Dreams come true in America for Syrian students!

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- When Sinan Zeino was a teenager in his native country of Syria, he worked as a tourist guide for visitors coming to visit historic Medieval castles.  While conducting the tours, he practiced speaking English and dreamed about coming to America one day. 

Now less than 10 years later, as a result of the scholarship provided through the Emergency Student Fund of the Institute of International Education (IIE), the 24-year-old Syrian native is living in America and pursuing a degree in social work at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island.

"While growing up I always heard about America, where you can have the freedom to be yourself and that it's the land of opportunity," Sinan said.  "Now I am here and thanks to the IIE scholarship, I am getting an education at a great college in the country I used to dream about."

He is one of 43 Syrian students enrolled in American colleges and universities who receive scholarship funding through the generosity of Syrian businessman Mr. Moataz Al-Khayyat who owns 17 business enterprises in several Middle Eastern countries.

"I believe helping the students to finish their degrees is very important because it's through their gained knowledge that a new Syria can be rebuild with capabilities to move the country forward once democracy is established," Mr. Al-Khayyat said. 

Before coming to America, Sinan mentored children and helped to distribute food and water to families that lost their homes."The reason I am interested in social work is that as a Syrian I have witnessed a lot of violence. There are thousands of children left without homes and I want to help people in need."

Sinan also wants to use his education to help combat social problems in America. "There are social problems here such as homelessness," he said. "I want to be one of those people working to help solve those problems."                 

After finishing his degree next year, Sinan plans to get involved with raising funds for people in war-torn areas and to raise a voice for international social workers. "I want the American people to know that the Syrian people are one of the nicest, friendliest and most generous people on earth. They deserve support, especially more aid for the children."

SOURCE Institute of International Education (IIE)