Bachelor student Mohamed Shehata receives this year's DAAD Award for Outstanding International Students at German Universities. In addition to his studies, he has been involved, among other things, as a tutor for other international students.
For Mohamed Shehata, helping international students settle in on campus, doing voluntary work in the Islamic Community of Oldenburg and outstanding academic achievements go hand in hand. For his efforts, the student of the international Bachelor's programme Engineering Physics has now received this year's "Award for Outstanding International Students and Doctoral Candidates at German Universities" from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Prof. Dr Philipp Huke, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, as well as Jenka Schmidt and Katja Kaboth-Larsen from the International Office of the University of Oldenburg presented the award, which is endowed with 1,000 euros, at a ceremony in the University's Intercultural Meeting Place.
Shehata, who is in his 5th semester of the degree programme jointly organised by the University of Oldenburg and the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, distinguishes himself through extensive knowledge and strong commitment to his studies. He is thus one of the best in his year and also motivates his fellow students very much, according to the jury’s statement.
Social commitment
The 21-year-old is also involved in a variety of activities outside of his studies. In the Islamic Community Oldenburg e.V., he has volunteered to teach language courses and to work with children and young people. In addition, as a buddy in the International Office programme at the University of Oldenburg, he helped international students to settle into their new surroundings and assisted them with things like dealing with the authorities or finding their way around the campus. As part of the programme, he completed an intercultural training.
Being in touch and cooperating with other international students is very rewarding, Shehata holds. This applies both to his involvement in the buddy programme and to the international bachelor programme Engineering Physics. "You get to meet different cultures, different people – it has broadened my mind. And it’s beautiful to have this connection to the people", he adds.
Many positive reactions
Shehata feels grateful about the prize. When he invited people and friends to the ceremony that took place in the universities Intercultural Meeting Place, he received many positive reactions. “I got the chance to look at how many people supported me during my bachelor in different ways. It made me realise how lucky I am of having such people”, he says.
After completing his bachelor's degree, Shehata wants to continue his studies - and would like to pursue an academic career. One of the focal points of his degree programme, lasers and optics, fascinates him in particular - also because of the many possible applications, from smartphones to brain research. "At university, I met many lecturers who inspired me and showed me the beauty of this subject," he says.
