Ramy Srour, Class of 2010
Davis United World College Scholar
Red Cross Nordic UWC

Born: Rome, Italy
Lived in: Italy, Norway, and USA
Major: International Affairs

Ramy was born and raised in Rome, Italy though because of his parents’ Egyptian heritage, he feels that he is the product of both cultures. His parents immigrated to Italy about 30 years ago and Ramy says, “I feel like I belong to both cultures. I have an Italian mentality, but I have something more, which is my heritage—the religion, the language, and the food of Egypt.”

Ramy’s parents were divided about his selection into the United World College program. “They were happy that I was selected, but worried about me going alone to a foreign country at age 17. Still, they encouraged me to go and off I went to Flekke, Norway.” When Ramy arrived in Flekke, he was surprised. “I came from a city of six million people and chaos to this very small village of about 20 homes out in the wilderness on a fjord. I knew it was going to be very different.”

Despite the locale, Ramy had few troubles adjusting. He loved the people and the atmosphere. “All of my year group were feeling the same emotions, and we were also very curious.” The first challenge that Ramy experienced was the high caliber of academics. “In Rome I was dependent on my teachers for my learning, but at UWC I learned that I also have a responsible role to play. I had to organize my time, motivate myself, and take responsibility for my education,”

In his second year at UWC Ramy began to think about his future. He thought that he would finish his studies in Norway and stay in Europe for his university degree. “One day a teacher suggested that I go to the university presentations by a group of visiting US educators. The whole concept of the liberal arts college and how broad the education is attracted me. So, I decided to apply to some US schools.” Ramy’s college counselor knew him very well and suggested six universities that would be a good match for him. Lewis & Clark College was on that list. “I looked at the L&C website and found some biographies about international students. I liked what they had to say about the campus and the way of teaching. I also liked the fact that there were not too many UWC graduates at the College, because I wanted a completely new experience. UWC was the best two years of my life and I want to use what I learned there and apply it to a completely new situation.”

Ramy arrived at Lewis & Clark College in August of 2006. He loved the place when he first entered the campus. It was beautiful. But unlike Norway where he made friends easily, he found Americans were harder to engage. “Americans seem very friendly but more superficial than I expected. So, I am still adjusting to that difference but I am optimistic that the outcome will be positive.”

Ramy has become involved in the Russian club at L&C and he plays soccer almost every day when he has some free time. “It’s an informal game for fun. It’s just a group of American and international students who want to play and take a break from studies.”

For the future, Ramy is considering one of Lewis & Clark’s overseas programs in Japan. “I had a Japanese roommate at both UWC and at Lewis & Clark. I’ve met quite a few Japanese students here. I think the Japan program would be great.”

Ramy is on a leave of absence from his studies this year, but he plans to return for the fall of 2008.