Topic outline

  • Round 8

    VIEL Student Experiences Summersemester 2025


    • Brenda: " I now understand that global learning is about empathy, respect, and shared growth. "

      Acknowledgment

      I sincerely thank Pwani University, the University of Limerick, and Hochschule Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences for giving me the opportunity to be part of the Virtual International Exchange and Learning (VIEL) program. I also appreciate the coordinators and facilitators for their guidance throughout the sessions, and my fellow participants for their collaboration and kindness. Their support made this journey memorable and impactful.

      Objectives

      When I joined the program, I set out to:

      • Develop creative digital media and communication skills.
      • Engage in meaningful cross-cultural learning.
      • Strengthen my teamwork, leadership, and presentation skills.
      • Expand my global awareness and personal growth.

      Activities and Learning Experiences

      Every week, I joined interactive online sessions that blended group discussions, digital media training, and cultural exchange. I immersed myself in learning tools like CapCut, Audacity, and Canva, which we used to create digital stories and media projects. These activities sharpened my creativity and helped me communicate ideas visually and effectively.

      One of the most exciting parts of the program was our safari experience. Meeting my virtual teammates in person for the first time was unforgettable. We laughed, shared stories, and strengthened friendships that had started online. That moment reminded me that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms, it happens in connection, shared laughter, and new experiences.

      Skills and Knowledge Gained

      During the exchange, I improved my ability to design and edit digital content using CapCut, Audacity, and Canva. I learned to apply color theory and visual design principles in presentations. Working with people from different cultures taught me how to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and stay adaptable. I also became more disciplined in managing time and balancing my Master’s research work with program activities.

      Challenges and How I Overcame Them

      Balancing my research workload with the weekly VIEL sessions was sometimes challenging. There were moments I felt stretched, but I learned to prioritize my tasks and manage time more efficiently. The encouragement I received from my peers and facilitators helped me stay committed. This experience strengthened my perseverance and reminded me that growth often happens outside our comfort zones.

      Cultural Insights

      The cultural exchange was one of my favorite parts of the program.
      From Germany, I learned that punctuality isn’t just a habit, it’s a lifestyle. Germans value structure, order, and precision, but they also have a light sense of humor that shines once you get to know them. Their fast-paced walk became a funny memory we all shared. The Germany students would even walk fast when going to bed.

      From Ireland, I experienced warmth and friendliness. Irish people are polite, cheerful, and community-oriented. I even learned a fun fact, there are no snakes in Ireland because, as legend says, Saint Patrick chased them away.

      Through these cultural interactions, I came to appreciate the beauty of diversity and how it enriches learning. The thoughtful gifts exchanged at the end of the program reflected the genuine friendships we built.

      Personal Reflection and Impact

      Looking back, the VIEL program transformed the way I view learning and collaboration. I became more confident in expressing my thoughts, more open-minded about cultural differences, and more appreciative of teamwork. The friendships I built made this journey truly special.

      When the program ended, I felt emotional but fulfilled, I had not only gained skills but also lifelong connections. I now understand that global learning is about empathy, respect, and shared growth. If given another chance, I would gladly participate again

      Conclusion

      The Virtual International Exchange and Learning (VIEL) program was an unforgettable journey of growth and discovery. It expanded my academic horizons, strengthened my digital and communication skills, and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity. The experience combined learning, laughter, and friendship, and it continues to inspire me to think globally and act collaboratively in everything I do.

      • Omondi: "...what I will take away from Project VIEL, it will be the appreciation of the diversity of culture across the globe, an enhanced understanding of my own culture"

        The VIEL semester, being a virtual cultural exchange, took place mostly online through zoom meetings on appointed dates and times. Generally speaking, the semester went well and learning proceeded without any problems. We attended various workshops in which we learnt new skills such as how to make a podcast and how to create and edit videos. In some workshops we also learnt about the different aspects of our different cultures. The workshops were accompanied by tasks and assignments that were both challenging and interesting thus enhancing learning. 

        Over the semester we held weekly meetings every Thursday from 7pm to 8pm EAT as the VIEL Round 8 Students. In these meetings we shared our daily experiences, the things we had been up to, the things we like and the things we like to do and sometimes we played games or other group activities which helped us learn a lot about our different countries and cultures as well as the things we had in common. The informal attitude of these weekly meetings particularly helped me to ‘loosen up’ and interact with the others freely and it made the meetings all the more enjoyable. 

