Feras

My name is Feras, I’m 27 years-old and I am originally from Syria. I grew up loving to play football and helping my father with his business. Although I started work in Syria as an engineer, I am now particularly interested in renewable energy.

Life in Syria is very different from the UK: it is a war-torn country and can be very dangerous. I decided to come to Aberdeen as I did not feel safe in Syria anymore. I arrived in the country aged 25, and I started a Master’s degree in renewable energy.

As with any big move, moving to the UK was very daunting and took me a while to find a home for myself. I also struggled with the dramatic change in climate! Since being in Aberdeen, I have felt much safer and more supported. Everyone I have met has been so helpful and kind, it is very different from Syria, and I feel very lucky to be in such a safe community.

However, I did face some difficulties and was speaking to a friend about how I was worried as I didn’t have a laptop for my studies. He advised me to contact REFEO and ask for support, so I did straight away. REFEO sent me a laptop which helped me with research to complete my master’s degree.

After a short while living here I have found myself a place in the UK and feel much more at home. My next steps now will be to find a job in renewable energy. I have made several applications and have had a couple of interviews. I hope to be accepted soon!