Youssef grew up in Cairo, the oldest son in a loud, loving family. He studied commerce, practised English with films and songs, and sent applications to companies abroad for almost a year. Then one email changed everything: a junior role at a company in London.
He is clever and hard-working, but in real conversations his English sometimes freezes. He understands more than he can say, and when he is nervous he translates from Arabic in his head ("Open the light?").
What he wants
To do well at his new job, make friends, and one day feel at home in London without losing the Cairo in him.
His biggest fear
Saying something embarrassing in front of his manager. (Spoiler: it happens.)
Fun facts
- He packed three jars of his mum's molokhia in his suitcase.
- He still checks the weather in Cairo every morning.
- He calls home every Friday, whatever happens.
