My Language Learning Journey… Amr El Zaim - Second Edition: Life on Mobility
In this ‘My Language Learning Journey’ interview series, you will learn about the mobility experiences and advice of English learners across the globe. For this fifth interview in the series, you will learn about the mobility experience and the continuation of community member Amr El Zaim’s language learning journey.
This is already the second time we’re speaking with Amr, a German student with Syrian roots, for this project. In the first interview that was published earlier this year, we spoke with Amr while he was preparing for his mobility experience in Birmingham. In that interview, he shared his insights into learning English as a student who is studying English and Educational Sciences.
In this article, we’re hearing from Amr a few months into his Erasmus+ experience at the University of Birmingham. If you’re ready to be inspired, read on!
Thank you so much for joining us again, Amr! Last time we spoke, you were preparing for your Erasmus+ in Birmingham, and now you’ve been there for a while. How has your mobility experience been so far?
So far, it’s been great. I live in a shared flat with four other people, and we all get along really well. My roommates are international students, mostly from Belgium and Germany, so it’s a nice mix of nationalities.
We share a kitchen, but I have my own bathroom, which is great. One of my Belgian roommates and I cook together regularly, and because of that experience I’ve actually started thinking about becoming a vegetarian.
That is fantastic to hear, it sounds like you’ve found some great people there! I remember last time you mentioned that you were nervous about being away from your friends for so long. How do you look back on that?
I was definitely nervous at first, but I’ve been able to make friends quite quickly. Most of my close friends here are international students, which makes things easier because everyone is kind of in the same situation.
One thing I still find a bit challenging is connecting with local UK students at university. They often already have their own group of friends, so it takes more effort. But overall, I don’t feel lonely, and I’m really happy I’ve found my people here.
What has been the most enjoyable part of your experience so far?
I really enjoy being surrounded by people my age who want to go out, explore the city, and do spontaneous things together. Coming from a household with very strict parents, this level of independence and spontaneity feels really good.
And academically, I was surprised by how different university life is here. I only have two days of university per week, with three modules and about nine hours of classes. Compared to Germany, it feels much less intense and gives me more freedom to structure my own time, which I really appreciate.
Have you learned anything new about yourself since living abroad?
Definitely! I’ve realised that I’m actually one of the most organised people in my flat and like things to be clean. I don’t get bothered if others are a bit messy, but I’m very consistent with my own routines. Living independently has shown me that I’m capable of handling much more than I thought. I can do laundry, cooking, groceries, cleaning, studying, and have a social life at the same time. It’s made me confident about moving out of the family home in the future. And I’ve also realised that I really enjoy living with roommates.
Last time you told me that your Syrian roots are an important part of your identity. Has this experience influenced how you see your identity and cultural background in any way?
In Germany, people often don’t see me as fully German. But in the UK, when people ask where I’m from and I say Germany and they take it as me being fully ‘German’, they're often genuinely surprised to learn that I have Syrian roots. That experience has actually made me even more proud of my Syrian heritage. Being seen as “just German” abroad has made my background feel more unique and important to me.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your mobility experience?
A challenge I’ve faced is the fear of missing out. Everything happens so fast, and you want to make the most of every moment. I’ve learned how important it is to also slow down sometimes, read a book, listen to music, and recharge. Remember that it’s okay not to do everything. Your time is limited, but your energy is too. So let go of the pressure to make every day feel ‘perfect’ and full; it doesn’t have to be for your mobility experience to be meaningful.
What skills do you feel you’ve developed the most during Erasmus+ experience?
Time management, without a doubt. I’ve become much better at planning my days while still leaving space for spontaneity. Having an internal structure gives me peace and helps me enjoy my time more.
Going back to the theme of this series, I remember that last time we spoke, we talked a lot about your English language learning journey. Have you noticed any changes in your English proficiency since living in the UK?
Yes, definitely. Learning English here focuses much more on creative writing and self-expression. In Germany, there’s a stronger emphasis on grammar, structure, and the history of the language.
I feel much more confident expressing my ideas freely now, and I’m constantly picking up new vocabulary through everyday conversations. I was already quite advanced, but this experience has helped me feel more stable and natural in expressing myself in the language.
As we’re wrapping up, I'm curious: has your Erasmus+ experience influenced your future plans?
Yes. I’m still planning to finish my teaching degree, but I’m increasingly interested in working in social work — especially with young people, possibly as a school social worker. My studies in educational sciences and my experiences here have really reinforced that interest.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone preparing for their own mobility experience?
I would say to carefully review your finances and be realistic about costs, especially if you’ve lived at home before going on mobility, as the true cost of daily life can be surprising. Another practical tip is to prepare for the weather you can expect there. I, for instance, forgot to bring thermal clothes, and I definitely regret that.
Stay connected to family and friends back home. Calling them regularly gives me a sense of stability and comfort. And, finally, don't worry if it never feels 100% like home; that temporary feeling is part of what makes the experience special. Knowing that my time here is limited has made me more present and appreciative of small moments.
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First of all, a huge thanks to Amr for sharing his mobility experience in Birmingham! It was such a pleasure to speak to you again and learn from your valuable insights!
I hope you, as a reader, have taken some all-important Erasmus inspiration and insights from this interview. Let Amr and the community know what you are taking from his story in the comments below!
Warmly,
Marieke, OLS Community Manager – English
P.S., If you would also like to be interviewed as a part of this series, you can let me know via this link or by writing a message in the comments below!