What are the main differences between studying in Saudi and in the UK?

From my point of view, there are several differences between studying in Saudi Arabia and the UK.

Firstly, the different culture and facilities available in universities. There are facilities and amenities in British universities that are not currently available in our dear Kingdom. This gives Saudi students the opportunity to upskill themselves and bring this up-to-date technology to Saudi Arabia.

Secondly, you get to mix with fellow students from different nationalities and cultures from around the world when studying in the UK. Since there are many international students in Britain, this allows you to learn about other cultures and their way of thinking, enabling you to deal and communicate effectively with several nationalities.

Finally, it allows you to learn about the culture and way of thinking of the locals, the country itself and its system. Letting you adopt a different way of life and benefitting from it when returning to the homeland.

What was it like moving to Glasgow and Scotland?

Going to Glasgow was a big move for me. It’s a city very different from my culture and is far away from my family and friends. When I first arrived, I definitely experienced a culture shock.

However, several factors helped me to settle in. For example, the University is in the middle of the city centre, so all major services are easily accessible. I also made new friends which really helped with my initial feeling of alienation. I found Arab shops and grocers, and there is a large well established Islamic community in Glasgow. I was able to meet all my needs, which relived the feeling of isolation and helped me adjust to my new life.

Why did you choose Strathclyde for your PhD?

Glasgow, and specifically the University of Strathclyde, I find to be one of the best universities for Marine Engineering in the world, and the department is full of highly qualified experts in the field. Glasgow is a beautiful city, especially its charm and good-natured locals.

How are you funding your PhD? How did you go about that process?

There are scholarships that are fully funded by our government and are available to all Saudis. Among these programmes are scholarships for public university employees like me. That is how I’m funding my studies as I’m a member of staff at King Abdulaziz University. Our universities send their staff members to study and develop their expertise in their fields, to allow them to return and teach at a higher level at the university. There is also the national scholarship programme of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, which contains four tracks. As well as many other speciality related scholarships available, such as for medical studies and merit-based qualifications. We’re very fortunate that our country heavily invests in the education of its people. Saudis studying abroad do so with the idea of transferring their expertise and skills to their homeland.

Tell us about the nature of your research?

My research is based on developing the skills of marine officers on merchant ships through marine simulators. I’m currently working on researching reports of previous marine accidents and investigating previous errors that occurred from the person responsible for driving the ship. In addition, I’m working on developing a training program in simulators so that we increase the efficiency of the marine officer. By developing their navigational skills through training in simulators and assessing their performance by using a device that works using signals. I’m also using glasses which are able to record the person's vision and voice while driving.

What do you like about your research area?

There are many points that I appreciate about my research. My research field is not yet established in Saudi Arabia as it is here. This makes me one of the first in the field of maritime training and motivates me to research and make significant developments in the industry. Also, Strathclyde provides me with all the technology I need for my research. This supports my research and strengthens my work with the experts in the University.

What’s the Strathclyde research community like?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has begun to focus largely on the maritime industry. As I mentioned, there are few Saudi marine experts. One of the most important elements is maritime training and marine simulators which are critical to overall training. Hopefully, I’ll be a specialist in this field. At the University of Strathclyde there are highly qualified industry experts. I would like to transfer my experiences to my homeland and aim to develop this field for us to become one of the strongest countries in maritime training.

How would your PhD support your endeavours when you return to Saudi?

There is a large research community at the University of Strathclyde. During a students’ years of research, the University provides supplementary courses to increase the research skills of the student. Each student must complete 60 hours of these courses to graduate from the doctoral stage. Research students often meet with one another to discuss their experiences and share knowledge. There are several groups who facilitate activities to help researchers in their work and the University holds research conferences which enable students to present their work and benefit from learning from one another.

What are the Strathclyde facilities like?

The University has great facilities which all students can access. There is a multi-sports centre with state-of-the-art equipment and a wide range of sports available at a reasonable price. There is also a library that provides all the academic resources needed for study. There is the Union, where groups of students can form societies that centre around a shared interest. There are many classrooms with free study spaces. There is also a team that focuses on providing students with mental health wellbeing support. The University recognises that many students face academic pressures and for international students, they can suffer from isolation being so far from their family and friends. Finally, there are additional services available to students who want extra academic support. All of these services really demonstrate how invested the University is in its students.

Tell us about the support from your supervisor and the wider Strathclyde team?

The academic supervisor has the biggest influence on your research, so you must establish a good relationship with them.

My academic supervisor is a distinguished researcher in the field of human errors in the marine industry. Despite being busy with his own work, he is helpful. When I ask to meet him, he makes time for me and when there is an opportunity to increase my skills or work relationships, he encourages me to do so. Also, the supporting academic staff are a great asset. I find they always try to help when I need support in my research.

What's the best thing about Strathclyde?

For me, University of Strathclyde’s location in the city of Glasgow is one of the best aspects. There is easy access to all important amenities, like groceries and general shops. All these places are close to the University and there are also the services and facilities available in the University. This motivates me to spend more time on campus and, in turn, to study. I also really enjoy the fact that the sports centre is in the heart of the campus. It lets me work out and then return to my office easily.