Topic outline

  • Round 7

    VIEL Student Experiences Wintersemester 2024/2025


  • Yola: "Live the Opportunity, Laugh Together, Love the Cultural Exchange"

    I was fortunate to participate in the 7th VIEL round, beginning in the Wintersemester of 2024. It was my very first time experiencing an exchange that extended beyond countries and even continents. At the start, we connected through online workshops and weekly meetings. Since I had never taken part in a solely online exchange without meeting people in person first, it felt both intriguing and unfamiliar. However, as time passed and we shared countless stories, I felt a continuously connection within our group.
    The workshops we attended were all designed to foster cultural exchange and help us get to know each other and the environments we live in. One of my personal highlights was creating a podcast episode. We learned how to record and edit a podcast, in order to do a personal interview. I was happy to work on this with Gabi, who shared insights about her studies and a quote that stuck with me: "Jealousy is the thief of joy.“
    Being able to have these kinds of conversations, exchanging life stories and perspectives is something truly valuable and worth cherishing.

    After a semester of connecting online, we finally had the opportunity to meet in Kenya and visit Pwani University. Although I had educated myself about the culture beforehand, nothing could have fully prepared me for the experience itself. We were welcomed with open arms and minds and had the privilege of visiting not just the university but also a primary school and a local field, planting our own mango tree, and even going on safari for a weekend. We cooked Ugali together and embraced the joy of finally meeting in person after months of virtual interactions.

     

    For me, the in-person gathering deepened our friendships in ways I hadn’t expected. The only thing that didn’t feel quite right? The time—it went by far too fast. Maybe it was the excitement, the warm temperatures, or the overwhelming number of new experiences, but I wished we had more time—not just to celebrate the exchange but to truly live the experience a little longer.


    The VIEL program and this trip were truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It was the most memorable and impactful journey of my life, and I am deeply grateful to have been part of it. Meeting not only my fellow participants but also the incredible team behind this project was an honor.
    I hope that everyone gets the chance to experience such a unique exchange. Thank you to everyone who made this journey possible and created these unforgettable memories with us.
    One thing is certain: this was not my last trip to Kenya—I look forward to returning soon!

    • Naomie: "This program showed me that understanding other cultures doesn’t just make you more knowledgeable—it makes you more human."

      Looking back at this past semester with the VIEL program, I can honestly say it was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. It’s funny because “VIEL” in German means “a lot,” and that’s exactly what I got out of it—new perspectives, great conversations, and meaningful connections.
      The weekly exchanges with people from different cultures were something I really looked forward to. It was cool to see how, despite being in different parts of the world, we could still connect so naturally. Before this, I wasn’t sure how deep a virtual exchange could go, but it surprised me. The conversations felt real, and I got to hear so many different viewpoints that I wouldn’t have come across otherwise.
      The workshops added another layer to this experience. Learning about different cultures in such an interactive and personal way helped me understand not just the traditions but the emotions, values, and history behind them. It’s one thing to read about a culture; it’s another to hear personal stories, to understand the "why" behind customs, and to feel the pride and passion that people have for their heritage.

      But the absolute highlight? The exchange. Even before meeting in person, we bonded in a way that felt natural, as if we had known each other forever. The kindness, the openness, the warmth of everyone we interacted with—it left a lasting impression on me. It was a reminder of how much we can learn from each other, not just through words but through shared experiences.
      During our time there, we visited Pwani University and met the MCM students. We had some great discussions about Germany—how the north and south are so different, the little cultural quirks, and how things compare to life in Kenya.



      One of the coolest moments was when John showed us the beautiful beaches of Kilifi. What started as virtual meetings turned into real-life friendships. We even cooked together, making traditional Ugali, which was such a fun experience. Seeing how students in Kenya live compared to Germany was so interesting—it’s just a completely different lifestyle.



      We also explored the streets with Vicky, and on the last night, we girls showed John just how strong women can be. Our last evening was perfect—we wrapped up our journey with a beach dinner, enjoying the sound of the waves and reflecting on everything we had experienced together.



      This program showed me that understanding other cultures doesn’t just make you more knowledgeable—it makes you more human. It challenges your perspectives, deepens your empathy, and gives you a new lens through which to see the world. I walk away from VIEL not just with new insights but with new friendships, new ways of thinking, and a real appreciation for the connections we can create, no matter the distance.

      • Evita: "The VIEL project was definitely the highlight of my entire Master's degree and I am grateful to have had this experience. "

        I am Evita, a student at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, and I successfully participated in the VIEL program that took place in the winter semester 24/25. In this report, I reflect on my experiences and insights from the program as well as the trip to Kenya, which took place from February 12 to 22, 2025.

