When I look at my photos, I always say 'I've no idea how I achieved that!'

Hamza, can you tell us about the programme you're doing at Prague College?

Sure. I’m a student of the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. The staff are friendly and the quality of teaching is amazing. It’s been a fantastic experience for me so far, and this month sees the culmination of a two-month project to put together a portfolio of my work and an animated project which are going on public display this week.

Have you always been creative?

I enjoy photography, and people tell me my photos are good, but when I look at them I always say ‘I don't know how I did that!' This is one of the areas where I am really improving. One of my favourite workshops so far was about adjusting images using of Photoshop. I'm also really keen on animation, and I've been learning how to use quite a bit of software - Adobe Flash and Adobe After Effects - as part of the course.

Where did you come from originally?

I’m from Algeria, and I grew up there with an Algerian father and a German mother. She lives and works in Berlin, and it was my mum who first drew my attention to Prague College.  Being in Prague is perfect as I can go and visit her and my older brother quite regularly, and it doesn’t take too long. I studied the French Baccalaureat and specialized in science, with architecture in my final year.

Have you noticed many cultural differences between north Africa and Europe?

Well, in Europe people tend to be more organized - in Algeria people don’t always respect the rules, when driving, for example! On the other hand it’s easier to get help for start-ups over there. I have a friend who studied Graphic Design in France, who returned to Algeria and the bank immediately lent him money to start up his publicity and animation studio.

Why do you want to study Experimental Media?

In my foundation year I've really enjoyed the extended media aspect of the course. It’s more creative and conceptual. I'm looking forward to studying the BA (Hons) Fine Art Experimental Media mainly because of the video aspect. I am really keen on 3D gaming software like Call of Duty, and I’m currently learning how to used 3D Max software.

What are you hoping to do when you graduate?

I'd like to work in the field of video-games or animation for an IT company. I have a friend who is an IT technician living in Berlin - he’s a really good software engineer and we already have plans to set up a business together.