Where are they now? Michel

Hello everyone, I am Michel Mina from Egypt, I spent three years studying an engineering bachelor degree in the University of Greenwich. Which were the best years of my life.

The first week of arrival to the UK in September 2015 was challenging for me to adapt to a different culture. But I'm thankful to Lynne and many other friends, who invited me along to TABLEtalk and the World Cafe.

These weekly meetings were not just about socialise after a busy week of lectures, they were also an awesome opportunity to meet people from different cultures and nationalities as well as a chance to talk about quite a wide range of topics. This has opened my mind and made me more understanding to diversity and international differences. TABLEtalk has also improved my personal skills, since some of the topics covered there were focusing on public speaking, team work and leadership. These are some of the skills that I used during my studies, which I don't think I would have learnt easily by myself.

We also had brilliant parties and events such as ... 

The welcome meal, introducing new students to each other.

Bonfire night, which was the first time to see fireworks

Delicious BBQ day

Dover Castle day trip

Bowling night

Christmas Eve meal

I finished my 3rd year and graduated in July 2018. Now, I am working as a mechanical engineer in a friendly supporting company, which is based in Exeter in the southwest of UK.  The company I work with is manufacturing oil and gas drilling products. I am happy there, gaining a lot of experience and progressing through my career.  Exeter is a beautiful city surrounded by nice places to visit like Cornwall and the south coast.

I would like to thanks Mohamed, Arshad, Amira and many great friends, who were more than brothers and sisters. They helped me to not feel lonely or home sick. They also advised and gave me tips on how to adapt in the UK and improve my academic and life skills.

Lynne, thank you so much for your efforts in managing these trips and events and ensuring that these weekly meetings are always taking place.