ever, an Inter-Dental Collegiate Exhibition Competition at City Centre Mall as a part of “Dazzle 30-Community Outreach Programmes” to Celebrate the 30 years of Academic and Clinical Excellence of our Esteemed Institution. Many Dental Colleges around the region, even as far as Calicut and Mysore will be participating in the competition. A group of students from Universidad Europea (University of Europe)-Madrid, Spain who are here on a ‘Student Exchange Programme” will also take part in this event. Each College would present 3 of their best Exhibits (Selected after scrutiny of large number of entries from each of the Colleges)”.
Dr Nayak further said, “N.V.Hegde, Chancellor, Nitte University will inaugurate the exhibition at sharp 3.15pm on Saturday, 1 August 2015 at the City Centre Mall, and I request your presence. If it fits in your busy schedule, your presence would mean a lot, if not your blessings and support would take this event to greater heights!!”. Dr Audrey D’Cruz- I/C, dept. of Public health dentistry was also seated on the dais during the press meet.