Two weeks ago I had a good gathering (Dewaneya) with some fresh Kuwaiti students here in Bangor. There were like 10 Kuwaitis in the meeting and I was introduced to every one . Their ages varied; some were in their early twenties and some were thirties (but few) and there was finally some one who is older than me ; he was 43!. I think the Kuwait student union started to pay attention to Bangor because the number of Kuwaitis started to grow every year and as a result they asked for someone to volunteer as a representative for the Kuwaitis in Bangor. If you have read my topic that I wrote in late 2010 “Happy Eid” you would have seen that I already asked them for a representative, but maybe they did not read my post or maybe they aren’t aware of my blog yet and there is a Kuwaiti student who maintains it. If you type “kuwaiti students in uk” you will get my blog listed .
I took my son Ahamd with me that day to the dewaneya we both had cold so the poor fellow slept in there. We had a nice talk with the students and afterward a nice meal was introduced. From my knowledge of meeting Kuwaiti students in Bangor and sometimes hearing about others that I have not met yet ; I can tell that the most common majors (subjects they study ) classified by departments: Business school , Computer Science , Sports science , Ocean Science and college of Health. The level of education varries from bachelor to master and a PhD.
My daughter Fouz and my son Ahmad go to a school named Hills Groove. Its located in Bangor not far from my home in Anglesey, its only 10-15 minutes by car if there is a traffic in the morning. Well I went to see their Christmas play this afternoon, the funny thing is that I took my little daughter Amina with her mom with me. Amina was asleep the whole time, thanks God she did not cry up there while every one was listening. Speaking of loudness, couple of kids made a huge noise, that attracted every one’s attention. Anyway, they were two plays, one for the little once-Ahmad’s class, and the other was for Fouz-the older class.
While I was there, I missed the Gulf Cup – currently in Yemen- match between our national team Kuwait Vs. Saudi Arabia, because they were playing at the same time as the play. I was told the result and its a draw-nil.
The hot news nowadays in UK is the English (mainly) student protest against the increasing college fees and the unemployment. The students worry about not being able to pay for the high fees, and if they do –if they take loans as usual- they wont have jobs- which will make them unable to pay for their debts. From what I observe about what’s happening in USA and UK now reminds me of a book I read long time ago Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. The book mainly argues that the common advice that we are getting from our parents: “Go to college and get a job” is an obsolete advice. The author finds it very risky to accept this advice in the information age we are living in. He explains that this idea is for and works well in the industrial age. Well what can I say more , I find the reality very much confirms the book’s message. I think many of us are still dependant on pay checks and our jobs, and we don’t feel the risk and the trouble of such dependence until we lose it. People seem to look for security and interestingly when you look for security you lose it. As Kiyosaki puts it: the most secured place in earth is the prison. So if you want security you will live like a prisoner without freedom. This job-no job topic is big, and I’m going to talk about it alone in the future. My advice for myself first and you, is to try to liberate our minds as a first step toward being an information age inhabitant. We also have to watch what kind of advice we are getting and the type of people who are delivering it. Our kids in Hills Groove and the others in the universe should be taught by their parents on how to live according to their generation rules and not ours.
Happy Eid every one and Eid Mubarak. Today is a good day in Anglesey, sunny but a bit cold. I took the kids today to “The Fun Centre” in Caernarfon. They did not go to school, because I wanted them to celebrate the Eid. Its a holiday today in most Muslim countries but not in here the UK. This is my third Eid outside Kuwait (my home). I’m getting used it to it, although I miss being with my family- mom, dad and the rest. The atmosphere is fantastic up there. I spoke to mom (who is in Brighton with my sister) and I congratulated her. I also spoke to my family in Kuwait. My wife and Amina remained at home, because i think its too early for them to leave the house, for one thing its cold and my wife is still tired. Its worth to mention that the number of Kuwaiti students is increasing here at Bangor University in North Wales. Last year we were only 6 students. This year there are almost 13 students. I guess people in Kuwait started to get familiar about Bangor, as it was not known for the majority before. I also find the relationship between the Kuwaiti students warm and strong. Every one seems to care for, help and respect the other. Sometimes being far away from home makes the the students care for their own people.
I have a suggestion for the National Union of Kuwaiti Studentsofficials in London, to consider establishing a student representative for the Kuwaiti students in North Wales, as the number is increasing each year.It would be very helpful for both the students and the Union. I would like to suggest for the Kuwait Cultural Office-Kuwait to improve their web site and add more services and guides for the students. The thing that I have noticed here in UK – for example- , when a new student arrives (including myself), he/she has to find his rights/benefits from older student (that if he knows one) ! The Kuwaiti government provided services for its students, but no one knows them unless you ask or you are being told. I think it would be a better idea if they provide these information on their website or print them in hard copies.
I have most of these photos taken today. The pictures were taken in our neighborhood in Llandegfan – North Wales.I’m studying Master degree in Accounting and Finance at Bangor University- UK. In my country Kuwait , the weather is totally the opposite than here. Its warm and we do not have snow I’m enjoying my time here with my family and friends. Enjoy the pictures !
Me at night in the snow
Me at noon in the snow
Our Neighborhood
My son Ahmad
My daughter Fouz. You can see my neighbor Rob gathering some snow to fight back
I have been away from my country Kuwait since June 2009. Me and my family are staying this year and the next 3-4 years perhaps in the UK , to be specific in LLandegfan – North Wales . Its a beautiful little town at the heart of Menai Bridge in the Isle of Anglesey, great nature and friendly people. If you have read my “About” page you would notice that I mentioned my reasons for moving to UK. Yes Im doing at the moment an MSc Accounting and Finance at Bangor Business School for one year. Its a great course and It does teach you a great deal about investments and companies . So why I’m studying this major , well Its been 5 years now since I began trading and learning about the investment quarter. So i decided to improve my skills and knowledge and be a professional , I will also write about my learning experience in accounting and finance while Im studying in my blog efouz. I believe this will add value to my original topic “Entrepreneurship” some how and I hope you find it fun and informing.
” you would have seen that I already asked them for a representative, but maybe they did not read my post or maybe they aren’t aware of my blog yet and there is a Kuwaiti student who maintains it. If you type “kuwaiti students in uk” you will get my blog listed .
I’m enjoying my time here with my family and friends. Enjoy the pictures !
