The Iranians Pooya and Solmaz got to know each other seven years ago via Pooya’s sister, then still in their hometown of Teheran. More than twelve months ago the couple were separated, because Pooya was starting a PhD project at TU/e.

A logical choice. His explanation: “The research group involved in my PhD project is very good. Besides, the Netherlands is close to Iran. That is, in comparison with Canada or the United States.” He would love to be in his homeland, close to his family. Indeed, relatives form an important factor in life. Nevertheless, Pooya did not want to miss the international experience. “Sometimes you need to think pragmatically. I can handle it. My career is also very important to me.”

Via telephone calls and video chats Pooya and Solmaz kept each other informed every day. Which was handy, but is still starkly different from contact in real life. Moreover, Solmaz herself also wanted to gather international experience. “That is what binds us so strongly. We share the same goals in life”, she says. It so happened that there was an internship vacant at the Biomedical Engineering Department, which linked up with Solmaz’ Master program in Computer Engineering. Since June, Solmaz has also been on Dutch soil. In Eindhoven they are having a great time. “We have a big house for the two of us. Living together is not accepted in Iran as it is here, so that is a bonus”, Pooya admits. “After work we meet with friends, to play pool, watch films or to go out together.”

In the summer Pooya and Solmaz are getting married. In Iran, as the wedding will be a great family celebration. “We shall probably have three to four hundred guests”, the couple-to-be confesses. Still, the marriage does not imply that they will settle permanently in their home country. “We are focusing on our careers. The future is a big surprise and we shall calmly wait for new opportunities to present themselves”, says Pooya. They would both love to develop further in science, finding the university environment quite agreeable. Where exactly is not really important. “Perhaps even Canada or the United States. One thing is certain, though: we are going together!”