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Kuwaiti students reflect on life after studying abroad

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2 months ago

August 6, 2025

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By Dalal Al-Bairami

KUWAIT: As high school graduates prepare to leave Kuwait for university, and others return after years of living abroad, it’s important to explore the unique experiences of those coming home and the lessons they carry that may guide future generations. For many, the shift from being fully independent to rejoining a family and community-centered culture can bring a sense of disconnection or identity loss.

While some students are able to reintegrate smoothly, others find the return more challenging. The freedom and autonomy they enjoyed abroad suddenly feel restricted, and routines that once felt familiar can now seem stifling. Speaking to Kuwait Times, Fatmah Boresli, a graduate of the University of Bradford in the UK, reflected on her return. “I got so used to doing everything on my own, it was hard to adapt to an environment where everyone assumes you can’t do anything by yourself, especially as a woman.”

Despite the initial struggle, Boresli explained that the skills she developed abroad helped her both personally and professionally. “I became better at time management and taking initiative … I also became better at finding solutions without relying on anyone, even though it’s not expected of you anymore.”

Between two worlds

Studying abroad isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about learning how to navigate a world in constant change. These students came back with perspectives that extended far beyond classroom lectures. “I became more open-minded,” said Bader Alqallaf, a graduate of Liverpool University. “It helps me interact with diverse people, both professionally and socially.”

Others, like Norah Alsayegh, also a Liverpool University graduate, said independence became a core part of her identity.

“I became more confident in speaking up. I learned how to take care of myself – mentally and emotionally. Those are things I carry with me every day now.”

But not all aspects of the return are smooth. Some students find themselves stuck between two versions of who they are: the person they became abroad, and the person they were before leaving. This internal tug-of-war between independence and cultural expectations can be disorienting.

“I was nervous because after living alone in the UK for so long, I knew the social dynamics and cultural atmosphere in Kuwait would feel very different,” Yahya Al-Wuhaib, a graduate of the University of the West of England, shared.

The skills he used every day abroad no longer apply in the same way at home — a change that’s both freeing and limiting. “I think other students will relate to the idea that transitioning into adulthood is scary when all we remember is being students.”

For many, the biggest fear upon returning is figuring out how to re-shape themselves to fit into what becomes the rest of their life. And yet, small comforts help ease that transition. “I missed family gatherings and good old Kuwaiti breakfasts,” Alsayegh said. “I missed the warmth of home — even the chaos of it.”

There’s a deep sense of comfort in returning to a place where you don’t have to translate the language, explain your identity, or justify your cultural background. For some, it’s the return to routine. For others, it’s the ease of simply belonging.

But returning isn’t just about falling back into old patterns. It’s about learning how to carry forward everything you learned abroad, without losing it in the process.

Yasmeen Al-Sayegh, who studied Political Science and Media in the UK, said global events shaped how she sees the world.

“I can’t remember a time when my studies weren’t affected by where I was. Having the ability to interpret world events and understanding the role of media changed my brain chemistry altogether.”

Quiet mourning

For others, like Boresli, returning came with an odd sense of duality. “When I would come back over winter or summer break, I found myself missing my apartment most of the time. I missed having a sense of privacy.” Those who returned from studying abroad shared a quiet kind of mourning for the version of themselves that lived abroad and doesn’t entirely translate back home.

Now, with their journeys abroad behind them, each student had a final piece of advice for those preparing to study overseas. “Let yourself get lost in a new city. These are the memories that stay with you,” said Norah. “Go with the flow,” added Al-Wuhaib. “These are some of the best days of your life. Don’t get so caught up in stress that you forget to enjoy it.” Yasmeen offered a grounded perspective: “Experience as much as you can, but hold on to your values. Set standards for yourself — they’ll keep you centered when things get overwhelming.”

Boresli reminded students that homesickness is natural: “It’s normal to miss home. Give yourself time. You’re stronger than you think.” And Alqallaf summed it up with a message of openness: “Be courageous. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things, and meet new people. And always respect the country and culture you’re living in.”

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Army Chief decorates 35th batch of officers with colonel rank

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October 14, 2025

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KUWAIT: Chief of the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army Lt Gen Khaled Al-Shuraian on Monday bestowed the rank of colonel on members of the 35th officers’ batch, in accordance with an Amiri Decree issued by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. In a press statement, Lt Gen Al-Shuraian conveyed the congratulations of Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah to the newly promoted officers.

