Could you describe a regular day as a student at PUA?

Not so good, since I have not followed a student throughout a whole day. But seem to be as that of a KTH students. Lectures and then spending time with friends. However, instead of studying at school, the students tend to study at home.

What was the best part of your experience at PUA?

Many things were good. To mention one, I would say that the arranged visit to El Alamein by PUA was really amazing and brought a lot of knowledge with it. Also, the “play-day” was fun, taking part in on of PUAs lab were also fun.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

Communication was sometimes a bit hard, since people, sometimes, do not know English all too well. At PUA this was not such a big problem, but overall, it was sometimes a problem.

What are your impressions of Alexandria and Egypt?

Very good. People are really helpful and kind. The city got its personal charm and Egypt as a whole is very interesting with many things to see and experience. The food is really good as well, in Alexandria, fish is really good. Egypt is sometimes very different from Sweden, but that is what make everything interesting.

Is there something about life in Alexandria and Egypt that has surprised, impressed you?

Again, many things. People are so kind and helpful which impressed me a lot. I almost never felt scared or anything alike. Everybody was kind.

Do you have any advice for colleagues at KTH that, in the future, will do student exchange at PUA?

Try go get help from the locals regarding things like where you should stay and, in the beginning, it could be helpful to have someone that can show you around and how things work. And secondly, do it! Thirdly, eat fish, download uber and otlob and talk to people!

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

Several things. I have learned so much more about Egyptian culture which something I always will remember. Also, I have seen many cool places, eaten delicious food and met a lot of wonderful people. All these things will I take with me. Moreover, I have learned some Arabic and hopefully I will remembered what I have learned when I am back in Sweden.

How have you been chosen for the exchange?

Initially I applied for the project and was accepted by our professor in KTH. After that I applied to a grant called Minor Field Study to be able to pay for the exchange.

What do you think are the differences between studying at PUA and (KTH)?

One big difference is the lectures, which are rarely mandatory at KTH. This allows more freedom as to how and when to study. Additionally, a big difference is how practical the education in PUA is, in comparison to KTH it’s mainly only theoretical. Lastly, there is a difference between the relations between professors and students. In KTH, the professors rarely know any of the students by name, which does not seem to be the case at PUA.

Did PUA staff, professors, researcher and others that you met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate

Yes, extremely helpful. We have gotten help with everything we need and more, starting from the moment we arrived in Egypt, and there has always been someone to ask for help.

Could you describe a regular day as a student at PUA?

This I can’t give a good answer, since I have only been focusing on my own project. I can say however that the time spent at school mainly seems to revolve around lectures, and not studying individually.

What was the best part of your experience at PUA?

The best part was an activity day, where students arranged different small games and challenges outside the faculty, which was fun.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

This might be the language barrier, since English is not known by everyone, as well as not being able to read the Arabic letters.

What are your impressions of Alexandria and Egypt?

Alexandria is a nice and active city with much to offer, but very crowded. It is also very rich in history, with a lot to experience.

Is there something about life in Alexandria and Egypt that has surprised, impressed you?

How the minibuses work in traffic. Apparently, you signal where you want to go by using a certain hand sign, and if the bus is going in that direction it will stop and let you on. Something like this would never work in Sweden!

Do you have any advice for colleagues at (KTH) that, in the future, will do student exchange at PUA?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, people here are very helpful and it will be provided to you. Also download Otlob and Glovo for cheap and good food delivery. And make sure to try the fish, it’s amazing!

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

It was definitely a challenge to spend so much time studying in another country, but I learned that the hardest part about some challenges is actually starting them. As soon as you try to deal with the problem presented to you, taking it one step at a time, it will eventually work itself out and appear a lot easier then it did initially. So what I took with me from the experience is that I can manage bigger challenges then I expected.

Could you describe a regular day as a student at PUA?

Since we have a specific collaboration, our working day consists mainly of own work on the project with some discussions in between with our Egyptian colleagues.

What was the best part of your experience at PUA?

Meeting all the different people, from the Dean of Engineering, to our lovely supervisor Dr. Norhan and all the students willing to greet us and make us feel welcome!

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

Adapting to the difference between Swedish and Arabic culture, but it has been very fun to observe and learn the language, food culture and so on!

What are your impressions of Alexandria and Egypt?

Alexandria has been wonderful, it is truly a city with lots of history and a beautiful shoreline to the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt biggest asset is its people, the hospitality and generosity are always above and beyond.

Is there something about life in Alexandria and Egypt that has surprised, impressed you?

The different mix of cultures combined from the different eras in Alexandria, the Greek, roman, and so on all mixed together makes the city a beautiful historical place.

Do you have any advice for colleagues at KTH that, in the future, will do student exchange at PUA?

Feel free to talk to people, they will most surely help you or make your life easier in some way. Also, the seafood here is amazing, you have to try the crab soup at the fish market!

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

I have met amazing people whom I will remember, the new culture has been really fun to observe and live with and has opened up the interest to explore Egypt more in the future. I have also gained a more practical understanding in my field of engineering, something that I greatly appreciate.

