Our testimonials: Shorouk

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Our testimonials: Shorouk

 

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Meet Shorouk from Egypt

Student of Energy Engineering

 

"What made my time at UNIPD really special was the mix of cultures, the great friendships that I made, and being part of a city that embraced learning in every corner. It's something I'll always cherish and remember" 

 

Meet Shorouk

About myself 

My name is Shorouk Shalaby. I am from Egypt. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt in 2018 and started working shortly after as an electrical engineer. Then, after 3 years of work experience I decided to go back to university for my master’s degree. Currently, I’m a second-year student in the Energy Engineering Master’s degree programme at UNIPD. Although my first year wasn’t easy, moving to a new country, a new education system, and also the transition from electrical studies to energy studies was challenging for me as I needed a lot of self-study to increase my foundational knowledge, but I think it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made because UNIPD not only offers excellent studying experience but also great support for international students. There are many offices to help us in every step (e.g., International Desk, International Admission…) and UNIPD also provides many scholarships for international students


   
    What did you like the most about the Energy Engineering degree programme? Why would you recommend it to other students?    

The Energy Engineering degree programme offers students a great opportunity to acquire in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge on energy, thermo-fluid dynamics, heat transfer, energy production systems, electrical systems for energy, energy economics, industrial measures and instrumentation, renewable energy. Also, in-depth studies on combined heat and power and nuclear (fusion and fission) plants; civilian and industrial applications, with lessons that specifically address energy in buildings and heating and cooling systems.
The course has the EUR-ACE ® (European Accredited Engineer) Label.
What I like the most is that the degree programme widens my knowledge, it goes beyond a singular focus on electrical or mechanical aspects, providing a comprehensive knowledge of energy systems. This comprehensive understanding prepares students to address multifaceted challenges in the energy sector, from designing efficient systems to evaluating environmental impacts and implementing sustainable solutions.
Moreover, graduates from the Energy Engineering degree programme are equipped to take on various roles in the industry, ranging from designing energy-efficient systems to managing energy resources effectively.
Furthermore, the teaching methodology includes labs and projects and the use of a great variety of software, according to the course. Professors are highly approachable and responsive, readily assisting students with their questions and uncertainties. They also organize technical visits that are relevant to our coursework and this is immensely beneficial. These visits really bridge the gap between our studies and the real-world industry, offering first-hand exposure to the practical application of what we learn in class. It's a fantastic opportunity to see how theoretical concepts translate into tangible industry practices, providing valuable insights and enhancing our understanding of the subject.
The programme is well organised and does support international students, as do other events organized by the international desk and tutoring activities. And, remember, you can be a tutor yourself!

   
    What did you like most about your time at UNIPD?    

During my time at UNIPD, what I liked most was how full of life Padua is because of all the students. They were everywhere – in cafes, on the streets, and riding bicycles. What made it really cool was that the university buildings were spread across the city, which was totally new for me!
What I found most interesting was meeting people from all sorts of backgrounds, not just from Europe. I got to make friends from different countries, and that was awesome! Having friends from all over the world was a big deal because it meant learning about their cultures and traditions. Every friendship was like a window into a whole new world.
These friendships weren't just about studying; they were a way to understand how differently people live and think. We’d talk about everything – not just our classes but also about life in general, what was happening in different parts of the world, and what was important to each of us.
Making friends from different countries at UNIPD was like getting a free lesson in different cultures. It opened my mind to new ideas and made me appreciate how diverse our world is. It wasn’t just about studying; it was about learning from each other’s experiences and stories.
Overall, what made my time at UNIPD really special was the mix of cultures, the great friendships that I made, and being part of a city that embraced learning in every corner. It’s something I’ll always cherish and remember.

   
    What advice would you give to students wishing to study abroad?    

Making that step is like opening a door to a whole new world of adventure! Sure, it might feel a bit daunting initially, and there might be moments where things don't quite click, but trust me, it gets better. Once you start settling in, it's like embarking on your very own journey of discovery and learning.
And hey, Italy's a gem of an opportunity! You get to combine your studies with exploring a country that's absolutely stunning. The blend of studying and discovering Italy is something you won't regret. There's so much to explore beyond classrooms - the culture, the history, the food - it's all waiting for you to dive in and experience.
So, don't let those initial jitters hold you back. Embrace the adventure, because studying in Italy is a chance of a lifetime! You'll be amazed at how much you'll grow and learn along the way.

   
    What funny things have you experienced since being here? (this can include experiences outside the city e.g. travel to the rest of the Italy)    

I remember having lots of fun especially in my first year as a UNIPD student. But the funniest thing I can remember is that my first day at the university I took the wrong bus and I got completely lost in Padova!

   
    What do you like most about the City of Vicenza and why?  How do you spend your spare time there?    

Ever since I arrived in Italy, I've been living in Vicenza, a lovely city that’s close to Padova, just 16 minutes by train. Vicenza is a charming city, it’s famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and artistic heritage. It's often referred to as the "City of Palladio" due to the influential architect Andrea Palladio, whose work adorns the cityscape. The architecture in Vicenza is a major draw. Palladio's masterpieces, like the Basilica Palladiana and the Teatro Olimpico. Moreover, There are always events happening, like art shows and music festivals.
The city has a mix of old and new. You'll find bustling markets, cozy cafes, and pretty squares where people hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. One of the main spots, Piazza dei Signori, is always buzzing with locals and tourists having a good time.
Around Vicenza, there are hills with amazing views. If you're into nature, you'll love it! And the best part is, Vicenza is close to other cool cities like Venice and Verona, so it's a great place to start exploring Italy and that’s exactly what I do in my spare time here.
Basically, Vicenza has a bit of everything - history, fun events, pretty views, and it's a great base to see more of Italy. It's like a little taste of everything that makes Italy awesome!

   
    What are some things people might not know about studying in Italy?    

In Padua, the grading system is based on a scale of 30, which might be new for many international students. What's interesting here is flexibility. If you're not satisfied with your grade, you have the opportunity to retake the exam until you achieve a mark that you find acceptable. This flexibility helps students aim for the grade they want without feeling stuck with an undesired result.
Moreover, the scheduling of exams is quite different. Instead of a fixed exam schedule, Padua offers more flexibility. There are usually around five exam sessions for each course, allowing students to create their own exam schedule that fits their needs. This was a new experience to me as in my country, I had a fixed exam schedule which put a lot of pressure on students.
Furthermore, There are a lot of internship opportunities that you can get via Careers/UNIPD website, or via professors. There are also events that the university organize for students to meet the labour market, which is very helpful as you can talk with the representatives of each company and ask for internships/job opportunities.
So prepare your CV and be ready for the “Career day”!


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