An Inspiring Journey: ISL Alumna Anusha Mittal Shares Her Path to Medicine at UNIL

At the International School of Lausanne (ISL), students are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with essential life skills that prepare them for their future endeavors. We had the pleasure of connecting with Anusha Mittal, an alumna from the Class of 2023 currently in her first year of studying medicine at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), and Ms. Katrina Edmunds, ISL's Academic Counsellor, in an online interview to discuss Anusha’s journey and how the IB programme prepared her for medical studies.

Anusha’s Journey to Medicine

Katrina Edmunds: Anusha, could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and where you are currently studying?

Anusha Mittal: My name is Anusha, and I'm in my first year of medicine at the University of Lausanne. Initially, I felt unprepared due to the language change and having to relearn basic medical terminology from scratch. However, I quickly realised that the IB program, especially my group 4 subjects like chemistry and biology, had given me a solid foundation. The IB also taught me how to manage a large workload.

Navigating Language and Medical Terminology

Katrina: You studied French at the BSL level. How did you feel about transitioning to studying medicine in French?

Anusha: I've been in Switzerland for a long time, so my French was already at a decent level. While the medical terminology was new to everyone, I found that much of it remained consistent across languages. However, understanding professors when they explain concepts in more casual language was challenging, as I hadn’t learned those specific terms in my French classes. In hindsight, I realise I didn’t need to worry as much as I initially did.

Choosing to Study in Switzerland

Katrina: You considered several universities around the world before choosing UNIL. Can you share what influenced your decision?

Anusha: Ultimately, it came down to my passion for medicine and the balance of work and life that Switzerland offers. I also appreciated that if I didn’t find medicine to be the right fit for me, I could always explore other options. I did consider studying in the UK and Canada, but I felt more aligned with pursuing medicine here. The experiences of my peers made me realise that the NHS in the UK can be a stressful environment, with an additional level of intensity due to the challenging working conditions for junior doctors, especially for international students like myself.

Networking and Support

Katrina: You took the initiative to set up a medic group at ISL to understand more about the medical profession. How did that experience shape your decision?

Anusha: Organising the group and talking to various doctors gave me valuable insights into different career paths within medicine. Hearing firsthand experiences helped me understand what life in different healthcare systems looks like and solidified my choice to study in Switzerland.

Katrina: That is fantastic! Networking can be so beneficial. Is that something you continue to do now at university?

Anusha: Yes, absolutely! The university encourages networking, and I've been lucky to have a “uni dad” who has guided me through my first year. Connecting with ISL alumni and current students has also provided me with a realistic perspective of university life, which I find much more beneficial than just relying on the university's promotional material.

Social Experiences and Building Connections

Katrina: You mentioned the competitive nature of the first year. What has been your social experience?

Anusha: Socially, it’s been challenging. Many students come from local gymnasiums and have known each other for years, which makes forming new friendships a bit harder. However, I’ve found that students from other backgrounds, like those from Swiss-Italian schools, are more open to making new friends. I joined badminton and the Model United Nations club, which helped me connect with others outside my course.

Throwback to Anusha's memories at ISL

Reflections on the University Experience

Katrina: What myths about university life did you have to confront after your experiences at UNIL?

Anusha: I used to romanticise the idea of university life, especially in the UK or US, thinking it would be all fun with little work. However, I’ve learned that every place has its challenges and benefits. Adjusting to the culture can be tough, and I realise now that staying in Switzerland was the right choice for me.

Advice for Future ISL Students

Katrina: If you could give advice to your former self, what would it be?

Anusha: I would tell myself to take it easier and not be so hard on myself. Just because one thing doesn’t go my way doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. Whether it's a university decision or a test, there’s always a way to move forward. I was quite set on going abroad but things turn out for the best.  

Staying at home for the first year of university is “normal” in Switzerland and I have really appreciated my family’s support while I get through this challenging first year. It has made for a more manageable transition. 

The Importance of Work Ethic

Katrina: What key takeaway do you have from your ISL education?

Anusha: My work ethic! It’s crucial in university since professors don’t support you like they do in ISL. In medicine at UNIL, especially, you need to stay on top of your studies since everythingbuilds toward final exams at the end of year one and only about 30% of students make the cut

As Anusha’s journey illustrates, success in university extends beyond academics—it is about building a supportive network and developing a strong and independent work ethic. Her experiences showcase how ISL prepares students not just for their studies but for the broader challenges of life.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Anusha for sharing her insights and experiences and we wish her all the best as she continues her path in medicine.