Lived experiences of international medical students displaced from Ukraine to an Irish university: a phenomenological study

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 forced tens of thousands of international medical students to abruptly abandon their studies, disrupting educational trajectories and creating profound personal and professional uncertainty. While existing research has often focused on students who remained in Ukraine, little is known about the in-depth lived experiences of displaced international students. This study explores the lived experiences of medical students who fled Ukraine and enrolled as occasional students at University College Cork, Ireland. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), we examined in-depth interviews to capture the challenges and adaptations encountered during displacement. Three Group Experiential Themes emerged: Building and Rebuilding Social Connections in the Journey of Medicine , Navigating Fear, Loss, and Solidarity in Times of Crisis , and Braving the Unknown and Navigating the Education Path to Medicine . Participants described the loss and rebuilding of support and social networks; the trauma associated with the struggle of escaping the war and the relief on reaching safety; and the uncertainty surrounding their medical education and future, coupled with appreciation for the supports they received. Despite all adversities, they demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and commitment to completing their medical education. Findings highlight the interplay between individual perseverance and institutional responsiveness, underscoring the urgent need for systemic supports that sustain displaced students’ academic continuity, wellbeing, and professional development. These insights contribute to theory and practice in health sciences education by informing future policies for learners and educators in crisis contexts.