Jan 02, 2025

An Exchange Student's Unforgettable Journey

Fatimah Ahmad Al-Sulaiman, a Mechanical Engineering student from the College of Engineering at KFUPM, shared her experience of participating in the KFUPM exchange program. She spent one semester studying abroad at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States, where she aimed to expand her academic and cultural horizons.

The Exchange Program at KFUPM is a one-semester study abroad initiative that forms part of the university’s commitment to nurturing its students’ cultural development. One key aspect of this commitment is encouraging students to engage in global experiences that open new horizons and enrich their academic and personal lives.

“An Opportunity to Grow”

Fatimah was selected to take part in this academic exchange program to enhance her knowledge and skills in Mechanical Engineering. Reflecting on her motivation, she said:
"I wanted to explore different cultures, broaden my network, and discover new applications in my field of study."

Overcoming Challenges

Like many students abroad, Fatimah faced certain challenges adjusting to a new academic environment, particularly the shift in grading systems and study expectations. She elaborated on the main difficulties she encountered:
"One of the biggest challenges was the change in study environment and grading distribution. Unlike in KFUPM, where exams are heavily weighted, here the focus was more on assignments, which required me to adjust my study habits."

To overcome these obstacles, Fatimah sought guidance from local students and teaching assistants:
"I reached out to the professor’s assistants and consulted local students for advice on time management and the best study resources. This helped me significantly in adjusting to the academic culture."

Cultural and Academic Growth

Fatimah’s participation was also driven by her desire for cultural exposure and academic advancement:
"I was eager to enhance my cultural and academic perspectives. The experience in Wisconsin opened my eyes to various engineering practices and allowed me to learn from a diverse group of students and professionals."

Looking ahead, Fatimah is eager to continue gaining international experience and has already applied for other academic and non-academic opportunities abroad:
"I’ve already applied for other international opportunities to continue enhancing my global perspective and build on what I’ve learned during my time abroad."

KFUPM’s Support

KFUPM’s role in facilitating Fatimah’s participation was crucial. She shared her appreciation for the university’s thorough preparation process:
"Before leaving, the university organized orientation meetings to explain the program details and what to expect academically in the host university. This made the transition smoother and more manageable."

Advice for Future Participants

When asked for advice for students considering the exchange program, Fatimah had a few key recommendations:
"Seize every opportunity to meet new people and expand your network. Talk to students who have already experienced studying abroad to learn from their successes and mistakes. And most importantly, prepare thoroughly by researching the academic requirements and system of the host university."

Fatimah’s experience exemplifies the valuable impact of academic exchange programs, both in terms of academic and personal growth, and serves as a great example for future KFUPM students seeking international experiences.