My Experience in the U.S. – Ahmed Abdullah Almuhaydili from Afif, Saudi Arabia
My Experience at Southern Utah University
Name: Ahmed Abdullah Almuhaydili
Country: Afif, Saudi Arabia
Year: Fifth-year Senior, Class of 2019
School: Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah
Major: Electronics Engineering Technology (EET)
Q. Why did you choose Southern Utah University?
A. Southern Utah University had the program I was looking for and was not too expensive. The city was also close to national parks and I was drawn to outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and skiing.
Q. What was your biggest fear or worry about studying in the United States, and what did you find when you arrived?
A. I had no fear. I was more curious because I had not been outside my country before and didn’t know what I would find. I did not speak English, and thought maybe I’d get kidnapped or something, but I found the opposite: Just nice people living normal life. We don’t speak the same language or have the same culture, but it’s interesting to see how other people live. I had to get used to it of course, but I am enjoying being here.
Q. What’s the best part of studying in the United States?
A. The diversity for sure. I have met people from Germany, France, The Netherlands, Turkey, Iceland, the Ivory Coast and more. I never thought I’d meet that many different people, and be able to explore different cultures. You make great connection and are able to call them friends for lifetime.
Q. What’s the hardest part?
A. Being apart from the family. It is hard to keep in touch with them but I try to make time to call twice a week to see how things are going.
Q. What’s the coolest thing you’ve done or learned?
A. So many things, but I would say learning how to snowboard. It does not snow in Saudi, so it was something I never thought I would do. Snowboarding was fun, but it’s cold and the weather kills me.
Q. What advice would you give incoming students?
A. Don’t miss the opportunity to study abroad!
Don’t Miss…
The national parks! I have been to Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon and the scenery is amazing.
My Experience Series
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