Ebriiz Salon is where the different components of Ebriiz come together—Ayadi, Ocean, and Horizon—creating an interactive space that reflects various dimensions of culture, business, and personal growth.
Often, we believe we have a complete understanding of a subject, yet there is always an unexplored angle or an overlooked detail. This can stem from limited exposure, pre-existing beliefs, or simply not recognizing an alternative perspective.
Ebriiz Salon is designed to uncover these unseen dimensions, providing a platform for deep discussions that challenge perceptions, analyze hidden angles, and ultimately broaden perspectives—helping individuals engage with the world in a more insightful way.
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Introduction: Between Knowledge and Renewed Ignorance
In a world that changes every moment, everyone expects you to know everything. Otherwise, you become “Abu Al-Awrif”—someone who thinks he knows but is constantly proven wrong by reality. Fifteen years ago, I was living this paradox while studying in “the lands of the Franks.” I thought I was prepared for everything, but I was confronted with concepts I had never encountered before, experiencing what could be called an Opposite Culture Shock—not the typical Culture Shock or Reverse Culture Shock, which one can somewhat anticipate. Rather, it was the discovery of unfamiliar differences without clear reasons, triggering curiosity and a desire to learn more.
Education or Learning? When Do We Realize We Know Nothing?
In Egypt, I used to think that studying meant memorization and rote learning. However, when I moved abroad, I faced an unexpected Paradigm Shift. Here, Critical Thinking was not just a theoretical concept but an essential part of research assignments and Extra-Curricular Activities, which were integral to the learning process. It was then that I realized that obtaining a degree was not the end of the road but merely the beginning of a new journey in a constantly changing world.
Between Achievement Pressure and Reality Shock
I was afraid of failing to complete my master’s degree on time. It wasn’t just an academic challenge but a personal, social, and financial battle. These pressures pushed me to isolate myself from everything outside of my studies, much like many students from emerging economies who believe that academic achievement alone is the key to the future.
But real experience taught me something else: knowledge alone is not enough. True learning happens in the smallest details, in interactions with others, and in discovering how to apply knowledge in real life.
When Education Becomes a Life Experience
As a child, I used to read the Look, Listen and Learn series, which made me aware that the world was much bigger than what I could see. But I didn’t fully grasp this reality until I found myself forced to adapt to an entirely different educational system. Suddenly, the most important question was no longer “What do you know?”, but rather “How do you use what you know?”.
At that moment, I began to understand that education is not the goal but the means to comprehend multiple worlds, and that absolute truth is merely a temporary perspective subject to change with each new experience.
After Returning: Between the Degree and the Job Market
When I returned to Egypt, I discovered that having a degree alone didn’t mean much. I spent 18 months without a stable income despite holding a prestigious degree. And when I finally got a job, I found out that postgraduate studies accounted for only 20% of my salary, which made me wonder: Does knowledge really have value, or is it just like an eggplant?
This is when I realized that the job market does not recognize degrees alone but values skills and practical experience. I also learned that living abroad is not just about earning a degree but about shaping a personality that can adapt to continuous changes.
Lessons Learned: Are We All Abu Al-Awrif?
- Absolute knowledge is an illusion – No one knows everything, and the world is constantly evolving.
- Education is a means, not an end – What matters more than obtaining a degree is learning how to make use of it.
- Learning happens outside the classroom – Experience and interaction with others are more valuable than any theoretical lecture.
- Success is not about knowing everything but accepting that we will never know everything.
What’s Next?
If you’re considering studying abroad or have had a similar experience, what were the biggest challenges you faced? Share your experience in the comments, or follow our upcoming articles on Salon Ebriiz to learn more about adapting to different cultures and building a global career.
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