Interview between Ms. Kadzo Mwandary and University of Nairobi (UoN) Students, Mr. Mark Amuko and Mr. Davis Osino who are both beneficiaries of the Erasmus+ mobility programs in UHK.
- (a.) What is your name and what degree are you enrolled in?
My name is Mark Amuko. I am currently pursuing a Masters in History at the University of Nairobi and the same here at the University of Hradec Králové.
(b.) When did you join the mobility program?
I joined the mobility program on February 4th, 2023
(c.) How long is your program?
It is a 5-months program. I am currently in my 4th Month
(d.) How did you find out about the program(call)?
I had been applying to Erasmus+ programs in Germany. So when the opportunity came to go to the Czech Republic I went for it
(e.) Did you know anyone who had done the call before?
I knew a former UoN student who had attended the program. We were in the same class
(f.) What Challenges did you face when you came to Hradec Králové?
I only faced two challenges when I came to the Czech Republic. The first thing was the application for my medical insurance cover. It almost costs Kes 60,000 and that is a big challenge for a sponsored student like me to raise that amount
Another challenge is that I was not informed of the hostel deposit to be made. Fortunately, a student from UoN supported me in the first 3 weeks as I waited for my Czech Republic bank account to mature. It was definitely a challenge to adapt especially without funds
(g). What key lessons have you learned so far during your program/stay?
I have discovered that it isn't always about teaching and earning marks. At UHK, they fully mentor and develop you, both morally and physically. They also focus on self-discipline so one has to be alert
(h.) What changes would you like to bring back to the University of Nairobi?
I would like to bring improved technology back to UoN. At UHK, a student platform called STAG monitors students' progress. It also provides three (3) exam options, which are very convenient and flexible and marks don't delay. Another great thing about technology is using PowerPoint during classes. I did not have any knowledge of PowerPoint design creation or presentations. Therefore, it would be great if UoN can adapt to such systems, especially for the students,
Another thing would be for UoN to adapt to oral exams. It helps students express themselves
(i.) Any message to the University of Nairobi?
I would like to thank the University of Nairobi for this opportunity. I am in Europe because of my University. I have experienced different learning methods at UHK where they fully develop students. UoN Lecturers should change their approach to how they deal with students. They should not be authoritarian but have a humanistic approach to teaching. They shouldn’t delay students’ marks because that way students cannot monitor their progress
I would also like to request my University if they can offer me another scholarship opportunity so that I can complete my Ph.D. studies
Last but not least, UoN should also focus more on social activities and not just academia. We have gyms and many student events at UHK. The students’ organization at UoN can adapt a thing or two from UHK
2 (a.)What is your name and what degree are you enrolled in?
My name is Olives Davis Osino, a third-year student at the University of Nairobi. I am pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Arts, majoring in Philosophy and Sociology. At the University of Hradec Králové, I am taking a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, Philosophy, and Political Science
(b(i.)) When did you join the mobility program here at Hradec Králové?
I joined the program on Feb 9th, 2023, however, the semester began on Feb 1, 2023.
(ii)How long is your program and how far are you now?
The program is for (five) 5 months. I am currently in my (fourth) 4 month, I have only a month to go
(c.) How did you find out about the program(call)?
I knew about the Erasmus+ program from the workshops held at the University of Nairobi and also from the Department of Philosophy.
(d.) Did you know anyone who had participated in the program before?
Yes, I did. Mr. Orindi, Director of Corporate Affairs, gave a lot of testimonials of how he had visited the Czech Republic on Erasmus+ Day which was held in October last year.
(e.) What Challenges did you face when you came to Hradec Králové?
Before I left Kenya for the Czech Republic, everything was running smoothly until I applied for my medical insurance cover. It was too expensive. Unfortunately, I had also applied for the wrong medical cover. I was not aware of the new law where students had to apply for a specific insurance cover from the Czech government called the PVZP insurance.
I also encountered a challenge at the Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague because the student who had been assigned to pick me up failed to show up. It was a big challenge to reach the University of Hradec Králové. When I finally made it to the university’s accommodation, I encountered another problem. Apparently, one needed to deposit some amount so that they can occupy the accommodation. Neither was I aware of this arrangement nor did I have funds at the moment. A fellow student from the University of Nairobi and a Ghanaian Student came to my aid. In order for the mobility funds to be sent to students, one needs a Czech bank account which takes a week to operate and the Erasmus+ are funds deposited after 3 weeks.
I have experienced culture shock as well. The Czech people consume a lot of alcohol and I find it very interesting. They also celebrate their holidays differently, for example, they celebrate Labor Day and Valentine’s Day on the same day.
(f.) What key lessons have you learned so far during your program/stay?
I have learned that diversity is important in the sense that people from different areas of life can work together in harmony. Networking and socialization are also very important
In academics, the lectures are taught differently compared to UoN. The number of students per class is also very few, unlike UoN. This enables the lecturers to have one-on-one sessions with students and fully understand their students. For example, there was a certain unit I didn’t understand. I simply emailed my lecturer concerning my problem and he helped me out and I passed the unit
At UHK, they also provide each student with learning materials for each unit and equip them with practical skills like doing presentations in class and defending your papers
What changes would you like to bring back to the University of Nairobi?
First and foremost, I have realized that we don't have a good reading culture at UoN. At UHK, the libraries are always full. Unlike UoN, they only fill up during exams
Secondly, the interactions between the staff and students are I have seen how the students and staff interact with each other at UHK and that increases your efficiency. Therefore, I would encourage such behavior in my home university.
And finally, just on a lighter note, I love Czech politics. They are very peaceful people. When I first arrived in the Czech Republic, they had just concluded their general elections a few weeks ago. I can bring change in my University by becoming a peace ambassador
Message to the University of Nairobi?
I am really grateful for UoN and the Department of Philosophy. I have done my best to represent the university both academically and socially. I would also like to ask the university to encourage more students to participate in the Erasmus+ program so that they can experience the same
- Log in to post comments
