Introduction
Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy, a final‐year graduate student majoring in ecology at the College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, China. While in Egypt, he works as a researcher at the Central Laboratory for the National Water Research Center (NWRC).
Abdelbaky, a member of the World Youth Parliament of Water since 2019, received his master’s in ecology from Zagazig University in 2015. His journey—from Egypt to China and Germany—reflects a commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and scientific advancement. This year, Abdelbaky won the second prize at the HZAU Graduate Students Academic Presentation Competition and the HZAU Shizi Shan Cup championship with his college.
Figure 1. Doctoral Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy (2025 HZAU Shizi Shan Cup championship).
Q1: Congratulations on winning the HZAU Shizi Shan Cup championship! Is it difficult for the team to achieve this position? How do you accomplish this?
Thank you so much! Winning the HZAU Shizi Shan Cup championship didn’t happen by chance. It resulted from three years of hard work, continued training, constant game planning, and a lovely environment where fun and passion for football gathered all team members.
I don’t like to brag, but we’ve been the most disciplined team in HZAU For the last three years. Every football lover in HZAU nominated us to win since last year, and this year, we did it.
Figure 2. Doctoral Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy (2025 HZAU Shizi Shan Cup championship).
Q2: As an international team member, do you have trouble communicating with your teammates? How does the team usually do training?
Being an international member has certainly brought unique experiences, but they have been more of an opportunity than an obstacle.
While language differences can be challenging at first, our team prioritizes inclusion. From day one, we ensured that everyone understood each other by having more meetings and gatherings, which helped me adapt quickly. This experience improved my Chinese language skills and deepened mutual respect and team spirit among all team members.
Our training sessions are designed to be strict and engaging, reflecting our team’s commitment to excellence on and off the field.
We start with warm-ups and some sessions that focus on our skills. This is followed by tactical discussions, during which everyone shares ideas and strategies. These sessions help bridge communication gaps, as we usually use the college’s meeting room to watch our previous and opponents’ games.
Figure 3. Doctoral Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy, Founder and Captain of HZAU International Students team.
Q3: I heard that you once wrote a letter to the team. Could you tell me more about it?
Yes, that’s true. Last year, our team was denied access to play the final game due to an after-game incident.
I was so sad because last year, we were the best team among all the others. We reached the final after beating the strong Animal Science football team at the last minute with a penalty that I got two minutes after entering the playground.
I got so emotional that I wrote a letter to the committee, appealing their decision to deny us from playing the final game. I wrote the letter in English, and my teammates, Wannian and Luke Song, helped me translate it into Chinese. This letter went viral across the university.
Figure 4. Doctoral Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy with the first football team in HZAU in March 2019.
Q4: What does this soccer experience in China mean to you?
Playing soccer in China has been more than just a game. It has been a great way to learn about other cultures, grow as a person, and experience pure soccer passion.
As a passionate footballer, I founded and led the first HZAU international student team in the Wuhan Inter-University League, where I was selected among the best playmakers.
Working on a team with people from different backgrounds has helped me learn how to work with others, be disciplined, and keep going even when things get tough. Managing my training and PhD work has made me even more dedicated to doing my best, and every match reminds me of how empowering it can be to leave my comfort zone. So, playing soccer here symbolizes an inspiring journey that brings together challenges, successes, and the joy of connecting with people from other cultures while practising your hobbies.
Figure 5. Doctoral Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy enjoys watching and supporting the Wuhan Three Towns team.
Q5: As the head of the Department of Cultural Exchange and Sports Activities at HZAU-International Students Volunteer Center (ISVC), what is your duty, and how do you build the team?
As the head, I plan and coordinate cultural and sports events to connect international and Chinese students.
I build the team by recruiting passionate volunteers, encouraging collaboration, and creating a family-like environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to contribute.
We had close meetings two times a month, during which we shared ideas and food. These meetings brought us closer, and with time, they deepened our relationship, as we became a family more than a team.
This was my main target at the beginning. Once we became a family, everyone worked their best, and the department gained massive success by default, which has been reflected in the selection of three members among the outstanding volunteers this year.
Figure 6. Doctoral Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy participating in the special indoor games event.
Q6: Have you faced any trouble doing the voluntary work? How do you and the team handle them?
Yes, we’ve certainly encountered challenges, from coordinating schedules to handling sudden and unexpected situations during events alongside our studies.
However, we tackle these issues through clear, open communication, support from each other, and adaptation of our plans on the fly. The team and I turn obstacles into opportunities for growth, ensuring that every challenge strengthens our resolve and unity to grow bigger and shine brighter.
Figure 7. Doctoral Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy with the first prize in the 1st International Students Week.
Q7: How do you feel when you work at ISVC? And, what role do you think the Department of Cultural Exchange and Sports Activities has in international students in HZAU?
Working at ISVC is truly fulfilling. It gives me a sense of purpose and joy to help create meaningful connections among students from different cultures. I feel proud to be part of an extraordinary, successful team that brings people together through fun and intercultural communications.
The Department of Cultural Exchange and Sports Activities is the joy and apple of ISVC, and it plays a key role in helping international students feel at home. We create spaces for students to engage, express themselves, and build friendships through culture and sports—making their life at HZAU more vibrant, inclusive, and memorable. At the same time, we include our Chinese students in all our events, allowing them to know more about other cultures while still at HZAU.
Figure 8. Doctoral Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy received the Outstanding Volunteer Prize in 2024.
Q8: As you are about to graduate from the university, could you use several adjectives to describe your life in HZAU and tell us why?
Sure! I’d describe my life at HZAU as challenging, rewarding, colorful, and unforgettable.
It’s been challenging because balancing research, study, and activities has pushed me to grow. It’s also rewarding because every academic or social effort leads to personal progress and meaningful achievements. It’s colourful because of the rich mix of cultures, friendships, and experiences I’ve had here. Above all, it was unforgettable because HZAU became more than just a university—it became a second home.
Figure 9. Doctoral Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy received Second Prize in the 2024 Huazhong Agricultural University Graduates Competitions.
Q9: Any words to the coming international students of HZAU?
Absolutely! To all the future international students of HZAU: enjoy every moment. Step out of your comfort zone, get involved, and don’t be afraid to try new things—whether in class, on the field, or in daily life. HZAU has opportunities to grow, connect, and make lasting memories. Be open, stay curious, and enjoy the journey—you’re about to experience something truly special!
I wish I could be here to welcome you personally and show you the HZAU I love, which has taken part of my heart and soul.
Figure 10. Doctoral Abdelbaky Hossam Elgarhy presenting a speech at the Youth in Action Symposium.
