Scholarships: A Journey That Shapes the Individual
Kuwaiti officials attach great importance to education and the development of Kuwaiti human capital, striving to provide the best means for building national competencies capable of contributing to the nation’s renaissance and progress. In addition to providing educational opportunities within the country, the state is keen on sending outstanding students to the world’s most prestigious universities, with the aim of preparing qualified national cadres, meeting the labor market’s needs for specialized and rare disciplines, alleviating pressure on local higher education institutions, and equipping students with scientific, leadership, and linguistic skills, as well as fostering international relationships and partnerships that enhance Kuwait’s standing in global academic circles.
The history of sending Kuwaiti students abroad dates back to 1924, when the first educational mission, consisting of seven students, was sent to study at Al-Azamiya College in Baghdad. The study abroad movement then expanded to include several universities in Arab countries, such as Egypt and Lebanon, before later extending to the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
With the growing number of students sent abroad and the diversification of countries and disciplines, the need arose to organize and supervise educational affairs. Consequently, the Department of Knowledge was established in 1936, followed by the establishment of the Ministry of Higher Education in 1988 to oversee external scholarship plans in alignment with the state’s developmental needs and labor market requirements, through an annual plan for external scholarships determined according to clear bases and criteria.
The Ministry of Higher Education is also keen on monitoring students sent abroad, ensuring they derive maximum benefit from their academic missions, and providing necessary support to contribute to their success and help them overcome any challenges they may face during their studies overseas.
Driven by the belief in the importance of supporting the educational journey and serving students on scholarship, the idea of authoring the book “Studying Abroad” emerged, to serve as a practical guide and reference for students, helping them navigate the challenges of living and studying outside their homeland with confidence and peace of mind.
This book presents a summary of my experiences and insights gained from studying and living in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It introduces readers to the systems, laws, customs, traditions, and social fabric of these societies, as well as the best ways to adapt to and integrate into the new environment, thereby helping students handle various situations with awareness and flexibility.
The book also includes practical, organizational, psychological, and social guidance to help students adapt to their new lives, avoid problems and obstacles that could affect their academic future or jeopardize their scholarships, enabling them to complete their studies in a stable and safe environment and focus on achieving their academic goals.
This book aims to help students achieve a balance between preserving their values and national identity and opening up to other cultures, while acquiring experiences and skills that enrich their personalities and prepare them for academic and professional success.
Studying abroad is not merely a transition to another university or country; it is a comprehensive academic journey that requires reliance on God, diligence, perseverance, patience, and representing Kuwait well overseas. The student becomes an ambassador for their homeland through their knowledge, ethics, and achievements, returning to contribute the knowledge and expertise they have acquired to the service and advancement of their country.