What do you think are the differences between studying at PUA and (University of Eastern Finland-UEF)?

I come to appreciate PUA methods of teaching students which literally ensures graduating students of solid pharmaceutical background .This was proved with the self-study of my courses abroad in UEF were if it weren’t for the assignments, self-study chapters , interactive activities done in PUA I wouldn’t have been able to study whole courses alone.

Did (University of Eastern Finland-UEF) staff, professors, researcher and others that you met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate?

Yes, they were extremely welcoming and helpful throughout the semester. English language hasn’t been easy with some of the professors but most of them I managed to understand their requirements and how to study the required course contents. Even, with issuing the official transcript it was done smoothly.

Could you describe a regular day as a student at (University of Eastern Finland-UEF)?

Day started at 8 am, my dorm was about a 20 minute walk from the campus. I attend my lab work either of medicinal chemistry or pharmaceutical technology till 11.30 am, then lunch break starts at campus for about an hour I join my colleagues then continue to another building with the Library and study are facilities where I read, study and summarize for about 3-4 hrs. By 5 pm, I return home and join my friends in dorm for a dinner and discussing our day. By 9 pm, time to sleep to start a fresh new day.

What was the best part of your experience at (University of Eastern Finland-UEF)?

Snow winter season after the green orange leaves of Autumn.There was a huge contrast between each season .In addition, the Viking scandanavian food and finnish sweets was a real delicacy.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

Getting used to the real cold of Finland and having to wear gloves, cap and scarves almost everywhere I go out even if it was simply to buy some groceries for about 10 minutes.

What are your impressions of (KOUPIO) and (FINLAND) that you visited?

Strange musical sound of the city which turned to be a small friendly village when I arrived there. Finland, most famously for Nokia phone products which turned out to be a famous city named NOKIA in Northern Finland and of course a good rank in education.

Is there something about life in (KOUPIO) and (FINLAND) that has surprised, impressed you?

Sauna is a must in every house and of course the large number of lakes and green trees everywhere; I almost got lost one day in them.

Do you have any advice for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do student exchange at (University of Eastern Finland-UEF)?

Better to buy winter material clothes, gloves, caps from Finland with a better thermal resistance than in Egypt. Second hand shops will be very handy in furnishing a student room for winter.

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

There’s more to see abroad beyond what we are used to and comfortable with. Knowing English is not enough when you communicate with others. Living independently is the best way to know oneself and focus on strengthening improving character.

What do you think are the differences between studying at PUA and (KTH)?

The practical work in KTH is more than in PUA, the way of learning differs a lot, the student in KTH is more independent.

Did KTH staff, professors, researcher and others that you met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate?

Yes of course everything was organized and developed and I have encountered some problems and the specialist helped me quickly

Could you describe a regular day as a student at (KTH)?

I go to my Studio at 9:00 AM, there is a lunch break at 12:00 PM, interactive learning is their way of learning, so it is every exciting,

What was the best part of your experience at (KTH)?

The way they deal with me I did not feel that I am strange, Learn about a new place, new language, new people, exchange experiences and knowledge

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

To gain much experience as I could, and travel as much as possible, it’s the best chance ever to learn more.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden that you visited?

It is a very calm country, I really excited about it, it is a very organized city, and it’s very respectful for human being specially the disable people.

Is there something about life in Stockholm and Sweden that has surprised, impressed you?

I was surprised as there are many students speaking English basically everywhere, and the freedom of independence from my parents is a wonderful thing to try

Do you have any advice for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do student exchange at (name of partner university)?

Use time well to gain new and good skills and information, and make sure to spend every second in something useful.

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

Self-reliance, good planning for the future, time Management, from knowledge sharing, and good relations with my Swedish friends

Did (KTH) staff, professors, researcher and others that you met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate?

Yes they was very helpful and give us help in everything we needed.

Could you describe a regular day as a student at (KTH)?

Lectures starts at 8 o’clock every lecture is 2 hours there is a 15 min break after the first hour. from 12 to 1 o’clock there is launch break after that we complete our lectures and helping sessions.

What was the best part of your experience at (KTH)?

Dealing with different cultures and nationalities every day in the university.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

Self-reliance in daily life matters such as food preparation and laundry.

What are your impressions of (Stockholm ) and ( Sweden ) that you visited?

Stockholm gives off a very organized clean and efficient vibe. much of the city has new construction and development. Everything is clean, organized and running smoothly.

Is there something about life in (Stockholm) and (Sweden) that has surprised, impressed you?

Yes, in addition to the pleasing architecture, Stockholm is filled with nature and beauty. with compact islands filled with parks

Do you have any advice for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do student exchange at (KTH)?

They have to make sure to take advantage of every moment they stay there.

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

Self-reliance, ability to deal with different cultures and work perfection

What do you think are the differences between studying at PUA and (KTH)?

The practical work in KTH is more than in PUA, the way of learning differs a lot, the student in KTH is more independent.

