Karim El Shenawy

Photos

Karim comes from Cairo, Egypt and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Medicine and Surgery. He was introduced to Forum-Nexus in 2016 by his fiancé and has been a staff member ever since. In his role, Karim helps students learn about the Forum-Nexus summer programs and enroll in a life-changing experience!

What is your favorite travel memory?

I have traveled to a lot of places that I enjoyed very much, but two have become my absolute favorites. The first was London in 2012 since that was my first time to visit a European country, and the second was of course my trip to Jordan in 2015 where I met my beautiful wife Nadine for the first time.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have become an international citizen of the world! Working with and meeting people from different countries around the globe really changes you. Since being a part of Forum-Nexus, I have become more aware of different cultures not just because of the traveling element of the program but also because of the diversity of the student body. I now have many new friends from all around the world.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

The best story is when I feel the impact of this international experience on any student. A student last year got really excited about learning some Arabic words from me, Nadine, and other Egyptian students during the program. What makes the story more exciting is that he told me after going back to the US after the program that he is taking online courses and teaching himself how to speak and write Arabic!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose to go to any new city we visit. I really like experiencing new places and knowing more about different cultures. Luckily through Forum-Nexus, I get to do that every year because we always visit new countries and cities. In 2018, I visited Amsterdam for the first time, and I absolutely loved it!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What makes Forum-Nexus unique is the truly international, multi-country, life-changing experience that we offer. Visiting many countries with such a diversity of students and staff members provides the most international exposure to any student. The professional visits included in the program provide a unique, closer look at major international corporations, which helps in developing the students’ careers and puts them steps ahead in their work life.

I am really proud to be a member of this team, especially after working with my colleagues last summer. We facilitated a large group of students traveling to more than 9 cities in 5 weeks while providing them with the highest standards of care. Of course, it is really important to mention the huge positive energy provided by our Program Director, Dr. Hugo. He is an incredible person and extremely well-informed of all international aspects. I can definitely say that his energy and charisma are a major factor behind the success of the Forum-Nexus programs.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is having a family spirit. We all work together as one family with each staff member putting his or her all in providing a life-changing experience to our students. Students feel such a spirit, and feel, although being away from home, that they are experiencing new cultures and landscapes, while traveling with such a warm group of friends that it feels like family!