“Learning alongside Peers from different cultures inspires me”: Suar M., a Computer Science Student

Suar M. lives in Munich, Germany, where he works in the IT industry. He manages his own clients, volunteers with refugees, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at University of the People. But his path to this point has been shaped by resilience, uncertainty, and an unwavering commitment to building a better future.

Born in Kurdistan, Suar grew up in a close-knit family that valued education and perseverance. Ten years ago, he left his home country and arrived in Germany as an immigrant seeking safety and opportunity. His first home in Germany was a refugee shelter known as the “Tent,” an experience that deeply influenced his perspective on hardship, adaptation, and hope.

“Life was not always kind,” Suar shares. “But those experiences taught me resilience and strengthened my determination to succeed.”

From an early age, Suar was fascinated by technology. His older brother, Yusef, played a key role in encouraging that passion by introducing him to IT and motivating him to keep learning, even through mistakes and setbacks.

Today, Suar has transformed that early curiosity into a successful career. He works at Bechtle AG, one of Germany’s largest IT companies, where he contributes to major technology projects. Alongside his full-time role, he is also self-employed, providing IT solutions and support for clients.

Outside of work, Suar is passionate about helping others who are beginning journeys similar to his own. He volunteers and mentors refugees as they adapt to life in a new country.

“Sharing my experiences and helping others navigate challenges is deeply personal and rewarding,” he says.

Balancing professional responsibilities, self-employment, volunteer work, and university studies is not always easy, but Suar credits UoPeople’s flexibility for making it possible.

“The university’s flexible and affordable model made higher education accessible while allowing me to continue working and supporting my community. As an immigrant who faced challenges accessing traditional education, UoPeople’s mission resonated deeply with me,” he explains. “The flexibility allows me to study while balancing work, volunteering, and personal responsibilities.”

For Suar, one of the most valuable aspects of studying at UoPeople is its global learning environment. Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds has broadened his perspective and created meaningful opportunities for collaboration and connection.

“My favorite thing about UoPeople is the supportive international community,” he says. “Learning alongside people from different cultures inspires me and helps me grow both personally and professionally. Despite UoPeople being completely online, I have learned to stay engaged by participating actively in discussions and connecting with classmates and instructors.”

Looking ahead, Suar believes his degree will strengthen both his technical expertise and his ability to create meaningful change in his community. He hopes to continue advancing in leadership roles within the IT field while inspiring others, especially refugees, to pursue higher education and believe in their potential.

“My UoPeople degree is not only a personal milestone,” he says. “It is also a way to show others that education can transform lives and create opportunities, no matter the obstacles.”

Today, Suar’s story reflects the power of perseverance, lifelong learning, and giving back — proving that with determination and support, it is possible to overcome challenges and build a meaningful future. We are thrilled at his success and wish him all the best for his future.