Safdar Ali
Admitted to Master at University of Calabria, Italy
Firstly, how did you come to know about IMM?
One of my friends from the Comsats Bachelor’s program motivated me to join IMM program. He told me that a new program was going to be initiated with the collaboration of Italy.
Alright. Why did you decide to join IMM?
I decided to join the IMM program due to foreign faculty and scholarship. It was the first program in Pakistan launched by the international institute. Interaction with foreign faculty was very good for me.
What were your goals before joining the IMM program, and did the IMM program help you achieve those?
After my graduation, I wanted to do a job to support my family financially. However, when I heard about the IMM program, I found it very unique.
What are doing currently after your IMM program?
After the IMM program, I wanted to continue my higher studies. My fellows have already joined the University of Calabria. Due to personal issues and job preference, I couldn’t apply for any foreign program right after the IMM program. After one year, I applied to the University of Calabria and I got selected. I would continue my studies at the international institute.
Congratulations. What are your expectations from the Masters program in Italy?
I missed some of the courses during my bachelor’s and IMM program such as Real Analysis and Functional Analysis. These are the core subjects. I want to fulfill this gap and complete the international syllabus and outline. I am hopeful that I will get a strong foundation in mathematics at the University of Calabria.
You have been admitted to the University of Calabria. What part do you think IMM has played in this achievement?
It is a very good question. During my bachelor’s program, I never considered that I would get admitted to any foreign University. However, after joining IMM I got a path leading to my success. This IMM program is indeed a key to success. I was able to interact with international professors. I also got all the assistance to apply to an international University. It helped me in the admission process. I learned how to get in touch with modern international mathematics and get a scholarship.
That's a good thing. When are you expecting to go to Italy?
The expected date is 30th of November. It has been three weeks since my program started.
You are being late for your Masters program. Are there any online classes? How will you cover this gap?
We have no online classes. However, I am taking reading material from a fellow who is already studying there. I have also contacted with HOD of the mathematics department of Italy. I will be provided with all the possible assistance by the department.
Okay, best of luck with that. Do you expect any language or cultural barriers in Italy, and how do you plan to overcome those?
I have talked with my fellows and luckily all the courses will be taught in English at the University of Calabria. This will help me in understanding everything. However, the University of Calabria has also conducted online classes for the Italian language. I learned some basics of the Italian language.
So you have learned the basics of the Italian language. Will this be helpful in your journey in Italy?
Yes, it will be helpful. I would be able to communicate with professors and deliver my questions.
What was the duration of this language program?
It was only for 6 weeks and 3 weeks have already been passed.
What are your future aspirations now after doing your Masters in Italy?
I would do Masters in Italy. After that, I would do a Ph.D. If I get admitted to any other institute, I will move there. However, I will prefer to do my Ph.D. at the University of Calabria. They also offer Ph.D. programs. I will try my best to perform well in my Masters program so that I can be admitted to an international institute in Italy or any other country.
Will you come back to Pakistan after your Master’s or Ph.D.?
I will come back to Pakistan after my PhD. I would like to share my experiences with other students who couldn't get an opportunity like IMM program. I am teaching at University of Okara and I motivate my students to get admission in IMM program after their Bachelors.
Lastly, based on your experience with IMM, what IMM holds for young mathematics students in Pakistan?
Yeah, IMM is a great platform for students who have good mathematical thinking. As we know that we all follow a single outline and the students are unable to apply theoretical knowledge practically. I have done my research in Graph theory. I couldn't find any applications in the research publications. However, I found those applications in international journals. Young mathematicians can get great opportunities to fulfill their dreams.
Would you pursue Graph theory for your research in Italy?
I don't think so. The mathematics department at the University of Calabria is merged with the computer department. I wish to go into data sciences.
Great! That's a good field. Best Wishes and Thank you for your time.
