Friendship and assistance were all I got from Iranians/I will certainly come back to Iran for Ph.D. program

He says he loves Iran just like his own country. These words are from Idris Nouri Abdullah, a Kurdish Iraqi students who has recently graduated from UT in the field of Psychology and Exceptional Children.

Soghra Davarifar, a specialist at UT Public Relations department, has interviewed him on his educational experience in Iran and at UT.

Following his graduation from Kalar University, a branch of Sulaymaniah University, in B.A. program in the field of Psychology, Idris Nouri Abdullah, born in 1985 in Halabja of Iraqi Kurdistan region, chose to continue his education in Iran at UT and he was admitted in February 2019 at UT Pardis Campus.

He elaborated on the reasons behind his decision and said, "The Iranian and Kurdish cultures are close in numerous aspects and I wanted to study in a society with a similar culture to that of Kurdistan. Another reason to select Iran was the fact that the field of psychology is given prominence in Iran and there are very good professors in this field at UT who are known for their impeccable research works".

He also highlighted the high scientific rank of UT as another incentive to choose UT and explained, "When I was searching online, I noticed the high rank of UT on one hand and its close geographical location on the other. Therefore, I chose Iran and UT and I even managed to bring my family with me".

As he highlighted the cultural affiliation between Iran and Kurdistan region, Idris mentioned, "As for why I chose to study psychology, I have to say that since Kurdish and Farsi languages are similar, I needed much less time to learn Farsi. If I had decided to study in an English speaking country, I would have wasted much more time in learning the new language." 

Idris learned Farsi at Dehkhoda Lexicon Institute and International Center for Persian Studies in two and a half months. He believes his command of Farsi is not so good, however, his classmates and professors have been so helpful in this regard. This Iraqi student suggests that UT has wonderful humble professors with high ethical and moral standards. He sincerely praises his professors as they have done everything they could to help him while studying at UT.

In regard to students in the field of psychology, he asserted that, "They are well-educated, hardworking, intimate, helpful and trustworthy and I experienced an intimate relationship with them in the last two years." 

As for the tolerant society of Iran, Idris Nouri states, "From what I experienced in the Bazaar or University, the Iranian people do not care about race or language and as a Kurdish student, I never felt I am a foreigner. The Iranian people respect you regardless of where you come form or what language you speak".

When I entered UT in February 2019, I couldn’t speak a word in Farsi and the only word I knew was Yes!" Idris then continued, "As I was encountered with kindness at UT by both students and professors, I felt quite comfortable and at home and I gradually started learning Farsi. I owe my confidence to my professors who interacted with me kind-heartedly and guided me patiently through the way. These professors showed me the ultimate destination which is certainly not just receiving the certificate of graduation. I learned valuable lessons from both professors and students meanwhile."

This Iraqi Kurdish student then elaborated on his interest in the Iranian culture and added, "I love everything about Iranian culture. I am interested in Iranian music and Persian rugs. I listen to Iranian music, which is an elevated art, every day. I specifically enjoy works of Master Shajarian, his son Homayoun, Alireza Eftekhari and Mohammad Isfahani".

He has now lived for a while in Tehran with his wife and child and describes Iran as a safe and stable country. He specially expresses his admiration for medical facilities and the fact that all medical requirements are provided domestically in Iran.

Idris Nouri concluded his remarks and said, "I wish all the best for Iranian people. The people of Halabja consider Iranians as their brothers and friends. When Halabja was chemically bombarded by Saddam Hussein, Iran was the only country that helped Halabja with all its might and the people of Halabja will never forget Iran's assistance."