Testimonial - Ahmed Mufti

My story at the Faculty of Economics and Business, KU Leuven

"On my last day in high school, I said farewell to my teachers and the school principal with the words: “I will always miss these lively hallways and pristine corridors.” The principal smiled and replied:  “Are you sure you will only miss the hallways and the corridors?” At that moment I realized that an institution is so much more and actually made by the people."

"Nonetheless, at that age I was obsessed with aesthetics. While my peers would select universities based on international rankings, I applied to the world’s most ancient universities, looking for grandiose architecture, tangible history and the thrill of walking in the footsteps of intellectual giants. Though still quite young, I was also committed to my dream and a few years later I graduated from the oldest university in Europe."

"As I grew older my priorities began to change. Tradition and history were still important, but the desire for an environment where I could maximize my opportunity to learn and contribute became dominant. For my post-graduate studies, I applied for the Master of Actuarial and Financial Engineering at KU Leuven. It offers the best of both worlds: a globally renowned university steeped in rich tradition and a leading research institution."

"My experience at KU Leuven has been nothing but uplifting and empowering. As an institution, the university is a testament to Flemish organisational prudence. Nevertheless, it is not afraid either to delegate responsibility to its students. Student organizations are actively involved in the rich tapestry of student life. Individual students also receive immense support to create new initiatives and follow them through. During my first semester, I was able to organize the local edition of a global challenge for student entrepreneurs. I believe that it would be extremely difficult for a newly enrolled foreign student to accomplish something similar at any other university."

"The acceptance and inclusion of international students can be felt throughout Leuven. The city is very hospitable and generous towards (international) students. English seems to be a second language for most of its inhabitants. I am extremely grateful for my experiences during the year that I have lived in Leuven. If I was ever to be trapped in a city during a global pandemic again, my first choice would always be Leuven.