MUSCAT: They are excited and ready to fly high. In mid-October, when they will travel to Germany to pursue their higher studies in Germany, it will be a dream come true moment for them.
With the sponsorship of the Sultanate’s Ministry of Higher Education and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), 15 Omani students will be flying to pursue their higher studies in Germany as part of a student exchange programme.
While being busy with learning German in German University of Technology (GUtech) Oman, talking to Times of Oman, the students shared their happiness and the benefits of pursuing higher studies in Germany.
Sumaiya Al Mazroui has already started her preparations to fly to Germany.
“I was really thrilled when I heard that I was selected to do my higher studies in Germany. My parents are very proud of me.”
“It is a beautiful country and I have heard that they are providing first-class education in the world,” she added.
After a four-week preparation at German University of Technology GUtech Oman, the students will fly to Hannover Studienkolleg, Germany.
They will spend a six-month course there and then move on to start their foundation course. After the completion of the one-year foundation course, the students can choose their place of study at one of the 300 research universities or universities of applied sciences in Germany.
Majda Al Ruzaiqi is also very much excited after hearing the selection news. “I have already started to surf on Internet to know more about Germany. I have found a few websites, which give us the details of Hannover, the place, food, culture and so on,” Majda said.
Azzan Al Saidi, one among the selected 15, agrees with Majda that studying in Germany will enhance their knowledge and skills.
Ismail Al Kalbani, another student in the selected group, says that studying abroad will help him in building up a good career.
In all, 54 undergraduate students are now studying in Germany, supported by the Sultanate’s Ministry of Education. The first batch will graduate in 2012.
Erich Schmid, deputy head of mission of Germany, expressed his happiness to see that more and more Omani students are coming forward to do higher studies in Germany.
“This is a matter of pride for the Sultanate and Germany. The quality of higher education in Germany is the best in the world. We are always ready to support these kinds of exchange programmes.
Some of the parents are afraid of sending their children abroad for studies. There is no need of unnecessary fear. Germany is a peaceful and beautiful country. We are always ready to provide any kind of assistance for them. When they come back after completing their studies successfully, they will make the Sultanate proud.”
Sharing her anxiety over sending her son to Gemany for higher studies, Al Harith’s mother said: “It is true that I am a bit anxious but at the same time I am happy for him. He will learn how to lead his life independently. He will have to face different challenges but I am sure that he will learn from them and return as a successful man.”
Moather Al Ma’awali said that studying in Germany was a long-time dream for him.
“Now, the dream has come true. When I received the message of getting a chance to do my higher studies in Germany it was 12:15am, I called my parents and told them the happy news. They were proud of me,” Moather said.
When asked whether he prefers to study in Oman or abroad, Moather, said: “What we learn abroad cannot be learnt in Oman. I would prefer to study abroad where higher education is much more developed.”
Moather has got the scholarship only to meet some of his expenses. The Ministry of Higher Education will pay only for his studies and health insurance, while the ticket and living expenses should be met by him.
“I really wish that the ministry had at least paid for my living expenses in Germany. There are students who are not able to pay these. I personally know someone who got a partial scholarship and dropped it as because he will not be able to bear the expenses alone,” Moather added.
Mohammed Al Harrasi also has the same view of his colleague of asking the ministry to help them to meet their living expenses.
Tarwiya Al Ismailiya said that studying in Germany is an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime. “My parents are happy that I could finally go to Germany for my higher education. The Ministry of Higher Education is providing significant support for all Omani students. We are thankful,” she said.
Although Tarwiya’s friend Asma Al Aufi wanted to study in Australia or Britain, she is happy to get a scholarship in Germany.
“Since childhood, I dreamt of studying abroad. When I come back to Oman, I will work to contribute in building the Omani society. It is really encouraging to see that a good number of Omani girls are going abroad for studies these days,” said Asma.
Nicola Huson, DAAD representative in Oman and German lecturer, said: “The students should take it easy as it is their first time to be away from home. It will take time till they get used to it. However, they are definitely going to enjoy life in Germany and experience the real winter time. At the moment, the students are having a German Language course at GUtech,” Huson added.
By RAHIMA AL BALUSHI
© Times of Oman 2010
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