“I am the youngest of ten siblings and have studied high school in Damascus, Syria. I have studied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy in Al-Baath University in Homs, Syria for one year and the second year in Damascus university in Damascus, Syria. I finished my studies in 2016 and have received the Baccalaureus in Pharmacy from the Faculty of pharmacy at Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. In the beginning, I face difficulties getting used to the education system in the Egyptian universities and the language of instruction (because in Syria all the courses were in Arabic) was my main challenge. It was also difficult to be away from my family and friends, finding an apartment, and ensuring the cost of living. I am currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology in Ain Shams University. I chose this field because I always had an interest in helping patients, improving public health and understanding the diseases and the drugs’ mechanism of action I also passed the master’s courses with general grade A, reached C level in English language and B2 level in German language. I am planning to pursue my PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology and to get training in computer-aided-drug-design. I tried to stay motivated and read many English books to improve my language skills. Additionally, I kept in touch with my supervisors, who helped me so much. The HOPES project team were always present to give advice about different problems I had faced. The HOPES programme helped me as well in the university’s tuition fees and cost of living. Furthermore, I also participated in an English course funded by the HOPES project, which made me more able to write my master thesis. My message to other students facing the same difficulties is to stay ambitious, read a lot, learn many languages, and investigate the problems of their society and try to find solutions.”
By Khalid Mohamad
2019