Did KTH staff, professors, researcher and others that you met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate?

Yes, they are so helpful.

Could you describe a regular day as a student at KTH?

I go to my studio/lecture, have a lunch break at 12.00 it was a good time to interact with my colleges and we have a regular presentation each week that we discuss in our work.

What was the best part of your experience at KTH?

Exploring the new place and new culture. Practicing English language, exchange experiences and knowledge.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

To gain much experience as I could and to have the responsibility of everything in my life.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden that you visited?

It is an amazing country really as they say about it a walkable city. I t is a very organized city beautiful building and parks.

Is there something about life in Stockholm and Sweden that has surprised, impressed you?

Actually all the people there speaks English so it was easily to communicate with any person. Also they are very respectful.

Do you have any advice for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do student exchange at KTH?

Do your best to gain that exchange. You will not only learn in a different way no you will gain a lot of skills and experience that will change your life and point of view to anything you see.

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

Time Management
Self-indecency
Self –confident Practicing English

What do you think are the differences between studying at PUA and (KTH)? 

 KTH helps students to depend more on themselves “Self-Learning”, and owns different ways in giving lectures. Also, it is different in the way of the studio and site visit

 Did KTH staff, professors, researcher and others that you met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate?

 Yes, everything was well organized and helpful

 Could you describe a regular day as a student at (KTH)?

I go to my lecture, discuss my work with the professors, know my points of weakness and work on them. Besides that, I take a lunch break from 12pm till 1pm and then I can continue my work in the studio.  

 What was the best part of your experience at (KTH)?

Working in group work through the studio and discuss the project together. Also, the site visits there are more interesting. 

 What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

To go back gaining more experience, new language, new friends, and depending on myself.  

 What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden that you visited?

It is amazing and well-organized country with different culture. 

 Is there something about life in Stockholm and Sweden that has surprised, impressed you?

 I was surprised that there were discounts, especially in the transportation and food, everywhere for the students, helping them.

Do you have any advice for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do student exchange at (KTH)? 

Manage their time well to have some fun beside gaining more experiences. 

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level? 

Self-study plan
Self-dependent Time
Management

 What was the best part of your experience at PUA?

 I really liked student activities, it is a chance to meet other students and have fun together.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip? 

A new cultur, new people and much work.  

 What are your impressions of Alexandria and Egypt?

A very beautiful stad with its wonderful sea. A traffic that makes you do not want to out at all. Very friendly and social persons in all Egypt.  

 Is there something about life in Alexandria and Egypt that has surprised, impressed you?

 Traffic congestion is a big problem. People are very nice and easy to talk with.

 What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

  I have taken so much experience. To work and deal with people from other cultures, to live without family. I have learned so much during my exchange period.

Did KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm staff, professors, researcher and others that you met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate?

Yes, they were very helpful.

Could you describe a regular day as a student at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm?

In a regular day, I wake up at 7 am. Have breakfast. At 8 am I arrive at KTH to take my first lecture. Throughout the day it`s mostly attending class, if there is no class I`m in the library.

What was the best part of your experience at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm?

I learned to be more independent and of course getting to know new cultures, new stuff and new people.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

To gain much experience as I could.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden that you visited?

It is very beautiful country. It is clean, quiet and not so busy as you would expect from a capital. There is a very good, clean and organized public transportation.

Is there something about life in Stockholm and Sweden that has surprised, impressed you?

People in Sweden are kind and they are nice to foreigners.

Do you have any advice for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do student exchange at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm?

Use time will to gain more information.

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

Self -reliance and Time Management.

What do you think are the differences between studying at PUA and (KTH)?

In KTH the study cares about practical work than the theoretical one, even the theoretical one based on something that related to your work after being graduated and the students in KTH are more independent. That was the clear difference between PUA and KTH

Did KTH staff, professors, researcher and others that you met been helpful and easy to communicate, discuss and cooperate?

Yes of course every thing is organized and they are so helpful, they helped us a lot as much as they could, they help us in many problems that faced us despite it isn’t related to our study.

Could you describe a regular day as a student at (KTH)?

Everyday there was a lecture or laboratory so I attend, there is a break each one hour, interactive learning is their way of learning, so it is every exciting,

What was the best part of your experience at (KTH)?

Learning more about a new culture, new language, new people, exchange experiences and knowledge.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your trip?

To gain much experience as I could, it’s the best chance ever to learn more.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden that you visited?

It is a perfect country, I really excited here. It is a very organized city and not so crowded as you would expect for a capital.

Is there something about life in Stockholm and Sweden that has surprised, impressed you?

I was surprised as there are many students speaking English basically everywhere, so I have the impression that is the official language here.

Do you have any advice for colleagues at PUA that, in the future, will do student exchange at (KTH)?

Use time well to gain new and good skills and information, as it is the best chance ever to gain more and to be qualified.

What have you taken with you from this experience on a personal level?

Good planning for the future
Time Management
Benefit from knowledge sharing
Independent