Imran Ameer

Name: Muhammad Imran Ameer
Age: 26
Born: Faisalabad, Pakistan
Lived in Scotland: Three and a half years

Imran Ameer from Pakistan spent years planning his visit to Scotland, having heard about the country from his cousins who also studied here.

Determined to experience student life for himself, he began his long awaited trip in August 2002, leaving Faisalabad to study computing at Langside College in Glasgow.

"The Fresh Talent Working in Scotland Scheme helps with advice about living and working here and I found them very helpful with assistance in obtaining a visa and work permit," he said.

"There are also a number of organisations that help people find jobs in all fields, and there are equal jobs and business opportunities for people from around the world."

With the help of some additional English classes, Imran soon settled in to his new home.

"I studied in an English school in Faisalabad. We had to speak English in our school, but when I came here I found English was different, especially speaking and conversation, so I had to do some courses in English language here," said Imran.
 
"I planned my trip to Scotland years ago when I was in school, as I really wanted to go abroad for my future studies. My cousins studied in Scotland before me and they told me many good things about it.

"I also found that there are many job opportunities available after you finish education."
 
After achieving an HND Computer Technical Support in June last year, Imran began looking for a job, before hearing of a vacancy at Langside College.

He narrowly missed out on that job because of his lack of experience in the workplace, but succeeded in impressing the college's ICT manager David Cooper.

After three weeks work experience in the department, Imran was offered a three-month contract in the ICT department, which has just been extended by a further four months.

He is now enjoying working in the familiar setting of Langside College as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Technician.

Imran added: "I am enjoying my job and all my colleagues are very friendly and supportive. Glasgow is a great place to live and to work in, and I have found people to be very friendly. I now consider Scotland to be my second home.

"There are a lot of opportunities for people coming from other countries. If they have qualifications, knowledge and experience then there are no problems getting job."

Information correct at Oct 2007

Related Links

• More about the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
• Langside College, Glasgow
• Michael Frayn