In an ever-shrinking world where cultures intermingle, the experience of being an exchange student has become a powerful testament to the transformative nature of international education. Through a myriad of cultural encounters, academic challenges, and personal growth, exchange students embark on a journey that leaves an indelible mark on their lives.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the experience of Mohammed Nabil, a research associate in veterinary science from Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi currently based in Leuven, Belgium. He forms part of a student exchange programme between the Khalifa University and KU Leuven’s Flanders Institute for Biotechnology.
The UAE Embassy in Brussels is proud to feature stories on cross-cultural exchanges that define the modern academic and cultural landscape.
What is the BISDI-program and how long does it last?
The Biomedical Science Discovery (BISDI) program has formulated following a cooperation agreement between the Khalifa University and KU Leuven’s Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, under the auspices of H.H. Hamed Bin Zayed and His Majesty King Filip of Belgium. The program is supported by FIT (the Flanders Investment & Trade Agency), facilitating foreign investment projects in Flanders and supporting worldwide export from the region. The FIT-teams in Brussels and the UAE initiated and guided the discussions between Khalifa University and VIB in close collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in the UAE. They have contributed to the strengthening of academic biomedical research in Flanders.
The training program lasts three months, of which I have thus far successfully completed one month and a half. I look forward to continuing to enrich my skills and knowledge over this period.
How beneficial is this training program to your overall study in the UAE?
During the exchange programme, I am constantly learning new techniques and expanding my knowledge on topics such as animal handling, experimental surgery, housing of animal lab, administration of drugs, and lab techniques. These are all skills and advanced knowledge I will be able to take back with me to Khalifa University while I complete my studies, helping to the best of my capacities make advancements in this field within the UAE. I also think that this exchange allows me to better understand the European perspectives on science and forecasts a brighter future for scientific exchanges between Belgium, the EU and the UAE.
What are your impressions of Leuven, the university, and the exchange programme?
Leuven is a beautiful, clean, and peaceful city with an abundance of natural landscapes, parks and stunning architecture. Getting to know, and understand landscapes so different from those of my home country is a real privilege, and experiment! It is through nature that scientists learn the most, and the Belgian nature offers incredible learning opportunities.
It also offers a diverse array of restaurants featuring various cuisines, that is very convenient for the diverse population. The citizens are very friendly, accommodating and welcoming, which has made my stay here very enjoyable.
KU Leuven University is among the oldest and most historic universities in the world. It offers a wide range of courses and has extensive expertise in the field in which I am currently training. My mentor is outstanding, cooperative, patient, significantly enhancing my skills and knowledge. The vivarium in which I am being trained has state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, and are conducting cutting-edge research for in vivo studies.
What are your aspirations for the exchange programme?
My goal and aspirations are to acquire all the knowledge and skills from the leading experts in the field, and bring it back to the UAE. With this, I am hoping to transfer the knowledge to the next generation of scientists, helping nurture and educate future talents in the field as much as I can. I also aim to continue positioning the UAE as a central hub for life science research, contributing to the knowledge economy and recognition of the UAE in the global scientific community. And if this can be done while reinforcing our bond with European nations, there would be no better way.
What advice can you offer to other students who will also take part in the exchange programme after him?
I would encourage all students who were given an opportunity to be trained annotated to put in their best efforts during their training, stay focused, and dedicate all efforts to improving their skills. Additionally, it is important to embrace cultural differences, actively engage with the student body, and take this opportunity for both personal and academic development.
