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Testimonials EMEA (2013-2022)

Students from the Master program "Economics of the Middle East" were asked several questions related to the program and how it is beneficial for their careers, and here are their answers.

"The EMEA program offered an in-depth exploration of the economic and developmental dynamics within the MENA region, equipping me with advanced theoretical insights and empirical tools. The curriculum’s focus on key regional issues such as the political economy of Islam, natural resource management, corruption, conflicts, and economic sanctions was both timely and relevant. Growing up in Syria, I had a foundational understanding of the region, but the EMEA program challenged me to critically reassess these issues from a more objective, data-driven perspective. The program's emphasis on empirical evidence and rigorous analysis not only sharpened my research skills but also deepened my ability to approach complex regional challenges with a balanced and informed viewpoint. The program offers a robust academic environment that fosters both intellectual growth and academic research skill development, making it perfect for a career in academics."

Mohamad Alkurdi Albarawi (2022 EMEA Cohort)

Foto: Privat

"The Master's program in Economics of the Middle East (EMEA), offers a distinctive and in-depth education focused on the economic complexities and development challenges of the Middle East and North Africa region. The course combines robust economic theory with specialized regional studies, providing students with a deep understanding of the socio-economic, political, and cultural dynamics that influence the economies of the MENA countries. The program is designed to equip graduates with advanced analytical skills and practical expertise necessary for addressing intricate economic issues, promoting sustainable development, and influencing policymaking in both academic and professional arenas."

Nawid Sobat (2022 EMEA cohort)

Foto: Privat

“In contrast to a standard economics master’s program, EMEA offers the opportunity to discuss and learn about topics that are rarely content in basic economics classes. To learn about the influences of shadow economy, oil rents or a youth bulge on economic development broadens the horizon of students and challenges thinking outside the box. Even if the current classes are held online, you get in touch with other EMEA students easily due to small classes and a high degree of applied tasks.”

Yannik Emrich from Germany (2020 EMEA cohort)

Foto: Privat

“Economics can be offered in any university and all will offer the same contents and topics, but EMEA is something unique. It offered me the chance not only to study economics but also to narrow it down to the Middle East and North Africa regions and build a solid understanding of the major economic issues that these regions face. Moreover, the empirical application combined with theoretical contents has added value to my learning curve to develop my research skills, which eventually will be one step ahead to achieve my goal of joining a Ph.D. program and pursuing an academic career. The program is equipped with valuable knowledge that challenged my critical thinking skills and creates an enthusiastic environment to apply my ideas creatively.”

Mohammad Bitar from Lebanon (2020 EMEA cohort)

Foto: Privat

"EMEA gave me the opportunity to deepen my economic knowledge and apply it to one of the most interesting and historical regions of the world. EMEA sets a regional focus, while allowing students the flexibility to specialize in the economic area of their interest. The active exchange in and outside the courses with peers from all over the world gives an enriching multi-facet view on many topics".

Marga Bolay from Germany (2018 EMEA cohort)

Foto: Privat

"The experience of studying the EMEA program at the University of Marburg has been very exciting! It has helped me see the MEA region from a new perspective as well as interact with people from all parts of the world. If you like small cities, then Marburg is for you! A big city person? The semester ticket takes you to every city in Hessen including Frankfurt!"

Moh’d Albaroudi from Jordan (2018 EMEA cohort)

"The EMEA program's dynamic blend of econometrics, development economics, and intercultural studies was matched by the diversity of its study locations—Beirut and Marburg. These contrasting yet equally captivating settings not only enriched my academic exploration but also exposed me to diverse cultural perspectives, fostering a well-rounded and globally-aware approach to learning."

Roman Saakel from Germany (2016 EMEA Cohort)

Foto: Privat

"I joined the programme not only because of the learning opportunity that the master's offers, but also for how it is tailor-made to one of the most complex yet exciting regions in the world."

Nora Abdelbary from Egypt (2015 EMEA cohort)

Foto: Privat

"The EMEA program is suitable for ambitious students, who want to enrich their abilities in different aspects of the economics in a more practical way. The study of economics as part of the EMEA will allow the students to further develop their statistical and academic skills and thus to compete for vacant positions in different fields of the economy. At the end, the program encourages the collaboration between Germans and Arabs as delivering them the opportunity to learn the language, enabling them to communicate and organize events together or even celebrating religious fests in an interreligious way."

Muhammad Awwad from Palestine (2015 EMEA cohort)

Foto: Privat

"An innovative side of EMEA can be sensed widely through the intensive interaction environment that empowers various analytical understanding in regards development related issues, starting from household economy till sustainable tourism. A cheerful-practical international spirit spreads among students and inhabitants in the city of Marburg; professors gave us incentives to search and check new topics to analyze and to discover new thinking approaches."

Hanoof Abu Arja from Jordan (2014 EMEA cohort)

Foto: Privat

"About the city of Marburg, I liked the thing that it is small city, also it is a very beautiful and important city, the people there are very welcoming and helpful."

Mohamed Abdelrahman from Egypt (2014 EMEA cohort)

Foto: Privat

"The international aspect of this Master’s Programme helped me easily interact and make connections with international companies’ representatives and managers."

Farhad Rasool from Iraq (2013 EMEA cohort)