My name is Areeb Ansari, and I’m a 4th-year medical student at the Medical University of Plovdiv in Bulgaria. I grew up in Canada and have always been drawn to healthcare, especially the human connection that comes with it. My educational journey has taken me from Calgary to Plovdiv, and along the way, I’ve grown both as a student and as a person.
I decided to study abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. I was curious about how medicine is taught and practiced in other parts of the world, and I knew that living in a different country would give me a new perspective not just in academics, but in life. It was a big leap, but one I felt ready for.
Studying abroad has taught me more than I expected. Beyond textbooks and lectures, it’s shown me how to adapt, how to communicate across cultures, and how to build a life from scratch in a new place. I’ve met people from all over the world, formed lasting friendships, and gained confidence in myself and my ability to face challenges. It’s helped me grow into someone who can think globally while staying grounded in compassion.
If I could give advice to someone about to take the same path, I’d say go for it. It won’t always be easy. There will be moments of doubt, culture shock, and homesickness. But that’s part of the experience. Stay open, stay kind, and don’t isolate yourself. Some of the best lessons come from the people you meet along the way.
To me, mentoring is about being present for someone else. It’s offering guidance when needed, listening when it matters most, and helping someone believe in themselves. A mentor doesn’t need to have all the answers. They just need to care enough to walk with someone through their questions. Whether I’m mentoring or being mentored, it’s always about connection, growth, and shared learning.