Why did you choose the MA International Education (Globalisation and International
Development)?

I chose the MA International Education (Globalisation and International Development) because it uniquely connects education, development, and policy. Throughout my early career, I witnessed first-hand the transformative role that education can play in expanding opportunities for young people and supporting social and economic development. These experiences motivated me to better understand the systems, policies, and global forces that shape educational access and outcomes, and to develop a stronger understanding of how education policies and development interventions are designed, implemented, and evaluated to create sustainable impact. While many universities offered programmes in international education and development, I was looking for a more tailored experience that aligned with my career aspirations in Egypt and the wider Middle East and North Africa region. I wanted a programme that would allow me to
combine the study of international education with a specialization in international development, while also providing opportunities to gain practical experience through placements, internships, research, and professional engagement. After extensive research, I found that the University of Manchester offered exactly that. The programme’s flexibility allowed me to tailor my academic journey to my interests and career goals, while the placement component enabled me to gain hands-on experience in the UK development sector. Beyond the classroom, Manchester provided a rich ecosystem of opportunities for international students, including internships, part-time work, volunteering, and engagement with organizations working in education and development. The combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and the opportunity to customize my learning experience made the programme the ideal choice. Looking back, I can confidently say that I found Manchester, and Manchester found me. The experience equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and professional foundation that continue to shape my career in education and international development today.

What are your most memorable experiences from your time at Manchester?
My time at Manchester was defined by the exceptional range of academic, professional, and personal opportunities available both within and beyond the classroom. Academically, one of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the placement opportunity, which allowed me to work with a local NGO in Bury. This practical experience strengthened my project management skills and provided firsthand exposure to the UK development and nonprofit sector. Looking back, it laid a strong foundation for the international education and development work I later undertook across Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE. Professionally, another rewarding experience was securing a part-time mentoring role in schools across Greater Manchester through the University’s Careers Service. This enabled me to apply
concepts from my studies in real educational settings while gaining valuable experience within the UK education system. Beyond academics and work, Manchester offered a vibrant and truly international student experience. I enjoyed attending football matches, exploring Greater Manchester, and embracing both the city’s rainy days with a run and its sunny days with walks in the parks. The city also gave me the opportunity to experience cultures from around the world through its diverse communities and cuisines. As a student, I appreciated the student discounts and opportunities available, which made it easy to enjoy everything the city had to offer. One particularly memorable aspect of my time there was attending major events and shows that I had previously only watched on television, such as Britain’s Got Talent when they streamed in Manchester. These experiences, combined with the University’s rich social and cultural environment, made Manchester much more than a place to study, it became a place where I grew personally, professionally, and culturally.

What have you been doing since graduation?
I currently serve as a Senior Programs Specialist at Amideast, where I work on large-scale education initiatives funded by local and international donors, including the U.S. Department of State. Alongside this role, I have worked on projects spanning Egypt, the UAE, Turkey, Syria, and the UK with organizations including UNDP, the University of Dubai, and other local and international institutions. These experiences have included supporting university partnerships, designing education initiatives, conducting policy research, and contributing to projects that promote educational access, youth development, and workforce readiness. Currently, I am preparing to pursue a PhD in Higher Education, building on the academic foundation established at Manchester and my professional experience across the education and development sectors. I aim to further specialize in the intersection of higher education, international development, and educational policy while continuing to support initiatives that create opportunities for young people across the Middle East and North Africa region.

What advice would you give future applicants?
My advice to future applicants is to take full advantage of everything Manchester has to offer, both inside and outside the classroom.
Academically, choose your area of specialization within the program carefully and think strategically about your dissertation topic. I focused my dissertation on funded educational opportunities in Egypt and their impact on graduates’ career development. This not only
enriched my academic experience but also helped shape my professional path and provided valuable insights that I continue to draw upon in my work today. Personally, don’t limit yourself to your coursework. Attend events, join societies, explore the city, build relationships with professors and classmates, and seek out internships, placements, volunteering opportunities, and part-time work. Manchester offers endless possibilities if you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and make the most of what the University and the city have to offer. My year at Manchester taught me that growth happens when you embrace opportunities, stay curious, and make the most of every experience. Some of the most valuable lessons and connections I gained came from experiences beyond the lecture hall. And remember the line from Rebecca Hurst’s bicentenary poem that inspired the University’s 200th anniversary campaign: “I’m Meant to Be Here.” Looking back on my own journey, I can confidently say that Manchester was exactly where I was meant to be.

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