        What is VIEL?

        VIEL stands for Virtual International Exchange and Learning and provides a platform for students to gain international experience, develop intercultural skills and interact with students from different cultures.

        Why did I choose VIEL?

        The decision to take part in the VIEL program was very important to me and was influenced by several factors. One central reason was my desire to deepen my knowledge of intercultural communication and gain an insight into other cultures. Another aspect was my aim to improve my English language skills. By interacting with international fellow students, I was able to gain more confidence in using the language.

        Virtual exchange during the semester

        As part of the project, weekly virtual meetings took place via Zoom. These meetings allowed us to get to know each other better and share different perspectives. The topics ranged from cultural traditions to current global challenges, which made the exchanges very enriching. In a WhatsApp group, we regularly exchanged pictures and updates about our daily lives, activities and traditional dishes. This encouraged personal contact and networking and made it easier to get started in Kilifi.


        Workshops

        Throughout the semester, we took part in various workshops: How to make a podcast, Intercultural aspects in communication, Video editing and Digital design with Canva. My personal highlight was the podcast, as it gave me the opportunity to get into a more personal exchange with two other VIEL students and talk about how different topics are lived by different cultures. And by the way, I also edited my first own podcast.

        The crowning glory of the project was the stay in Kilifi

        In mid-February, right after the exams, the trip finally started, full of anticipation. I can't find the right words to best describe the 10 days. Every single day was simply unique. We experienced so much in those 10 days. We experienced the university in Kenya up close, gave a German lesson, talked to schoolgirls aged 10-16 about menstruation, learned how to cook ugali at John's house, went on a safari and saw lots and lots of animals and much more. We also learned a lot of new things about the country and the people. From the fact that university lectures often don't start until 5pm because students have to go to work before then to finance their studies. It continues with the fact that sex education in schools has been banned by the government because they say that it would motivate the students to try things out rather than serve as an education. All the way down how to cook Kenyan dishes like ugali and the best technique for eating with your fingers without half of the food ending up next to your mouth.

        The VIEL project was definitely the highlight of my entire Master's degree and I am grateful to have had this experience. The stay in Kilifi was the perfect mix of cultural exchange and the warm hospitality of the locals, insights into the country and life in Kenya as well as the breathtaking nature and animals that we could experience during the safari in the Tsavo East National Park.


        DANKE!

        Many thanks to the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung for the financial support, to Sissi for her passion for all Kenya projects, to Belinda for the great organisation and for always being there to listen, to Alicia, Alex and Yvonne for running the workshops and of course to the other VIEL students for the unforgettable time and making new friends

        • Lejla: "It was fascinating to see how communication is possible even when people live far apart"

          During the VIEL semester, I had the opportunity to connect with students from different countries. Our group consisted of four students from Germany, two from Kenya, and one from Ireland. We had a weekly meeting where we could exchange ideas and learn more about each other’s cultures. I really enjoyed these conversations because they were designed to help us understand one another better. Through these discussions, I learned a lot of new things about different cultures.

          In addition to our weekly meetings, we participated in several workshops. One of the most interesting workshops was about podcast creation. We even had the chance to interview each other, which helped us connect on a deeper level. Being interviewed myself was also a unique experience. Since English was our common language, it was fascinating to see how communication is possible even when people live far apart.

          The highlight of the VIEL project was our trip to Kenya. Thanks to our regular conversations, I already had an idea of what to expect, but my expectations were exceeded. Kenya is a beautiful country with incredible nature and ancient trees that are over 100 years old. The people there are very friendly and always smiling. This is something I want to bring back to Germany—smiling more often.


          One special experience was planting trees. I had the chance to plant a mango tree, which I named "Lejla." I can’t wait to see it grow and bear fruit! Another memorable moment was visiting a primary school. The children were heartwarming, and we held a session with many female students about menstruation. We explained everything important to them, and they were very engaged and eager to learn. The teachers supported us, and at the end, we all sang together.


          Throughout this semester, I met so many amazing people from all over the world. John, a student from Kenya who was also part of the VIEL project, introduced us to Kenyan culture in a very engaging way. There are countless other special moments I could mention, but these experiences already give a good impression of how enriching this semester was.


          • Gabi: "One of my favourite parts was learning about different cultures in a real and interactive way"

            Being part of the VIEL project was such a great experience! Even though I couldn’t participate in the visit for personal reasons, I still enjoyed being involved. Our weekly meetings became something I genuinely looked forward to—they felt like a nice break from work and college, and it was always fun to connect with people from different backgrounds and share experiences.

