Mahmoud is the first blind student who went to the US for the AFS/YES (Youth Exchange and Study) programme for the year 2004 -2005. It was a challenge for all , especially for his parents to let him travel.

To be 15 years old and go to another country is one thing and to do it when you are blind is another. Fortunately, Mahmoud was an excellent student and a great ambassador for Egypt during his year abroad. He was hosted by a family in Wisconsin and studied at the Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped. He returned to Egypt after a very successful experience and is studying now at the American University in Cairo.