Dawn Education Expo

31/07/2026

My stomach flipped itself upside down as the plane descended. Somewhere between the clouds and the runway, it finally sank in. I was about to step into a country where home was thousands of miles away.

Istanbul welcomed me with the call to prayer echoing through its streets, ferries crossing the Bosphorus, and a culture that was both unfamiliar and beautiful. As a Global Exchange student, every day brought a new lesson, whether in the classroom or while wandering through the city’s historic streets.

Studying abroad taught me more than academics. It taught me resilience, independence, and the joy of embracing different cultures. I returned home not only with unforgettable memories but also with a broader perspective of the world.

I am sincerely grateful to Istanbul Gelisim University for hosting me and to Greenwich University for making this life-changing opportunity possible.

- Imama Azeem

24/07/2026

Just three months after completing my bachelor’s degree, I was on a flight to Belgium to begin a new chapter.

Life here has been full of learning. Like most international students, the first few weeks weren’t easy. Everything—from the culture to the education system—was different, and it took time to adjust. But looking back, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Studying at one of Belgium’s top universities and among the world’s leading universities has been an incredible opportunity that I’m truly grateful for.

One thing I’ve especially enjoyed about Europe is how easy it is to travel. Since I love exploring new places, I’ve tried to make the most of every opportunity. I’ve also had the chance to participate in two Erasmus+ youth exchanges and training courses, where I met amazing people, learned from different cultures, and created memories that I’ll always carry with me.

As I prepare for my second mobility and move to Germany, I’m excited for what lies ahead. There is still so much to learn, both academically and personally, and I’m looking forward to making the most of this journey.

-Abdul Musawir Kandhir

23/07/2026

Three years ago, I left Pakistan to pursue my master’s degree in Istanbul, Türkiye. Getting there was not easy. I had to fight for my dream, even against my mother who kept standing with the expectations of our family and society. As the first girl in my family to move abroad alone, every step came with questions, fears, and resistance.

There were moments when I felt selfish. My parents were growing older without me, my siblings were celebrating milestones I couldn’t attend, and hearing, “We miss you. It doesn’t feel the same going out without you,” always stayed with me. Even on my days off, sitting quietly in my dorm room, I would wonder, Is this really what I left home for?

But those years shaped me in ways comfort never could. I earned my master’s degree, completed an Erasmus+ internship in Romania, traveled across 12 countries, and discovered resilience, independence, and a broader perspective on the world. Sometimes the hardest journeys ask the greatest sacrifices but they also become the experiences that define who we are.

-Nishwa Tassavar

23/07/2026

I went from Karachi’s heatwaves to studying medicine at Qiqihar Medical University in China, where winters sink to minus 30 & some days are colder than Antarctica. Adjusting to a 70 degree temperature while earning a medical degree in a new language taught me that students from here can adapt to anything the world puts in front of them. What changed my mind was how ordinary life stayed. Every building has proper heating, & so does every bus & taxi, so the cold stays outside the door & the rest of your day just goes on as normal. It’s also interesting to see how Halal food had made home in even the most remote corners of the world.

Around December people starts carving whole buildings and statues out of ice blocks, & they stand there until March because it never warms up enough to melt them. I walked through one of those in my first winter & thought my mother would never believe this.

The campus life was honestly something out of a Disney movie, You’d see an entire village of snowmen propped up when it snowed, college kids making snow angels at every corner. Soft music played through speakers across campus.

-Walied Ali

22/07/2026

Home beyond Horizon
By: Zuha Binte Aamir In 2023, applying for the Erasmus+ program at Greenwich University was a leap of faith that changed my life. I found a home away from home, though returning home to Pakistan proved to be the hardest part as pieces of me still remained in Austria.
While studying at IMC Krems in Austria, due to the efficient traveling opportunities in Europe. I took the opportunity to “backpack across Europe”. Spending an unexpected night outside a closed airport to living with a welcoming Pakistani family in Vienna, I learned that home is feeling.
Academically, maintaining my scholarship demanded excellence, while interactive discussions expanded my worldview.
Ultimately, independent travel was deeply transformative. I want to use my learnings and provide current incredible students to move forward with their dreams of studying abroad. Especially our young women, I urge Pakistan to focus on providing such opportunities to us youngsters. As knowing your worth is one of the biggest asset.

20/07/2026

Calling all international students and alumni!

If you went abroad for university, we want to spotlight your unique journey to inspire the next generation of students.

DM us your story and include your academic highlights and favourite memories! Don’t forget to include a picture of yourself or a favourite photo from your time on campus so we can feature you on our socials.

We can’t wait to hear your story! ✈️🎓

24/01/2026

On this International Day of Education, we recognise the power of youth in co-creating learning that addresses inequality, drives innovation, and meets the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

Because when young minds help shape the future, the impact is limitless. 💡🌱

25/11/2025