Erasmus+ worldwide
A transformative experience
Erasmus experience of Charles Gyasi, student from Ghana
Charles Gyasi
My research stay in Germany on an ERASMUS+ scholarship was a transformative experience that allowed me to gain valuable insights into my field of study (clinical parasitology) and develop new cross-cultural competencies. During my stay, I conducted research at the Institute of Medical Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP) at the Uniklinikum, Bonn, collaborating with experts in my field and participating in a range of academic and cultural activities. One of the highlights of my mobility stay was the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives in the MSc Medical immunoscience and infection programme. Through these collaborations, I gained a deeper understanding of the cultural and social factors that influence sustainability practices in different parts of the world, and developed new skills in cross-cultural communication and collaboration. I also had the chance to participate in a range of cultural activities and events, including museum visits, carnival festivals, Christmas, conferences and language exchanges. These experiences allowed me to immerse myself in German culture and gain a greater appreciation for the country's rich history and traditions.
Of course, my research stay was not without its challenges. I encountered a number of logistical and bureaucratic hurdles along the way, including navigating complex visa requirements and dealing with unexpected delays in my research project. Particularly, in the procurement of reagents and their delivery to the research lab I was working at. However, I found that these challenges only served to strengthen my resilience and problem-solving skills, and ultimately made my experience all the more rewarding.
Looking back on my experience, I am struck by the profound impact that my time in Germany had on my personal and professional growth. In addition to the technical skills and research insights that I gained, I also developed a deep appreciation for the importance of cross-cultural communication, timeliness, excellence and the necessity of collaboration in today's increasingly interconnected world. In particular, I was impressed by the level of support and mentorship that I received from my host institution (University of Bonn) and fellow researchers in the IMMIP. From the initial planning stages to the final stages of my project, I felt that I was part of a vibrant and supportive academic community that was committed to advancing knowledge and promoting collaboration across borders. As I move forward in my academic and professional career, I am confident that the experiences and insights that I gained during my research stay in Germany will continue to inform and inspire my work. Whether through continued collaborations with the networks I have developed or through the application of the skills and knowledge that I gained in new and diverse settings, I am eager to build on the strong foundation that I established during my time on the ERASMUS+ mobility scholarship. In conclusion, my research stay in Germany on an ERASMUS+ mobility scholarship was an invaluable experience that allowed me to develop new skills, insights, and connections that will serve me well in my future endeavors. I am grateful for the support and mentorship that I received throughout the process, and look forward to continuing to build on the foundations that I established during my time in Germany.
Program: Erasmus+ worldwide
Home university: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (Ghana)
Time of stay: Winter Semester 2022/23