Nov 21, 2024
KFUPM Explorers Embark on a Global Journey
As part of the International Student Visits Program, seven groups comprising a total of 48 students from KFUPM Explorers traveled around the world from November 8 to 16, 2024. Each group visited a different country, with destinations including Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, China, and Austria. This exciting initiative allows students to immerse themselves in new cultures while exploring renowned industries and academic institutions.
What makes this journey truly unique is the fully student-led approach. While in the past the university played a central role in planning such events, today, the process is entirely managed by the students. They propose destinations and justify their choices, secure visits with organizations and institutions, and even handle the budgeting and logistics themselves. With the university’s resources and mentorship providing guidance, KFUPM explorers take full ownership of these transformative experiences. The following showcase the remarkable activities of each group during their global journey:
In Switzerland, a group of student explorers toured the World Trade Organization, the Saudi Embassy in Bern, the Saudi Consulate in Geneva, and the University of Zurich, plus explored the FIFA Museum and more.
In Italy, the students visited the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau and the University of Italy, where they engaged in enriching discussions. They also toured the Saudi Embassy and met with the Saudi Ambassador to Italy. Additionally, they visited the Saudi Aramco booth at Technip Energies, a company specializing in consulting.
In Austria, a female student delegation, including three faculty members and 20 students, visited landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, the University of Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, and the Austrian National Library while exploring Austria’s rich history. They also toured institutions like OPEC, the UN office, Verbund, and OMV refinery.
In the United Kingdom, the students visited the Saudi Embassy and the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau in London, enhancing their understanding of Saudi representation abroad. They toured the University of Edinburgh, Madame Tussauds Museum, and iconic landmarks like the London Eye and London Bridge, exploring the rich culture and history of the city.
In Poland, the students visited AGH University of Science and Technology, exploring aerospace, chemical engineering, AI-powered robotics, and Jagiellonian University. They also toured the Saudi Embassy and explored the old towns of Warsaw, Kraków, and Zakopane, experiencing Poland’s culture and history.
In Germany, the students visited the Saudi Embassy in Berlin, toured the BMW factory in Munich, and explored Berlin's Museum Island, home to five iconic museums. They also visited the Mercedes-Benz Museum, delving into Germany's rich cultural and automotive history.
In China, the group visited Huawei, Sinopec, South China University of Technology, and the King Abdulaziz Library at Peking University. They also explored iconic sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Canton Tower, and Guangdong Museum, blending academic visits with cultural experiences.
This initiative reflects KFUPM's commitment to fostering key personality traits essential for student development: high ambition, self-reliance, international experience, teamwork across disciplines, participation in scientific research, and entrepreneurial skills. At KFUPM, students take the lead in building these traits and consistently exceed expectations.