Ezzat has arrived

Ezzat, have you always wanted to study what you’re studying in Zittau?
In Aleppo, I studied chemistry for about four semesters—and then the war made it impossible to continue. In Germany, I first had to learn the language, which wasn’t easy at first.

How did you end up in Zittau?
My German teacher—a retired teacher—had visited me at the reception center in Löbau. She encouraged me to continue my studies—after all, I could have just gone to work. She gave me the phone number for the International Office in nearby Zittau. That was the beginning! Then I was admitted to the chemistry program in Zittau. But I was also told that the program would soon be discontinued and that“Molecular Biotechnology”might be a good fit for me as well. Here, students are trained for careers in molecular genetics, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, bioanalytics, toxicology, microbiology, and bioprocess engineering. That is good for chemistry, and you have excellent career prospects later on, both in science and in business.

When in your life did you realize which direction you wanted to take?
I dreamed of becoming a scientist even as a child. In Syria, your high school diploma determines what you can study. I could have studied economics, chemistry, or Mechanical Engineering. My parents knew quite well that chemistry was the right fit for me. In Syria, I probably would have gone into the pharmaceutical industry after college.

What’s it like for you here?
I’ve been living here for over four years now and feel very at home. It’s also getting better with the language. Plus, I’m relatively close to my parents and my brother in Denmark. I love the great atmosphere at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. The program is really my thing, and most people are super nice. You can ask the professors anything. There’s also a genuine interest in Syria and life there. I didn’t experience that kind of personal connection with teachers in Syria. I also really enjoy interacting with other students. Engineers, for example, ask me how the immune system works or how PCR tests for COVID-19 work.

And the city?
Perfect for students! There’s plenty to do in your free time, great sports facilities, Lake Olbersdorf is right around the corner, and there’s always something fun to do. And the people are just nice.

How do you find the right degree programme?
The most important thing: Do what really interests you, what you’re passionate about. Also consider what you can do with it later on. The better your education, the better and more fulfilling your life will be!

The interview was conducted by Björn Sievers for the initiative “Pack Dein Studium. Am Besten in Sachsen.”