Egyptian and Tunisian student experience sharing meetings highlights

The MOBILISE Project held two significant Student Experience Sharing Meetings, bringing together students, faculty, and project coordinators in Egypt and Tunisia. These events, held on October 29 at Kafr El sheikh University in Egypt and November 7 at ISACM in Tunisia, provided a platform for returning trainees to reflect on their experiences in the Netherlands and offer insights for future participants.

In Egypt, the event at Kafrelsheikh University welcomed members of the MOBILISE Team, including Stefano Locatelli, Hala Omar, and Dr. Sherif from the MSM Country Coordination Team, alongside key faculty members such as Dr. Ali Elshereif and Prof. Farouk Elaidy.  

Around 70 to 80 students, primarily third and fourth-year students considering mobility opportunities, engaged in discussions with returning trainees. These alumni shared valuable lessons about adapting to an international work environment, developing technical and critical thinking skills, and overcoming cultural and logistical challenges such as long commutes and differences in workplace expectations. 

Recommendations from the session emphasized the need for enhanced pre-departure training conducted entirely in English, improved housing arrangements, and the introduction of a Rules and Regulations document in both English and Arabic. A key initiative discussed was the career and entrepreneurship support program, including a bootcamp scheduled for December 2024, aimed at helping returning students develop business ideas and professional pathways. 

Similarly, in Tunisia, the Student Experience Sharing Event at ISACM in Chott-Meriem gathered over 50 students, educational staff, and stakeholders to discuss mobility program outcomes. Former trainees highlighted the importance of hard work, English proficiency, and thorough preparation.