Mahmood Al Awadhi
Country: Oman
Degree: Masters of Petroleum Engineering
Faculty: Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Scholarship: Home country
Why did you choose to study a Masters of Petroleum Engineering?
When I studied for my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering, I completed an internship with Petroleum Engineering Oman (PDO). After graduation, I decided to join their graduate program. The shift from the chemical engineering discipline to petroleum led to my decision to study for a post-graduate petroleum engineering degree.
Why did you choose the University of Adelaide?
It’s one of the top universities in Australia and the Petroleum School is renowned internationally. Also, I had friends who had completed the course and gave me very positive feedback about the university and student life in Adelaide. I like Adelaide’s style and the fact it is a bit quirky and different.
What do you like about the campus?
The fact it is within the city centre, meaning everything is close by and within walking distance. Students don’t really need a car to get around. I also like ‘The Hub’, it’s a different but very effective style of studying for students.
I am being taught by the best lecturers I have come across in my university life.
Mahmood Al Awadhi
Where do you live?
I live in ‘The Village’, which is university accommodation on Grote Street, close to Adelaide’s famous Central Market. It’s a great social, environment. I have found myself surrounded by international students from all over the world.
Can you buy good Halal food in Adelaide?
There are many options for buying Halal food. Every day I can go to a different place to eat. My course is a short and intensive one. I don’t have time to cook so I often eat out in restaurants in the evening.
What do you like about your course?
The teaching quality - it is very high. I am being taught by the best lecturers I have come across in my university life. The course gives me exposure to people who have been working in the industry for up to 40 years and have great practical experience.
How will the experience help you?
Exposure to such highly regarded people will definitely be beneficial. I haven’t had a lot of experience yet, but thanks to the shared personal experiences of my lecturers I have a good idea of what to expect.
What do you do when you are not studying?
I spend a lot of time in the city. Everything is at hand, coffee shops, restaurants. Now there are more than 30 Omani students studying at the university so we spend time together. I also play soccer with my friends in ‘The Village’ or with students from my course.
What will you do in the future?
I will either continue on study for a PhD at the University or start working as an Engineer for PDO. Both options are great, although I would rather continue on and do my PhD because I assume that once you get into your career, it would be difficult to take time out to study for a PhD.
Have you travelled home much?
I am choosing to spend most of my holidays exploring places in Australia. But a great development is that Emirates is now flying directly into Adelaide from Dubai so it’s a lot easier and quicker to get home.