From Egypt to Canada: Why I chose to study abroad in Canada

My name is Marwa and I am a PHD candidate at Chemistry Department, University of Calgary. I born and raised in a small city in Egypt called Ismailia.

After I finished my Masters degree, I wanted to get a solid education in electrochemistry.

At that time, I had my baby and also I was married, so moving the whole family to a foreign country, it wasn’t an easy choice.

I choose Canada because I wanted a country that supports raising kids in a very friendly environment. I was targeting to join a very strong group in electrochemistry and my current supervisor is one of the big leaders in electrochemistry worldwide.

I think the main reason I have success and am still pursuing my PHD is the solid education I’m getting at University of Calgary – many resources, many chances to enhance your background, your study.

I think Canada is the best place to have a better future, career, life and education. You will also be very supported from the neighbourhood and the Canadian people. They are accepting anybody basically, whatever your background, whatever your religion, you will be accepted.

You can make friends from all over the world, like I have Canadian friends, Chinese, Iranian, Egyptian.

I would like also to be a source of an inspiration for my son, my family and all women, especially in academic environment. I’m just enjoying the journey and looking forward to graduate and have my career afterwards.

My greatest achievement since I came to Canada, I think it is confidence and being a strong woman.