The Story of a Belgorod State Agrarian University Graduate — A Journey of Education, Research, Professional Development, and Life in Russia
Today, we share the story of Al-Saidi Ahmed Falih Shamukh from Iraq, for whom Belgorod became an important part of both his professional and personal journey.
Today, looking back, I can confidently say that the years I spent in Russia were among the most important and meaningful periods of my life. It was not simply a matter of studying and earning an academic degree. It was a profound life experience that shaped me as a specialist, educator, researcher, and person.
My journey in Russia began at Belgorod State Agrarian University. In 2017, I received a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, and in 2026, I completed my postgraduate studies in Organic Agriculture at the same university.
Some of my most vivid memories are associated with my preparatory studies. Learning Russian, adapting to a new educational system, and living far from my home country were challenging, but at the same time, they were incredibly interesting experiences. Gradually, I became more confident in the language, communicated more freely, and began to feel like a part of the university community.
One of the most valuable aspects of student life was the opportunity to interact with people from different countries and continents. We spoke different languages and came from different cultural backgrounds, with our own traditions and customs. Studying together, preparing for classes, discussing academic issues, participating in sports activities, and supporting one another became an important part of my life in Belgorod.
After returning to Iraq, I worked as a university lecturer for five years. I actively applied the knowledge and skills I had gained in Russia to my teaching and research. To date, I have approximately 20 scientific publications and contributions to international academic conferences indexed in international databases, including Scopus, as well as publications included in the Russian scientific information system VAK.
My Russian education also significantly expanded my knowledge of modern scientific methods, organic agriculture, sustainable development, and the rational use of natural resources. I strive to apply the experience I gained while taking into account the specific conditions and needs of Iraq.
For two years, I served as Deputy Dean for Research, Student Affairs, and Postgraduate Education. This position was a major responsibility and, at the same time, an important stage in my professional development. It gave me valuable experience in planning, organizing educational and research processes, making decisions, and working with faculty members, students, and postgraduate researchers.
Football has also become an important part of my story in Russia.
In 2016, together with a group of Iraqi and Arab friends, I founded the Sumerians football team, made up of international students. We officially participated in the Belgorod city football championship.
In 2025, I played for the BelSU Lions in League 5. That season, our team won first place in the championship.
Today, I continue my involvement in football as a coach. I coach the BelSU Lions, who compete in the Belgorod 8-a-side football championship in the second division. The team includes students from Arab countries and Africa.
For me, it is particularly meaningful to bring people of different nationalities together through sport. Football, much like education, helps people overcome linguistic and cultural barriers and find common ground.
Belgorod gave me much more than a university education. Here, I gained academic knowledge, professional and administrative experience, made friends from different countries, took part in sports, and played for and coached football teams.
To the students who are currently studying at the university, I would first and foremost wish persistence, hard work, and patience. Study with genuine interest, do not be afraid of challenges, and make the most of every opportunity for personal and professional growth. University years pass quickly, so it is important to make the most of this time by gaining knowledge, building new connections, and developing professionally.
I would also advise students to respect their professors and colleagues, respect the culture and traditions of their host country, and always comply with its laws and regulations. In my view, respect, discipline, and hard work are no less important to success than knowledge itself.
I hope to continue using the knowledge and experience I gained in Russia to contribute to the development of education and science in Iraq, as well as to strengthening professional, academic, and cultural ties between Iraq and Russia.
Russia gave me more than an education. It gave me friends, experience, science, sport, unforgettable memories, and the opportunity to become the person and professional I am today. For all of this, I am sincerely grateful to Russia and to my university.
Today, we share the story of Al-Saidi Ahmed Falih Shamukh from Iraq, for whom Belgorod became an important part of both his professional and personal journey.
Today, looking back, I can confidently say that the years I spent in Russia were among the most important and meaningful periods of my life. It was not simply a matter of studying and earning an academic degree. It was a profound life experience that shaped me as a specialist, educator, researcher, and person.
My journey in Russia began at Belgorod State Agrarian University. In 2017, I received a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, and in 2026, I completed my postgraduate studies in Organic Agriculture at the same university.
Some of my most vivid memories are associated with my preparatory studies. Learning Russian, adapting to a new educational system, and living far from my home country were challenging, but at the same time, they were incredibly interesting experiences. Gradually, I became more confident in the language, communicated more freely, and began to feel like a part of the university community.
One of the most valuable aspects of student life was the opportunity to interact with people from different countries and continents. We spoke different languages and came from different cultural backgrounds, with our own traditions and customs. Studying together, preparing for classes, discussing academic issues, participating in sports activities, and supporting one another became an important part of my life in Belgorod.
After returning to Iraq, I worked as a university lecturer for five years. I actively applied the knowledge and skills I had gained in Russia to my teaching and research. To date, I have approximately 20 scientific publications and contributions to international academic conferences indexed in international databases, including Scopus, as well as publications included in the Russian scientific information system VAK.
My Russian education also significantly expanded my knowledge of modern scientific methods, organic agriculture, sustainable development, and the rational use of natural resources. I strive to apply the experience I gained while taking into account the specific conditions and needs of Iraq.
For two years, I served as Deputy Dean for Research, Student Affairs, and Postgraduate Education. This position was a major responsibility and, at the same time, an important stage in my professional development. It gave me valuable experience in planning, organizing educational and research processes, making decisions, and working with faculty members, students, and postgraduate researchers.
Football has also become an important part of my story in Russia.
In 2016, together with a group of Iraqi and Arab friends, I founded the Sumerians football team, made up of international students. We officially participated in the Belgorod city football championship.
In 2025, I played for the BelSU Lions in League 5. That season, our team won first place in the championship.
Today, I continue my involvement in football as a coach. I coach the BelSU Lions, who compete in the Belgorod 8-a-side football championship in the second division. The team includes students from Arab countries and Africa.
For me, it is particularly meaningful to bring people of different nationalities together through sport. Football, much like education, helps people overcome linguistic and cultural barriers and find common ground.
Belgorod gave me much more than a university education. Here, I gained academic knowledge, professional and administrative experience, made friends from different countries, took part in sports, and played for and coached football teams.
To the students who are currently studying at the university, I would first and foremost wish persistence, hard work, and patience. Study with genuine interest, do not be afraid of challenges, and make the most of every opportunity for personal and professional growth. University years pass quickly, so it is important to make the most of this time by gaining knowledge, building new connections, and developing professionally.
I would also advise students to respect their professors and colleagues, respect the culture and traditions of their host country, and always comply with its laws and regulations. In my view, respect, discipline, and hard work are no less important to success than knowledge itself.
I hope to continue using the knowledge and experience I gained in Russia to contribute to the development of education and science in Iraq, as well as to strengthening professional, academic, and cultural ties between Iraq and Russia.
Russia gave me more than an education. It gave me friends, experience, science, sport, unforgettable memories, and the opportunity to become the person and professional I am today. For all of this, I am sincerely grateful to Russia and to my university.