Debrecen is one of the most dynamically-developing university towns. The number of international students studying here is increasing from year to year, at the beginning of each semester numerous students and teachers leave their home country and start a new chapter in their lives at a place yet unknown to them. Our university is enriched not only by the knowledge coming from all parts of the world but also through the diversity of cultures and personalities. Therefore it is truly worth listening to the stories of people like Almusawi Husam Abdulkareem from Iraq, who is teaching at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Debrecen. Husam arrived six years ago to fulfil his dream of researching technologies that may change the life of people. He graduated as the best of his group in the mechatronics engineering Master’s program, while at present he is a doctoral student also sharing his knowledge with students. He is a cheerful person blessed with rare talent who deeply believes that we are here in this world for a reason and we may reach anything we want if we teach ourselves self-discipline and devotion.
Why do you consider cultural diversity to be valuable?
The diversity of cultures, ethnicities and nationalities represents a key value for any country, workplace or university. Once we get closer to understanding other cultures, we also take a step towards the better understanding of the world around us and that may help us fight negative stereotypes and the discrimination of various groups. Cultural exchange leads to inspiration, creativity, acceptance, trust, respect, and understanding. It builds bridges and enriches our lives. Debrecen has a beautiful and developing multicultural community. Both students and teachers come here from all over the world, which greatly benefits the city.
What do you think makes the University of Debrecen attractive for international students?
The admissions procedure is not overcomplicated and administration is also relatively simple. Many students now see the potential of studying abroad in terms of their career as well as personality development. Of course, it is also an adventure while many are encouraged by their parents as studying in their home country would be much more expensive and such costs cannot be afforded by every family. Fortunately, scholarships and the foreign-language programs offered here help us get closer to achieving our goals.
What is your experience with the Hungarian educational system?
Overall, the Hungarian educational system is well organized. Students can acquire personal knowledge and improve their skills in modern and well-equipped labs where state-of-the-art technologies are available to them. At the same time, the University of Debrecen has very good relations with different industries that further support and strengthen the focus of education on recent technologies while also helping students’ employment.
What is your general impression of Hungarian people?
There are many similarities between Iraq and Hungary. We have been through a lot in our history and we always had to fight for our freedom. Hungarians also value the family, they work hard, are practical, logical, and express their emotions honestly. I especially like the fact that they celebrate not only their birth but also their namedays.
When did you decide to come to Hungary?
I completed my Bachelor’s in Engineering in Iraq and then I worked as a manager in my father’s business for two years but I already knew then that teaching was my real passion and thus I also needed to complete a master’s program. Browsing on the web, I found the call of a Hungarian scholarship program. Before this time the only thing I knew about Hungary was that it had a rich and long history, while it is also a very beautiful country with many parts beyond its borders. Yet, I decided to apply and continue my studies here. The Faculty of Engineering launched its new program for international students thus I could start the master’s program as a pioneer, as one of the first students. Later, during my Ph.D. studies I became a research assistant and teacher.
What was the beginning like as a first-year university student?
I will always remember the first day. I saw people hugging and kissing all the way from the train station to the hostel. I was totally amazed. I thought to myself that Hungarians were so nice and romantic people. It was only days later that I realized that it was February 14, Valentine’s Day. Six years have passed since then.
Of course, the beginning was not without problems. It is never easy to start anything from scratch but if you are disciplined and you believe in yourself it helps a lot. At the same time, people were also nice, understanding, and helpful, which was also great for me. I have always loved to live here. Debrecen is clean and quiet, which really helps people focus on work, while it is also a family-friendly place. There are also opportunities for parties although I preferred evenings spent with friends with long discussions even when I was a university student.
Do you consider it as an advantage or a disadvantage that you need to succeed in another country?
It is mostly an advantage. I need to stay motivated and focus on my goals. I cannot forget that this is why I have left my family and Iraq behind. The majority of colleagues are very supportive at the university as well, which makes things much easier for me. When living far from your home, however, you need to become independent and you have to make each decision on your own, also taking the responsibility for them. This in turn makes you wiser and stronger.
You have a truly exciting area of interest. How did you find your research area?
I do research on and develop mechatronic systems and I also study robotics in medical technology, energy saving as well as the Industry 4.0 vision. At present these are the fastest-developing technologies that differentiate between developed and developing countries. This was in the focus already when I applied to the scholarship program and this is why I could get in. One of my areas of research involves the rehabilitation of stroke patients through the development of technical devices. This includes, among others, a robotic arm that can enable patients to move their limbs again. Sometimes we also visit hospitals when it is really difficult to see what these patients really need to go through. It is very important for me to help others and to make the world a better place as this is what I live for.
Probably it also influenced my career choice that my mother also had a similar disease well before I was born and she also had difficulties moving. They probably told me about it when I was young and although I did not remember it, it has always been with me subconsciously. Whenever I stood on stage at a conference I kept thinking of my mother. It was revealed only later why there is a connection between her and my research.
What does success mean for you?
Success is when you discover the goal of your life. Success is when you are able to discipline and cleanse yourself. Success is also when you can achieve your goals and realize your plans. It is also a form of success when you are in the best physical and mental condition and you can make people who are important for you proud and happy. In short, success is when you are the best version of yourself.
If you had to choose, would you rather teach or do research?
I definitely need both. I want to keep learning and improving but I also want to pass this knowledge on to others. Maybe I will not be the one who achieves a scientific breakthrough but if with my studies and knowledge I can help just one person closer to it, then I have achieved the goal of my life.
You are not only talented in scholarly life but you also have special skills in drawing. Your works are amazingly realistic and touching. How long have you been drawing? Is this only a hobby or do you have more serious plans as well? How would you describe your art?
I was around 19 when I drew a portrait of a friend. This was probably my first attempt and it was surprisingly good, so I kept trying. When I draw I just listen to music and from that point on I see no people but lines and forms. Some have already discovered my art and even offered money for my works but after giving it some thought I decided that it would only take my attention away from concentrating on my dreams in my original work, thus it will remain a hobby. I had an exhibition at the Engineering Library of the University of Debrecen National and University Library in the spring of 2017 titled the “Power of Pencil” where I could also present my pictures made using the negative technique. I work with pencil and coal, I mostly draw poor people and especially children because they are the ones whose voice is hardest to hear in our world.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
This is unpredictable. Now I love being here. I am enjoying my work and I also married my wife two years ago who also lives here. Of course, I miss my family and friends and I hope to grow old in Iraq, however, I have managed to build a good life of my own here as well. One thing is certain, the most important factor in making this decision will be what the best option is for my family.
Do you think people can achieve their goals anywhere?
I believe that anyone can achieve what they dream about, however, without clear plans, self-discipline, and taking serious steps dreams only remain dreams. When you decide to go somewhere else and leave the place where you have lived, you will not be the same person anymore. A piece of you longs for home and another piece wants to leave, but I think this is human nature. Routine and the lack of changes take away from the meaning of our lives.
Renáta Seprényi