In 2024 Luciano moved to Germany to start afresh with a new academic focus. In Information Engineering he particularly likes the intersection between hardware and software and the flexibility of the degree that allows students to shape their studies through projects: ‘The degree prepares students for a wide range of professional specializations including artificial intelligence, microcontrollers, cryptography, semiconductors, aerospace/automotive systems, robotics, renewable energies and software development. In other words, your ambition’s the limit.’
Two further aspects of the degree programme are important to Luciano. Firstly, there is the international atmosphere, as more than forty nationalities are represented on the course. Secondly, he likes the way the professors support student projects and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Luciano was one of seven students who joined the HAW Hamburg Avionics Team in the second semester. As part of an international competition organised by the Kompetenzzentrum Neues Fliegen e.V., they worked together to develop a data logger for aircraft; a device that can record flight data in real time. His newly acquired skills in turn led to a position as a working student at NXP Semiconductors, a manufacturer of microcontrollers.
At twenty-seven Luciano is older than many of his undergraduate peers. He uses this to his advantage as his work and life experience bring insights into how to study successfully and what employers are looking for. Together with fellow student Jinju Ok Luciano organises a weekly round table where they help first-semester students, solving exercises and helping them pass exams. He encourages other international students to focus on their passion by participating in projects and gaining practical experience inside and outside the university: ‘Exploring your passion early on through reflection and curiosity helps you discover what truly drives you. Good grades go a long way, but practical experience is a must in finding your career path.’
The desire to get back to his wife, who is waiting for him in Saudi Arabia, is keeping Luciano on track to do well and graduate on time. A reason he was awarded a merit scholarship in the summer semester 2026 for his excellent grades. For Dominique da Silva, who coordinates the merit scholarship programme in the International Office, Luciano is a model student: “Luciano is another excellent example of how our international students strengthen and enrich our campus community and how taking a leap of faith can be a turning point in life.” And for Luciano the step has been more than worthwhile: ‘I can say that joining this community has been one of the most impactful decisions of my life. Looking back, I once considered studying abroad to be beyond my reach, but we can achieve so much if we try!’
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Text & photo: Ingrid Weatherall
Merit scholarship programme at HAW Hamburg
