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Batoul's Story
"As dreamers, we don't have a choice; we must bring our dreams to reality."
Batoul (on the right of the picture with SWAP East Director, Lesley Dunbar), a Syrian refugee and now a 4th year Medical Student at the University of Edinburgh speaks of her dream of becoming a doctor.
My journey began at the end of 2018 when I stepped into a Scottish airport that marked the start of a new chapter—an unfamiliar city, a new language, and a life built from scratch. The only certainty I carried with me as a Syrian refugee was the determination to rebuild. But this wasn’t my first time experiencing such upheaval. Years earlier, my family and I had fled Syria for Egypt, carrying with us the haunting memories of war and the unbearable loss of loved ones.
Through all the uncertainty, one thing remained unwavering: my dream of studying medicine. It wasn’t just an aspiration—it was my anchor, my purpose. No matter the obstacles, I was determined to make it a reality. But as a refugee, navigating the path to medical school was daunting, especially with qualifications earned in a completely different language. Finding the right information felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.
I spent countless hours in the local library, tirelessly researching the fastest route into medicine. One day, my eyes locked onto a title that felt like a guiding light of hope: "SWAP Access to Medical Studies." At the time, I had no idea that this program had just been launched in Edinburgh. All I knew was that it was exactly what I had been searching for—a one-year course designed to prepare students for medical school. My heart told me: "This is your chance."
In 2019, I decided to apply for the SWAP course, even though I didn’t meet the typical requirement of having three years of educational gaps. The program, however, offered an invaluable understanding of the refugee experience and the critical need for opportunities that allow displaced individuals to continue their education without losing more years—especially in light of the immense mental strain they endure.
Beginning the SWAP program was no easy feat. It was a challenging year, pushing me to work harder than ever before, balancing the demands of the course with improving my English. One of the biggest hurdles was the UCAT exam, a crucial part of applying to medical school. Achieving a competitive score in under a year of being in the UK seemed almost impossible. Despite my relentless efforts, I didn’t achieve the score I needed on my first attempt.
Even so, I was thrilled to receive an interview offer from the University of Edinburgh—my dream institution. But soon after, I faced another disappointment. In August 2020, I received the dreaded email: I had been placed on the waiting list, and ultimately, there was no space for me that year.
I was heartbroken. Through the tears and frustration, an email from Lesley Dunbar (the SWAP East Director) arrived—a source of encouragement when I needed it most. She urged me to try again. The idea of starting over felt overwhelming, but deep down, I knew I couldn’t walk away. Choosing a different path would mean letting go of my dream forever.
So, I faced my biggest fear once again: the UCAT exam. This time, the pressure was even greater, and the fear of failure felt overwhelming. No one had warned me that the second attempt would be even tougher than the first. But I didn’t give up. Another UCAT, another interview—and then came the moment that changed everything. I received my offer to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh. That moment will remain one of the most extraordinary of my life.
Now, nearly four years into medical school, I can confidently say that the journey has been far from easy. There have been numerous challenges, moments of doubt, and times when exhaustion felt overwhelming. But whenever I struggle, I remind myself of the battles I fought to get here. The SWAP course was pivotal in shaping my path, teaching me invaluable lessons along the way. I remember the sacrifices, the unwavering determination, and the people who believed in me. It is because of them that I continue to push forward—not just for myself, but for everyone who has supported me on this journey.
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