Elysée Garrigues, a determined 21-year-old French student, had initially set his sights on pursuing a medical degree in his home country. However, his path was not without obstacles. He faced rejection not once, but twice, from French medical schools. Undeterred, Garrigues decided to explore alternative options and discovered a medical school in Arad, Romania, that offered a program in Romanian.
Garrigues' interest in medicine was sparked during a college internship at the Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, where he witnessed firsthand the fast-paced environment of emergency care. At the age of 16, he also volunteered for a first-aid association in Albi, further solidifying his desire to pursue a career in healthcare. His academic journey was not without its challenges, as he struggled in primary school but later excelled in high school, earning a baccalaureate with an impressive 15.6/20 average in 2023.
Following his rejection from French medical schools, Garrigues dedicated just 14 days to preparing for the Romanian medical school entrance exam, which he took in July 2025. Despite the short time frame, he managed to secure an impressive score of 8.9/10. This remarkable achievement not only granted him admission to the university but also presented a new challenge: learning to study in Romanian.
The medical program at Vasile Goldiș Western University in Arad spans six years and consists of 360 credits. Garrigues began his studies in September 2025 and has since progressed to his second year. He has also completed an internship at the Albi Hospital in France, further enriching his medical education. His experiences have inspired him to create Caref, an association aimed at supporting French-speaking health students in Romania.
Through Caref, Garrigues hopes to provide essential resources, including tutoring and internship opportunities, to his fellow students. As for his future plans, he is considering an internship in Belgium and ultimately aspires to practice medicine in France. However, he is aware that his path forward will depend on navigating the necessary professional requirements and formalities associated with his European diploma.
Garrigues' story serves as a testament to his perseverance and adaptability. His journey highlights the complexities of pursuing a medical education abroad and the importance of being open to new opportunities. While his experience does not guarantee success, it demonstrates the potential for growth and transformation that can arise from taking a different path.
Today, Garrigues is a second-year medical student in Romania, having successfully adapted to a new language and academic environment. His story offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of pursuing a medical education abroad, and his determination to succeed in his chosen field is an inspiration to others who may be facing similar obstacles.
Key points
- Elysée Garrigues was rejected from medical school in France twice before being accepted into a Romanian medical program.
- Garrigues prepared for the Romanian medical school entrance exam in just 14 days, securing a score of 8.9/10.
- He is currently in his second year of medical studies at Vasile Goldiș Western University in Arad, Romania.
