STUDENT Omaima Hamed has proved language is no barrier to success after completing a degree - despite knowing no English when she arrived in the UK.
The 42-year-old mother-of-five came to the North-East from the United Arab Emirates seven years ago, with just a handful of English words at her disposal.
But now she has graduated with a degree in business information technology from Sunderland University.
Omaima enrolled on a diploma course, but within weeks was given the option of moving to degree level.
She said: "The university tutors were very helpful and have also encouraged me the whole time. I am very pleased with all the skills and information I gained at university."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article