The time has come to introduce our international alumni volunteer team with 34 people from 17 countries speaking 23 different languages. In the next chapter of our volunteer series, you can read about Zaher Akkad story from Syria! He did his MSc in Hungary between 2017-2019, and now he is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Logistics at the University of Miskolc.
Why did you choose Hungary and the University of Miskolc?
The University of Miskolc has a unique mechanical engineering program about CAD/CAM. It was the main reason to choose it. After finishing my master's degree with excellent with distinction grade, my supervisor Dr. Bányai Tamás inspired me to pursue my PhD in the logistics and supply chains area, also at the University of Miskolc. Moreover, I am in love with nature. Miskolc has an amazing location among fascinating nature.
How did you like your studies? What was your favourite memory during your studies?
I like the international community we have at the University of Miskolc. Many things were improved since I came to Miskolc in 2017, which reflects the university's will to engage international students. Yet, still many things to be done, and that keeps me enthusiastic to play my role as part of this university community. My favourite memories are my academic achievements. They are the milestones that show how hard I worked to reach where I am right now. For instance, my first rank in TDK, my first published article, the first lecture I taught, the pride of the students' success who I supervised, and being selected as the international students' ambassador.
How did you like the country?
I did not know much about Hungary before 2017. However, I had chosen to trust my intuition that it is the best choice and moved here. Hungary did not put me down; I’m living an amazing experience here. What I like the most is the rich cultural diversity. Next to my beautiful life in Miskolc, where I do not consider myself a stranger anymore, I love Budapest, which every time I go to, charms me with its fascination. I usually spend the summer in Budapest where I met my fiancée and fell in love with her. We discovered Hungary together from Esztergom in the North to Pécs in the South, and we also have amazing memories from Lake Balaton and Siófok.
Did you have any difficulties with the Hungarian culture? What was that and how did you handle it?
Moving into a new country, a new culture, and a new language I do not speak carries many challenges and difficulties for sure. Even so, the friendly nature of the Hungarian people and their continued attempts to support me, especially my professors, helped me to move forward through those difficulties. I find myself now so comfortable with the Hungarian environment even to support the new international students as a mentor.
How does the Hungarian culture differ from the Syrian culture?
Syria is a country that holds thousands of years of cultural depth. My city Aleppo was founded in 5500 BC. Everything in Syria is linked to the rich history and Arabic identity. Despite the geographical distance from Hungary, I always observe how the Hungarian people are proud of their identity and culture which they preserve among the many different surrounding European cultures. This reminds me of my country, which I am fully proud of as well. In my city Aleppo, there is a memorial mentioning that Kőrösi Csoma Sándor was there in 1820 during his way to discover the Hungarian origins.
You are among alumni volunteers. Why did you apply for that position? What's your task and how do you manage it? What do you think about the Alumni Network Hungary?
With the desire to give back something to Hungary and play an active role in supporting my fellow international students and alumni, I joined Alumni Network Hungary as a volunteer. As an international team, we work on connecting, supporting, and promoting the alumni's activities and paths inside and outside Hungary. I like how this volunteering allowed me to make new friends, both Hungarian and international next to the powerful influence we make across the world. Alumni Network Hungary is being developed continuously to fit the objective vision and impact, and I think its importance is becoming bigger every year with the increasing numbers of international students and alumni in Hungary.
What's your plan for the future?
With the support of my current supervisor Dr. Bányai Tamás, I am pursuing my academic career enthusiastically. I work on connecting my academic and professional paths to make a direct impact in the world.