He expressed hope the promotions would serve as an incentive for greater dedication and continued service to the nation. The ceremony was attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah, members of the Military Defense Council and several senior army officers. — KUNA

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Experts discuss climate impact on Kuwait’s economy

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2 hours ago

October 14, 2025

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KUWAIT: The Economic Platform, a Kuwaiti media initiative focused on financial markets and corporate performance, held a dialogue session on Monday titled “Climate Change and Economic Challenges” to bolster the country’s sustainable development efforts. The discussion centered on two key themes: the economic impacts of climate change and strategies for adaptation and loss mitigation. The session was moderated by astronomy researcher Khaled Al-Jumaan and featured meteorologist Issa Ramadan, Kuwait Economic Society Secretary General Mohammad Al-Jouan, energy and construction researcher Dr Majed Al-Rashidi, and Building Information Modeling consultant Asmaa Al-Saleh.

Panelists outlined the main drivers of sustainable development in Kuwait, highlighting the interdependence of renewable energy, environmental considerations and infrastructure. They also evaluated the current national landscape in these areas, underscoring their direct connection to the country’s economic performance. Addressing the first theme, participants exchanged perspectives on the effects of climate change on key sectors, including renewable energy production, infrastructure, urban expansion and future development trends in the region. Each expert offered an individual assessment of current conditions and recent scientific findings related to climate, energy and infrastructure and their economic implications.

The moderator in charge of the dialogue session is astronomy researcher Khaled Al-Jumaan.

Director of the Economic Platform, Muhannad Youssef, during his opening speech.- KUNA photos

A number of specialists in the fields of economics, energy and the environment attended the dialogue session entitled ‘Climate Change and Economic Challenges’.

In the second theme, focused on adaptation and minimizing losses, the speakers stressed the need for modern strategies to confront climate-related economic challenges and maintain balance between growth and environmental responsibility. They called for a forward-looking vision that includes green urban planning, emission reduction, investment in renewable energy projects and enhanced infrastructure development.

Following the session, the participating experts are expected to convene to issue comprehensive recommendations on advancing sustainable development across various sectors of the national economy. Established in 2023, Economic is a Kuwaiti platform that blends in-depth analysis with visual storytelling on major economic and financial issues in Kuwait, the Gulf, the wider Middle East and beyond. — KUNA

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Spain marks National Day, highlights strong relations with Kuwait

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3 hours ago

October 14, 2025

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KUWAIT: The Embassy of Spain in Kuwait celebrated the Spanish National Day on Sunday, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Spain to Kuwait Manuel Hernandez Gamallo emphasized the importance of the occasion, marking Spain as one of the oldest nation-states in the world, a country united by diverse languages and cultural traditions.

The ambassador emphasized the strength of the relations between Spain and Kuwait, saying “Our relations with Kuwait are deep and solid, based on cultural affinities and people-to-people relations. Those relations are flourishing more than ever.” He revealed that nearly 50,000 Kuwaiti travelers visited Spain this year, noting that recent visa facilitation measures within the Schengen area have made travel easier.

Ambassador of Spain to Kuwait Manuel Hernandez Gamallo

The audience at the ceremony.

The Ambassador highlighted significant progress in bilateral cooperation, including the Spanish Kuwaiti Joint Economic Committee held in Kuwait last May, which brought together business leaders and officials from sectors aligned with Kuwait’s Vision 2035. Notably, several agreements are currently in progress to further strengthen trade and investment ties. On the academic level, the Ambassador highlighted Kuwait’s recognition of degrees from 45 Spanish universities, with several institutions including Madrid, Navarra and Barcelona granted “excellence” status in select disciplines, expressing hope to see more Kuwaiti students studying in Spain in the coming years.

He also announced the upcoming direct air connection between Kuwait and Madrid, adding to the existing routes to Barcelona and seasonal flights to Malaga, which will further boost tourism and connectivity. The Spanish Ambassador reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to dialogue among civilizations, the rule of international law, and the defense of human rights, underlining Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine and its ongoing efforts to promote a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, commending Kuwait’s steadfast humanitarian role and its contribution to regional stability.

He added “Spain salutes the State of Kuwait as a staunch defender of international law, a factor of stability, and a first-rate contributor to humanitarian causes in the world,” extending congratulations to Kuwait for successfully hosting the GCC–EU Ministerial Meeting held recently in Kuwait. The Ambassador also recognized the 450 Spaniards currently residing in Kuwait, many of whom are professionals working in fields such as education, business, health, sports, energy, and infrastructure. The Ambassador concluded by extending greetings on behalf of King Felipe VI and the Government of Spain, wishing continued progress and prosperity to the State of Kuwait and its people.