The lecturers were very patient, resourceful and understanding

Ever since I can remember, I have always dreamt of studying abroad. I have always wanted to have a chance to move abroad to challenge myself to a new environment one that I have had very little experience with. I checked the notification board of the Department of Forest and Environmental Economics at Sokoine University of Agriculture, and saw an announcement that truly caught my attention; it was an opportunity to study abroad, for a semester. I applied for the position, conducted the interview and in October 2021, that opportunity to study and challenge myself abroad came when I finally received my notification letter that I had been chosen to participate in the Erasmus+ program as an exchange student at University of Bonn.

Before my travelling to Bonn, I had never been out of Tanzania before and this was my opportunity to go and explore the world. I had some issues in adjusting to the new climate and culture but thanks to the welcoming people I met; my fellow Erasmus students from Mzumbe University and my study buddy Josi, my adjustment went very smoothly. The Erasmus Departmental Coordinator, coordinated well with the lecturers in ensuring that we selected the right courses that fit us and upon arrival even took her time from her busy schedule to tour us around the department to familiarize us with the place. I was really fascinated with how much the department was interested in research; a thing that has really captivated my studying. Also, the International Office made sure I enjoyed my stay in Bonn stress-free.

The studies were quite different from what I was used to, being very participatory and it took some adjusting before I got the hang of it. The lecturers were very patient, resourceful and understanding and really wanted us students to understand the concepts they taught. With two of my professors having experience in working in Sub-Saharan countries and Latin America, they were very understanding of our different backgrounds and tried to bring synergy to the very dynamic group. Also, the fellow students were very informative and willing to help whenever I had any academic issues.

During my stay at the University of Bonn, I lived in the dorm at Ferdinandstrasse. The accommodation was nice and international natured. It was another loving international family in addition to the University of Bonn International Choir that I joined upon my arrival being somewhat of a singer myself. I had very wonderful roommates who welcomed me, took me into their circle and never left me behind whenever there was any event that they participated in. With this group, I was able to travel to a lot of places in Germany including Heidelberg and also outside countries such as Luxembourg. I am really appreciative of this group of people for their welcoming manner and hospitality.

My different expeditions in the country of Germany took me to a lot of places in Germany including Berlin and Kaiserslautern among many, and I noticed that the people were very welcoming and even though I had little understanding of German, I was able to go by my travelling with speaking English just fine. Bonn however, was even more chilled, a simple small town with everything needed being available nearby. In the mornings were school and other activities but during the evenings, especially during the summer, it was always a good time to go to the Hofgarten and have some beer in the evening with friends while enjoying the sunset.

Did I enjoy the stay? Absolutely! Will I do it again? Of course! But I’m keeping my options open, and should the opportunity arrive, I will gladly jump on it.