Omar about studying at Fontys Mechanical Engineering

Student stories: read the story of student Omar! He tells his experience about the study: what does he like most, how does he experience studying in the Netherlands and what does he find difficult?

Why did you choose to study Mechanical engineering?

"I already started studying Electrical Engineering back in Egypt. But I realised that I wanted to make something that I could hold in my hands. Mechanical engineering is more concerned with machines and their efficiency. It is less abstract than Electrical & Electronic Engineering because you see what you are building."

Why did you want to study in the Netherlands, specifically Eindhoven?

"I’ve lived away from home for a month before. I liked that so much that I decided to go away and study abroad for even longer. I wanted to start a new life in a new place. I spoke about the idea of studying abroad with my family and they were supportive. The nation that I thought about was the Netherlands, because Dutch is my second nationality.

What made you want to study at Fontys?

" I looked at different places in the Netherlands. In the end, I chose Fontys because it is in the Brainport region. It can take a long time before you are admitted to a foreign university. I was accepted at Fontys and it suited me perfectly. The institution is well regarded and the type of education, applied sciences, is what I am looking for. "

How do you like studying at Fontys in Eindhoven so far?

"I like it. What is great is how many practical lessons you get. They are really useful. I understand a lot of things better because the theory is well adapted in practice. What I also like are the projects and the lab facilities. The teachers give you a lot of freedom, which means that they leave it entirely up to you to figure out how to do something. This can sometimes be tiring but it also gives you the time to find out for yourself how something works and what you like to do."

In your opinion, what is the most special thing about fontys?

"The practical education. The way the practicals and theory support each other and how the whole education is tailored to prepare you for a job in the industry is great. The aim is to create a wholesome engineer not just to load you with theory."

“The teachers give you a lot of freedom, which means that they leave it entirely up to you to figure out how to do something.”

What are the biggest differences you see between your home country and the Netherlands?

"The food and the food culture is very different. In the Netherlands, eating is more instrumental. In Egypt, it is social thing. What is also different here, is how direct people are. People say what they feel and sometimes this can be very intimidating. In Egypt, people are more introverted."

How do you like your student life?

"I like it, I feel free here. I like visiting the gym at the Sportscenter at the TU/e campus and I play soccer. I have friends in different cities here in the Netherlands that I met over Instagram."

How did you prepare for your international move to the Netherlands?

"I think I was meant to move to the Netherlands. I learnt to ride a bike as a kid which is not so common for Egyptians. I visited the Netherlands a couple of times before, so I had a good impression of what it was like. When I got the confirmation that I was accepted to study at Fontys I did a Dutch language course back in Egypt. I am still learning Dutch by the way. It is a funny language."

Would you recommend Fontys to other students? Why?

"I would for sure! What my previous education missed was practical experience. At Fontys you go through all the stages until you have something in your hands. From designing at the digital table to building, testing and presenting the project! You have to make it and you are encouraged to make it again if you find out you can still improve it. If you like that, Fontys is the right place for you."

What are your plans after graduation?

"I would like to move towards the business side of Engineering. I am now thinking about doing International Business in Rotterdam. Rotterdam is a nice city. Some friends of mine live there and I like how close it is to the sea. The business school also has a good reputation."

“My tip: focus on the opportunities in front of you, not the things you miss!"

What advice would you give to future students?

"Focus on where you are now, not on where you once were. Don’t dwell in the past. Focus on the opportunities in front of you, not the things you miss. "