Palestinian student and UL graduate Raghad Altaee rebuilds her future through education

Palestinian student Raghad Altaee graduated from University of Limerick with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and English through UL’s University of Sanctuary Scholarship. Pic Arthur Ellis

University of Limerick graduate Raghad Altaee graduates from UL’s BA Arts programme with a degree in Public Administration and English

A University of Limerick graduate who was forced to flee Gaza after war disrupted her studies has spoken about overcoming displacement, loss, and uncertainty to complete her degree and embark on a new chapter in Ireland.

Raghad Altaee, who graduated this week from UL‘s BA Arts programme with a degree in Public Administration and English, never imagined she would finish her education thousands of miles from home.

Having begun her studies at the Islamic University of Gaza, Raghad was in the final stages of her degree in 2023 when conflict dramatically altered her plans.

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“I started my fourth year in Gaza and then the war happened,” she explained. “I was living near the university and it was bombed and we had to evacuate. My family and I moved from place to place before eventually leaving Gaza for Egypt.  

“It was really hard for me, I was really depressed. I wanted to finish my education, but the situation I was in wasn’t the best.”

Determined not to abandon her education, Raghad contacted universities around the world in search of a pathway to complete her degree.  

“I started researching universities but it was really hard because of the bombing – you cannot take anything, any information, even my marks, I couldn’t take anything.

“I emailed multiple universities but didn’t get any response, and some wanted me to start over, which is really hard for a senior to start again.

“I emailed UL and the course director contacted me and wanted to help me continue my studies.”

Supported through UL’s University of Sanctuary Scholarship, Raghad arrived in Limerick in September 2024 and joined the BA Arts programme, where she completed her degree in two years.  

The transition was not without challenges: “It was my first time moving abroad by myself, and it wasn’t part of my plan. I was supposed to finish my degree at home.  

“The beginning was difficult, but I loved the campus and the professors were very helpful.”

Originally drawn to literature by a lifelong love of reading and writing, Raghad said her passion for languages was nurtured from an early age by her mother, Samira Al-Baghdadi, an English teacher.

“Since I was young, I loved reading books and writing poems. Literature was always something I enjoyed and I wanted to learn more about other cultures.”

Her studies at UL allowed her to explore English and Irish literature while broadening her understanding of history, society, and culture.

After arriving alone in Ireland, graduation will be made even more special by the presence of her parents, who have travelled to celebrate the occasion with her.

“My dad, Bassam Altaee, has been a great source of support throughout my journey. His daily calls and messages gave me the encouragement and confidence I needed to keep pursuing my dream of graduating and to become the person I am today.

“I’m really excited to graduate, but also sad about it because I have a lot of nice memories with my colleagues in Gaza and I really miss them. The plan was to graduate with them, so I’m really happy that I achieved this, but also sad in a way.”

Reflecting on the journey from Gaza to Limerick, Raghad believes the experience has changed her outlook on life and education.

Before the conflict, she planned to pursue postgraduate studies in literature. Today, her ambitions have evolved, leading her towards a career in public administration and human resources.

“The experience changed me and changed how I think about education and the future. It was a tough lesson and made we aware of not holding on to things and to be ready to lose them at any time.”

As she prepares for the next stage of her academic journey, commencing a Master’s in Human Resource Management, Raghad hopes to continue exploring Ireland and building a future she once feared had been lost.

“I want to travel around Ireland, explore more of the country, go hiking, and keep learning – maybe learn the Irish language. A few years ago, I wasn’t sure I would get this opportunity. Now, graduating feels like a dream.”

Despite the immense challenges she has faced, she remains optimistic about the future and grateful for the welcome she received in Ireland.

“It feels like home here. From the moment I arrived, people made me feel welcome and supported. I didn’t feel like a stranger.

“Everywhere I go I see the Palestinian flag and people are talking about the situation. I feel safe here and comfortable sharing my story. That’s what home means.”

For other students facing disruption to their education, Raghad has a simple message:
“Don’t lose hope, even if your journey takes a different path from everybody else’s. Keep chasing your dreams and keep going.”