Moaaz Kassem graduated in 2009 with a degree in German Studies from the Faculty of Languages and Translation at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, earning the distinction “Very Good with Honors.” His dream was to work as a German teacher in Switzerland or Germany. To pursue this goal, he applied for a master’s scholarship at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in German Studies, fulfilling his ambition. He moved to Switzerland in 2011, on Friday, January 28 – known in Egypt as the “Day of Rage.”

Since the history of the German language and German literature are closely connected, Moaaz completed a one-year preparatory program at ZHAW to be scientifically prepared for work as a certified German teacher. In addition to mastering the German language, acquiring pedagogical qualifications was required, after ZHAW recognized his degree from Al-Azhar University.

Early Career and Interpreting Experience

After obtaining his teaching qualification, Moaaz initially faced challenges in immediately pursuing his dream. He held several positions closely related to his field:

• Translator in a Rehabilitation Clinic (Tsil Schlacht, Canton of St. Gallen) for about two and a half years. He translated between patients (mostly from Arab countries) and their families as well as medical staff, from Arabic to German and vice versa. Many patients came from the Gulf region, especially Saudi Arabia, including prominent figures and princes.
• Interpreter at the Police of St. Gallen for Arabic-speaking interviews, translating both Arabic → German and German → Arabic.
• Interpreter at Family Courts in St. Gallen and surrounding areas, mediating between judges and parties when an Arab partner was involved, for both Arab-Swiss and Arab-Arab couples.

In an interview with swissinfo.ch, Moaaz stated:
“During my work as a family court interpreter, I noticed that most cases involved divorce requests by Arab husbands or residence permit issues for Arabs whose marriage to a Swiss citizen lasted less than three years.”

Teaching Career

Since November 2014, Moaaz has been teaching German at Migros Klubschule St. Gallen, about an hour northeast of Zurich.
He reports:
“In five years as a German teacher, I have conducted around 3,000 teaching hours and taught approximately 1,000 migrants from various countries and continents, mostly from Northeast Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary…). Among the learners were also Swiss native French speakers.”

He observed that Arabs, especially Egyptians, generally learn the least German, possibly because they prefer English—the first foreign language in Egyptian schools—and due to the high cost of courses (e.g., an intensive monthly course costs 1,000 CHF).

Own Translation Office

Two years ago, Moaaz opened his own small translation office in Goldach, certified for Arabic ↔ German translations. He translates official documents such as driving licenses, birth certificates, academic transcripts, marriage certificates, etc.

Most clients are Syrian asylum seekers in Switzerland. There are two types of translations:

• Standard translations (documents, certificates, etc.)
• Specialized translations (medical, legal, technical, etc.)

Prices vary depending on the type of document: an A4 document (approx. 250 words) costs between 80 and 130 CHF.

Comparison of Teaching Methods: Egypt vs. Switzerland

Based on his teaching experience in Switzerland, Moaaz concluded:
“The differences clearly favor Switzerland, especially in the public school system. However, private schools and universities in Egypt, such as the German University in Cairo or the Goethe-Institut, are comparable in quality.”

His master’s thesis at ZHAW compared learning German in Egypt (as a student at Al-Azhar University) with his teaching experience in Switzerland.

He emphasizes:
“Teaching methods and approaches are one of the most important foundations for the development of a country’s education system. In Egypt, the focus is heavily on rote memorization, whereas in Switzerland it is on understanding, enjoyment, and practical training.”

Language as a Key to Study, Work, and Integration

Moaaz advises young Egyptians and Arabs planning to come to Switzerland:
“Set clear goals, focus on your objectives, and learn the language (German, French, Italian, English) well – it is crucial for study, work, and integration. Learn about Switzerland, its people, their customs, and be prepared for challenges.”

Future Perspective and Returning to Egypt

Asked whether he ever wants to return to Egypt, he replied diplomatically:
“Egypt is my homeland where I grew up. I wish for its development and would like to contribute in the future to improving the education system, especially in German teaching, based on the experience I have gained in Switzerland.”