            One of my favourite parts was learning about different cultures in a real and interactive way. At one point, we were given a traditional Kenyan recipe for a rice cake to try making ourselves. I tried it and shared it with my family, which made the experience even more special. It was such a cool way to take what we were learning beyond discussions and apply it to everyday life.

            Even though I couldn’t participate in every aspect of the project, it still impacted me. It was a chance to step outside my usual routine, meet new people, and gain perspectives that I know will stick with me long after the project ended.

            • Carol: "In a world that's getting smaller every day, understanding each other isn't a luxury, it's a necessity."

              The VIEL project? Oh, that was something else. A real tapestry woven from threads of Kenya, Ireland, and Germany! We started online, you know, those virtual meet-ups. At first, it's a bit like poking around in the dark, figuring each other out. But we shared stories, laughed, talked about our lives, and suddenly, those screens weren't just pixels anymore. We dove into workshops, learning the ropes of communication and media, all building this invisible bridge between us. We had amazing facilitators by the way!

              Then, Kenya. My colleagues' meeting! Face-to-face. Sad I missed this golden chance…but I felt so connected to every moment throughout their stay in Kenya and of course Kilifi. That’s where the magic truly ignited, as they enjoyed the coastal breeze. The photos could tell it all.

               And of course, the gifts. My generous friends brought me Germany’s finest wine…and yes, getting to taste love can never be more than anything. What really hit home was the sheer power of connecting with people from different worlds on a real, human level. Those online sessions? They weren't just meetings; they were a safe harbor, a place to ask, to learn, to genuinely understand. I had so much anticipated the physical meet-up here in Kenya though….

              Look, these kinds of exchanges? They're vital. They open your eyes, and shatter those little boxes you build around yourself. In a world that's getting smaller every day, understanding each other isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. You step out of your comfort zone, see things from a whole new angle, and question your own assumptions. It's not just book learning, it's heart learning.

              I walked away with a deep respect for the sheer richness of different cultures and the common thread of humanity that ties us all together. Empathy, communication, and keeping an open mind – those aren't just buzzwords, they're the tools you need to build real connections across any divide. These lessons? They're etched in me, shaping how I see the world. We barely scratched the surface of who we were as people. VIEL flipped that script. It showed me the power of really knowing someone, of connecting on a personal level. And after this? I believe we weren’t just a team, but a whole force bound together by something strong.


              • John: "VIEL will remain an amazing project that has changed the narrative."

                Virtual International Exchange and Learning has been an outstanding, interactive and engaging opportunity of lifetime. It signifies that indeed the world is quickly becoming a global village and there is a dire need to think, act and transact beyond borders. VIEL has been a wonderful, thought provoking and actionable experience that enriched my capacity and experience in laying and solidifying foundation for technical, and  intercultural communication. VIEL will remain to an amazing project of its kind that have change the narrative in Pwani University (Kenya), Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and University of Limerick (Ireland)

                VIEL workshops were simplified with practical examples in Karlifi platforms thus making it easy to understand key concepts such as conducting podcasts, video editing, intercultural communication. Notably, there was an integration of fun and learning which broke the monotony and boredom. I remember vividly the weekly catch meetings on every Thursday at 7 pm Kenya time and the personal stories that could spark curiosity to visit Germany and Ireland to have the experience of visiting Budapest, Munich, Dublin and Limerick. I also have fresh memories on Halloween and merry Christmas celebrations which depicted our similarities and differences in key celebrations.

                In particular, I was really fascinated in making Ireland and Germany delicacies such as the Giant Pretzel, and Ginger Bread House. Connecting and interacting with Yola, Naomie, Evita, Gabby and Leila taught me a lot for the short time we interacted in Kenya. To us, courtesy of VIEL project was an establishment of international friendships whose relationship was conceived, and solidified through our amazing interactions in weekly zoom class, Baobab Beach, Kusini Tavern and Tezo where we took many pictures  and videos for memories. I got gifts from Yola, Naomie, Leila and Evita when I hosted them at my home in Tezo, Kilifi County to learn how to prepare amaranth(mchicha) and Sima Kenyan delicacy.


                With our last workshop and weekly catch up meeting been on march 2025, I feel nostalgic that our interactions as a group will now come to an end, but I am optimistic that the lessons learnt, fun had,  lots of dancing, numerous trips in Kenya will always be part of our memories that we will live to cherish and adore.