Mexy Tjiposa, a final-year bachelor of education student at the University of Namibia (Unam), has recently returned from an exchange programme at Pädagogische Hochschule Weingarten (University of Education Weingarten) in Germany.
He describes the four-and-a-half-month experience as educationally enriching and transformative.
When he returned, he shared with Unam Forum Online that studying in Germany was a dream come true.
“The teaching methods and practices I observed will definitely influence how I contribute to education back home in Namibia,” he said.
The Baden-Württemberg scholarship fully covered his exchange, which Tjiposa said allowed him to set aside financial concerns and devote his attention to his studies, as well as gain exposure to German culture.
“The scholarship support was invaluable,” he said. “It covered my daily needs and gave me the freedom to engage in both academic work and the vibrant life of Weingarten.”
A high point of his trip was an internship at a local school where he gained practical teaching experience. “It was amazing just interacting with pupils in an entirely different educational set-up,” said Tjiposa.
“The methods they use here are practical and interactive, and I plan to adapt some of these ideas when teaching in Namibia.”
Although he was far from home, Tjiposa felt warmly welcomed by the faculty and staff at the university. “The lecturers and international office staff treated me like family,” he said.
“Their kindness made the transition into a new culture so much easier and more enjoyable.”
Living in the southern German town also gave Tjiposa the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas and fully immerse himself in German culture.
From the quiet, studying-conducive environment to the relationships he forged along the way, the overall experience ultimately contributed to his growth and made him appreciate the exchange experience he accessed through Unam.
“The international linkages developed by the University of Namibia brought this opportunity to me,” he said.
“This has been an eye-opening experience and has made me appreciate how Unam is committed to empowering students and giving us an opportunity to rise.
For students considering exchange opportunities, Tjiposa advised: “If you ever have the chance to go on an exchange programme, take it. You’ll return not just a better student, but a more open-minded, well-rounded person – ready to make a difference.”
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