Zamzam was keen to study in Scotland and improve her English. “I was attracted by the romance of Scotland’s history and culture. Britain of course also has a reputation for a sophisticated education.”
Even so, Zamzam was nervous about coming to Scotland. “I thought Scottish people would not be used to Muslims and I was worried about discrimination. I was wrong of course”, she laughs, slightly embarrassed as she looks back. “I couldn’t believe it when I discovered there were Scottish Muslim communities who had been living here for ages.”
She was delighted to discover a family-friendly Islamic centre and mosque in Stirling, halal food on the campus and in nearby restaurants, and a prayer room. She could also enjoy more Scottish-Muslim culture and shopping in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“I would say to any international student that Scotland is so friendly, Stirling is very safe and everyone is treated as an equal.”