Hana Bahri
Master student in Environmental Engineering in Trento
Coming to Italy for study has been an exciting and challenging experience. I had the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering thanks to a scholarship funded by the University of Trento as part of the European Union co-funded REBUILD project. From the moment I received the scholarship acceptance, I felt a mix of excitement and anticipation, as this was the first time I was leaving my country to study abroad.
This journey represented a unique opportunity not only to develop my academic abilities but also to discover a new culture and broaden my personal horizons. Although adapting to the local language and culture was initially a challenge, the support from colleagues and professors, along with the supportive environment provided by the REBUILD project team, helped me adjust quickly.
My study experience at the University of Trento was incredibly fruitful, as it offered me high-quality education in the field of environmental engineering. Through the diverse academic programs, I was able to dive deep into environmental topics that had long sparked my interest. Additionally, I gained valuable experience that will enable me to address the environmental challenges Libya faces. The knowledge and techniques I acquired during this period will help me tackle these issues and contribute to sustainable development in my country.
Through this scholarship, I not only benefited from excellent education but also became acquainted with the REBUILD project and its team, learning about the collaboration between the project members and Libyan municipalities. I had the chance to participate in some activities organized by the project over the past two years, with one of the most prominent experiences being my involvement in the second pilot project focused on environmental safety through an internship with the Province of Trento, lead partner in the project. I consider this opportunity to be the most significant for me, given its connection to my academic specialization, the experience was extremely valuable, as I participated in activities related to the pilot project, and the most rewarding opportunity was contributing to the preparation and development of part of the training program designed for environmental laboratory staff in Libyan municipalities. These activities aim to enhance the competence of staff in environmental laboratories, thereby improving the overall performance of municipalities. I felt immense pride in contributing to the preparation of training content that aligns with these goals, realizing that education and training are the key factors for developing environmental competencies in Libya.
I consider my study experience in Italy to be a turning point in my academic and professional life, and I am very happy to be part of the REBUILD project. I hope to use what I have learned to improve the environmental situation in Libya, contributing to sustainable development. This experience is not just about studying but also marks the beginning of a new journey towards a better future for me and for my country.