How did you find APGES?
You want to answer?
Through our cousins. They came to Portugal to do Erasmus and then helped with the application.
When did you come?
In 2018, in May.
Just the two of you alone or did more students come?
Yes, almost 50, more or less. And we also have our brother here.
So the three of you came. How did you find APGES? Did it help you in any way?
Yes, of course. It was an opportunity for us to be able to graduate and then also work. They helped in the acquisition of material and in everything that was necessary. to complete the course.
How did you choose the course? Did you already have an idea? How did you choose the institution?
We didn’t choose it. It was the platform. Initially Amirah was accepted at the Portuguese Catholic University and then there was my candidacy, and they chose to accept both.
Did you find much difference between the place where you came from and Portugal, and Viseu in particular?
Of course. On several levels. Yes. The language, first, culturally.
But you speak good Portuguese. Did you have a Portuguese course?
Yes, in Lisbon, the platform offered three months. And then, when we came here, we had Portuguese classes at the university, with professor Filomena Capucho. She also helped in this path, in the activity of language, integration...
Did you already come with a university study or did you come and join the university here?
We had already started there. We had started in Syria, in dentistry, both of us, and the platform helped us. At first it was the idea of taking a course in medicine or dentistry, but we liked to do dentistry and it was possible.
Did you find the course good? Was the integration easy?
It wasn’t easy. The course is good, but it wasn’t easy either. The course is interesting. And we had to study in Portuguese. At first it was hard to understand the classes, but over time things got better. We were always fumbling. Assignments, exams...
And integration later. Did APGES also help you find a home?
During the studies we stayed at the platform house and then we tried to stay in the same house after finishing the course. But yes, they helped in all this. Also at the university they helped us. There were things missing in the house. They managed to fix everything. So it was all so well organized.
You finished the course and then? You entered the labour market? Amirah is already working.
Yes, Sham and I started doing an internship, we did a professional internship, I stayed in Viseu and Sham will also start now in February, but in Guimarães.
And do you like being in Viseu?
I love Viseu. I’m sorry I’m leaving. I love it. I didn’t like it very much at first. It was also complicated, it was different. But now I love it, because it’s a beautiful, tiny city. It’s already our comfort zone.
But you’re splitting up?
It’s not easy either, but it has to be.
But Amirah stays here in Viseu. And are you happy with the work? Was it easy?
It’s challenging now at the beginning. It was easy and difficult, but I’m also in the clinic well supported by the other more experienced doctors.
And you are going to Guimarães.
Yeah. I’m working on the move.
But are you thinking of returning to your country? Is it in your plans?
At this stage it is still difficult to think. Starting work now, the labour market in Portugal is different from other countries. So now it’s better to start here, work, gain experience and then we will see.
For now, it’s not possible. It’s complicated. People even think the war is over, but the consequences of the war are still there.
And do you have more family here besides your brother?
We have a cousin. In addition to Portuguese friends, some of them are also part of the family.
And was that easy, this integration with friends here?
More or less, yes. More or less. At first there was the language barrier. It was ‘not possible to communicate with people.
Now you can help others who come from there. Are you still in contact with your colleagues who have stayed in Syria?
Yes. Yes, it will be a pleasure too. It’s been five years, the contact stays. But there are few friends left there.
So your work here will continue? Are you satisfied?
It’s a really interesting area. And I like it more every day.
Thank you.