        On September 22, 2025, my fellow students arrived in Kenya for their short stay. We first met at Pwani University Campus where Mwaka and I took them on a brief tour around campus. Afterwards, we shared snacks, gifts and conversation. This one on one interaction felt much better than the virtual versons, as good as they were. Over the course of the week we visited various places around Kilifi. 
        The nex day, after having lunch at Bahari Restaurant, overlooking the creek and Kilifi Bridge, we went to Vidazini beach where we explored the beach, drank madafu and watched the tide return. On another ocassion, we went on a sunset boat ride where we sailed into the Kilifi Creek as the captain pointed out interesting facts about this and that along the way. He showed us an island where supposedly thousands of bee eater birds nested for the night and indeed we saw them swarm to the island toward sunset. The sunset was a sight to behold – I remeber quiet splashes on the water, an orange-red hosrizon and a faint rainbow specturum spread across the sky and just before the sun went down, I caught sight of a thin silver crescent, just above the horizon, shimmering in the fading daylight. I was very happy to see everyone happy in that moment. 


        We also went on a two-day safari to Tsavo East where we got to see 4 of the famous Big 5. On the way to Tsavo East, the tour guide, Mr. James, was kind enough to share information about places and things we passed along the way. During the game drive, Mr. James was aslo very helpful in spotting the animals and telling us interesting facts about the animals. Some animals we saw include elephants, buffalo, antelopes, impalas, lions, ostriches, even the elusive leopard was spotted. I was particularly impressed with the crescent eagle as Eileen was thrilled to see giraffes. 



        The short stay culminated in an event held at The Terrace on September 28, 2025. The event was attended by the VIEL program organisers, coordinators and instructors as well as VIEL students and alumni in Kenya. Here, we shared one last meal together. This event was quite relaxed, we conversed openly and enjoyed each other’s company as we had become quite familiar during the visit. At this event we made presentations about the short stay and our experience of the VIEL program. Afterwards we received Certificates for completion of the project.

         

        As to what I will take away from Project VIEL, it will be the appreciation of the diversity of culture across the globe, an enhanced understanding of my own culture and not to mention the technical skills acquired over the course of the semester e.g. graphic design, audio editing, intercultural communication etc. which have expanded my skillset for work and study. I will also take with me new found friendships that I will always keep dear.

        • Eileen: "I will always cherish this semester, the other students I met, and the project."

          Honestly, I don't know where to begin. This semester and the VIEL project far exceeded my expectations. When I applied, I must admit that I didn't have high expectations. I thought we would learn a little about podcasting, communication, and videography, and have the chance to connect with students from Ireland and Kenya. However, I never imagined that it would result in a wonderful friendship that I want to continue after the semester and the trip.

          But let's start at the beginning. Shortly after the introductory event, where we met people connected to the VIEL project, we started the weekly meetings and workshops.

          Since I already had a bachelor's degree in communication studies, I was familiar with the material covered in the workshops. Nevertheless, it was nice to see others who hadn't really come into contact with the subject before show interest in it and want to learn about it.

          The weekly meetings quickly became a welcome break from our otherwise hectic daily lives. They gave us the opportunity to get to know each other and learn about the other students before meeting in person. I learned a lot about Kenyan culture and realized that Ireland and Germany are more similar than I had previously thought. Despite all the meetings and conversations, however, I still had a few preconceptions about Kenyan and Irish culture. As it turned out later, however, these disappeared in no time as soon as we all met in person.

          The trip to Kenya was, of course, the highlight of the semester. To this day, I rave about it, describing it as "incredible" and "the most valuable trip I've ever taken" whenever anyone asks me about it. Contrary to my expectations, we all hit it off right from the start, even though we had only seen each other a few times on Zoom beforehand. Thanks to Brenda and Omondi, we not only got to know the tourist side of Kenya but also gained genuine and valuable insights into Kenyan culture and life there.

          I was able to freely ask all my questions and address any topic that came to mind without worrying about how others might react. My preconceptions, shaped by Western media, quickly faded. From the very first moment, I felt welcome and comfortable — feelings that I had been denied on other trips.


