September 4, 2023
El-Shaimaa T. Abumandour

As the technological revolution keeps shortening distances, saving time, transforming our  lives and the world as we used to know it, traveling will never stop altering our lives and  introducing us to amazing cultures and traditions. Traveling has many types and purposes, amongst them is traveling for international exchange programs. In my point of view,  international exchange programs are a unique and interesting experience. Exchange  experience provides an exceptional opportunity for participants not only to study, or learn  new skills but also to interact with peers, be exposed to new cultures or enhance their  interpersonal skills and social influence. International exchange programs include but are  not limited to education, language skills development, cultural activities, volunteering  activities, community development activities … etc. 

I was pleased to have the chance to participate in both international academic and cultural  exchange programs. Exchange programs had a great influence not only on my professional  and academic journey, but also on my personality, and mentality. Since my early age I was  a dedicated school student and determined to succeed. As an undergraduate student, I was  very enthusiastic and took initiative. I used to prepare projects about different topics, dream  about traveling the world, experiencing different learning styles, and learning about my  passionate topics. The dream came true all of the sudden during my undergraduates’  studies, when I joined the DAAD International Summer Program in Munich, Germany and  this was the first turning point in my life.  

Since then, I started to notice my passion for scientific research, environmental sciences,  and sustainable development topics. I started to prepare myself academically and  personally to pursue my postgraduate studies abroad. After achieving my Master’s degree  in Egypt, and thanks to God’s help and my family’s support, I was thrilled to be accepted  in the Erasmus Mundus Program to pursue my Doctoral degree specializing in Chemical  Engineering in France. This was the second turning point in my life. I discovered that each  one of us has capabilities we might not know about. These competencies can shine only  when you are deeply in need and with the help of people who put their trust and faith in  you. Professionally, I had the honor to join the International Visitor Leadership Program  (IVLP) which is a premier professional exchange program for a short-term visit to the  U.S.A. The program has indeed refined my personality and re-prioritize my goals and  objectives.  

As an exchange participant, I lived for short and long-term periods, alone and sometimes  including exchange groups from Egypt and from all over the world. I learned in different  educational systems, interacted with peers sharing the same expertise, and met great,  dedicated and motivated people, with whom I have warm and cherished memories. I was  eager to build professional relationships with counterparts and lifelong friendships with  colleagues, supervisors and peers. 

In general, the exchange experience is a great lifetime journey whether for studying or any  other activities. Leaving my comfort zone, was not an easy decision, and living in a foreign  country with completely different language, culture, and traditions came with many  challenges, gorgeous memories, and lifelong friendships. I experienced living as a local 

not as a tourist, I got totally immersed in new cultures. Of course, this gave me a holistic  view of the countries I lived in. I had the chance to experience traditional food and the  cultural life; visit museums, national parks, cinemas, and operas; taste the architectural  styles and different types of music. As an international exchange participant, I had the  chance to participate in cultural and volunteering activities, present my work and projects internationally, visit industrial facilities, public libraries, and educational organizations. I  had the chance to join prestigious universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate  studies. 

Through this journey, my personality was enhanced and I have become more flexible,  tolerant, and adaptable to any strange or uncommon situation. Gradually, I have developed  what is called a “global mindset” which could be defined as the ability of a person to  interact effectively even when dealing with people from different backgrounds, cultural  perspectives and styles. I have realized that all humans share a lot in common no matter  where they come from, trying to figure out life and carrying out fears and anxieties along  the journey. People could normally fail and start all over again, it is never too late to learn, and no one is perfect. Based on my experience, language cannot create any barriers between  people. It is enough to know language’s basic and know how to deal with facial expressions  and body language to have a great conversation. 

Finally, international exchange programs are definitely great opportunities for learning,  personal and professional development, mindset reshaping and building lifelong  friendships and networks. The quest you are pursuing through your journey is not only  achieving a degree or participating in professional training but also maturity, experience,  knowledge and wisdom you gain as an outcome of your journey. I would like to finalize  this essay with a quote from the timeless novel “The Alchemist” of bravery and adventure,  by Paulo Coelho “Every search begins with beginner’s luck and every search ends with  the victor’s being severely tested.” 

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