Ahlia University was pleased to welcome Ms. Abarna Ayyanar, a final-year B.E. student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Anna University RC, Coimbatore, along with her colleagues through the International Study Tour Programme, supported by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation under the SCOUT Scheme of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
During her stay in Bahrain, Abarna took part in academic workshops, industrial visits, and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, where she presented her sustainability-focused project, “Green Gold.” In this sincere and emotional interview, she shares her reflections on her first visit to Bahrain, her academic experience at Ahlia University, and the environmental motivation and international perspective shaping her algae-based high-impact innovation initiative.
Ms. Abarna, what initially motivated you to apply for this specific programme and destination?
Initially, I applied for the SCOUT (Scholars for Outstanding Undergraduate Talent) programme, a premier international internship initiative under the Tamil Nadu Government’s Naan Mudhalvan Scheme and the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC). I was selected based on merit, in recognition of my academic performance and achievements.
It was only after my selection that I learned I would be undertaking my internship at Ahlia University in Bahrain. At first, I experienced mixed feelings of excitement and slight apprehension, as I had never visited a Gulf country before. Today, however, I feel extremely grateful and proud to have had the opportunity to complete my internship at Ahlia University, Bahrain. It has been a truly enriching and transformative experience.
How would you describe your academic experience during these two weeks?
During the programme, we attended several workshops covering a wide range of topics and participated in industrial visits to well-known and reputed companies such as Keller, ASRY, Everest Electrical, Alba, and GPIC. In addition, we took part in the Entrepreneurship Conference and the Equal Opportunity Conference.
All these activities provided valuable exposure and enabled us to gain knowledge across multiple fields within a short period. Overall, the experience was highly enriching, and I am truly grateful for the learning opportunities offered during this programme.
Which classes or academic activities did you find most valuable, and why?
It is difficult for me to identify a single activity as the most valuable, as every programme we attended was meaningful and contributed to my learning. The overall experience offered a well-balanced combination of theoretical and practical knowledge.
Among all the activities, the conference was one I particularly enjoyed, as it gave me the opportunity to express myself openly and present my idea with enthusiasm and confidence.
Would you recommend this short-stay programme to your fellow students back in India?
Absolutely! I would strongly recommend it, as it offers global exposure, academic networking, and cultural understanding within a short duration, which is highly valuable for students preparing for research, innovation, or leadership roles.
From your point of view, what role do international academic exchanges play in supporting innovation and real-world impact?
International exchanges enable students to validate ideas across diverse contexts, learn global best practices, and collaborate beyond borders. Innovation becomes stronger when it is shaped by multicultural perspectives and global challenges.
Beyond classes and events, what aspects of visiting our university and Bahrain will stay with you as a lasting memory?
The warm academic environment, the openness of faculty and students, and Bahrain’s blend of tradition and modern development will remain strong memories for me. The respect for ideas and encouragement to innovate stood out in particular.
I truly love and miss Ahlia University. If I have the opportunity to return, I would be very happy. Our mentor, Mr Gowri Shankar, is a kind and supportive person. He motivated us every day and treated us like his own children.
How was your interaction with the International Relations team?
The International Relations team was highly professional, approachable, and supportive. They ensured a smooth academic and cultural transition and made international students feel genuinely welcome.
Did you make any friendships?
Yes, I formed meaningful friendships with students from different countries. These interactions helped me appreciate diverse viewpoints and created connections I hope to maintain in the future. I also built friendly relationships with some professors.
The twenty of us came from different places and did not know each other before the internship. This experience has made our friendship bond unbreakable.
You also participated in our Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum. What did this forum add to your short-stay experience?
The forum transformed the experience from learning to active engagement. It provided a platform to present, receive feedback, and discuss ideas with global academics and innovators, which greatly enriched my learning. I also met people who expressed interest in supporting and potentially investing in the development of my project.
Without disclosing sensitive details, what problem does your project aim to address, and what motivated you to work on it?
My project addresses the dual challenge of plastic pollution and wastewater mismanagement by converting treated wastewater into algae-based bioplastics and biofertilisers. I was motivated by the urgent need for circular, low-carbon solutions that support both environmental sustainability and agriculture.
I am also a social worker in my country and an NSS Volunteer (National Service Scheme). During my NSS activities, I visited various communities for social work and witnessed significant plastic pollution. This further motivated me to find a practical solution to this problem.
How was it to present and discuss such a project in an international academic setting like this forum?
At first, I had no clear idea how to pitch my project at an international conference like this. Through this experience, I learned how to present it confidently to an international audience and gained a better understanding of how people from different backgrounds perceive my idea. I was encouraged to see that my project was well received and appreciated at the conference.
Did you get any useful insights from the mentors?
First of all, I would like to sincerely thank my mentors for believing in my idea and guiding me throughout the process. My mentors, Patrick and Fathima, International Relations Department and others. Everyone has been very supportive and provided valuable guidance and timely suggestions that helped me present my idea more effectively.
They offered important insights on scalability, market readiness, and interdisciplinary integration, which enabled me to think beyond technical feasibility and focus on long-term implementation and real-world impact. I really wish to thank Mr Gowri Shankar and Mr. Salek for supporting and motivating me to take my idea to the next level.
My friends have also been very supportive. The twenty of us encouraged one another throughout the programme. Their support was one of the reasons I submitted my idea to the conference, and they continue to motivate me to improve it.
How did interacting with international communities influence your thinking?
It broadened my perspective, helping me view the project not just as a local solution but as a globally adaptable model. It also reinforced the importance of policy, economics, and social acceptance alongside technology.
What were your impressions of Bahrain academically and culturally?
Academically, Bahrain promotes innovation-driven education. Culturally, it is welcoming, inclusive, and rich in heritage, offering a balanced environment for international students.
Did Bahrain change or confirm your expectations?
It exceeded my expectations. I found Bahrain exceptionally academically progressive and culturally inclusive.
Do you see yourself returning to Bahrain or Ahlia University in the future?
Yes, I would be very interested in returning for advanced studies, collaborative research, or professional partnerships, especially in sustainability and innovation-driven projects. If I have the opportunity to come to Bahrain again, I would be very grateful.
How will this experience influence your academic or professional path?
This experience strengthened my aspiration to pursue research-driven innovation through global collaboration, and it has motivated me to align my career with sustainable technology development.
Do you have a message for your new friends at Ahlia and in Bahrain?
I am deeply grateful for the friendship, support, and inspiration I received. I hope this is not the end, but the beginning of long-term academic and professional connections. I would like to thank Ahlia University for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank Mr Gowri Shankar and Mr Salek. They are wonderful people. I am grateful to all the mentors and friends who guided and motivated me throughout.
Finally, I miss you all very much!
Abarna Ayyanar, Anna University RC, Coimbatore, India
February 2026