          I could rave about this experience forever, but the bottom line is clear: I will always cherish this semester, the other students I met, and the project. I will look back on it with joy for many years to come. I will gladly tell anyone who asks about my trip to Kenya and encourage them to experience this beautiful country for themselves.

          A simple "thank you" is not enough to express how grateful I am.

          That's why I say: Asante sana! Go raibh maith agat!



          May we meet again!

          • Sarina: "...it gave me a whole new perspective on so many levels, and I can benefit a lot from that!"

            VIEL – the Acronym for Virtual International Exchange and Learning – builds the German word for “a lot” – and the VIEL project indeed was and meant A LOT!

            Lots of interesting people, delicious Swahili food and cultural exchange.
            Lots of new impressions, experiences, and memories.

            It was an amazing opportunity to get to know new people form different cultures around the globe and to practically experience cultural diversity.

            During the semester we already got to know each other virtually in weekly online meetings, especially the interviews we did in advance helped to build a connection.
            So, I was very excited to meet everyone in person, and I was really surprised to see how we immediately got along so well. During the short term stay we built an even deeper connection by spending time together and sharing incredible experiences like a sunset cruise and even a safari tour! But to be honest, I couldn’t even choose a highlight, because there were just so many of them.

            We got the chance to talk about our daily lives, our countries and cultures, our hopes and dreams, about our experiences and learnings, about perspectives on the world and on life… I was also very excited to find out about shared interests and hobbies and got inspired by the thoughts and ideas we exchanged.
            I learned a lot about Kenya, Ireland, and even Germany, improved my communication and language skills, and gained practical experience in interacting with different cultures, but it also gave me a whole new perspective on so many levels, and I can benefit a lot from that!


            My heart is filled with all these beautiful moments and inspiring conversations with the group and other students and locals. I will also keep in mind the beautiful colours of the sunsets and the ocean, the taste of the fruits and Swahili dishes, the German class at Pwani University, the tuk tuk drives, the cute elephants and zebras and how sad it was to say goodbye in the end…

            So, I hope that I get the chance to come back one day to visit the lovely people that I met, the new friends I made… and of course my mango tree! 

            I am truly grateful for this opportunity. A special thanks goes to Sissi and Belinda for making this possible!

            VIELen Dank! Asante sana! Thank you so much!

            • Rapaela: "The VIEL program has truly been an enriching and inspiring journey that I will always remember."

              As a masterʼs student in Communication and Media Management, I was very excited to take part in the last round of the VIEL program. I had heard many positive things about it from friends who had participated in previous years. Their stories about cultural exchange, teamwork, and personal growth really inspired me, and I knew I wanted to be part of it too. I have always been passionate about traveling and learning about different cultures, so joining this program felt like the perfect opportunity to do that in a more meaningful way.

              Throughout the semester, we had weekly online meetings and stayed connected through a WhatsApp group. I really enjoyed our conversations and felt that, over time, we got to know each other quite well. I learned a lot about Kenyan and irish cultures, traditions, and languages. Of course, there were some challenges too - sometimes the meetings were quiet, especially after a long day, and the internet connection didnʼt always make things easy. But overall, we had fun together, played games, and learned a lot from one another.

              The workshops were an interesting part of the project, even though for me, with my background in communication and media, much of the content was familiar. Still, I particularly enjoyed the creative elements, such as the podcast project and the video workshop. Interviewing someone and then editing the audio afterwards was a valuable experience. I also appreciated how everyone approached the video project differently. It showed how creativity and cultural perspectives influence communication styles.

              One of the things I liked most about the program was how our group grew closer over time. By the end of the virtual phase, it felt like we already knew each other quite well, which made the in-person meeting in Kenya feel warm and welcoming. Meeting face-to-face removed the virtual barrier and made it much easier to communicate and connect naturally. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to spend time together, and the group dynamic was great.


              The trip to Kenya itself was definitely a highlight. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but in a very positive way. Iʼll never forget moments like planting a tree on the farm, going on safari with the whole group, or the boat trip. The food was delicious, the people were so open and kind, and the weather was amazing. It was a truly unforgettable experience.


              One thing I found especially interesting was how much I learned, not only about Kenyan and Irish cultures, but also about my own, during the exchange. Talking about our backgrounds made me reflect on what it means to be German and how others see us. That was both surprising and insightful.

              What I will take away from the VIEL project are many positive memories, valuable international friendships, and a sense of both personal and professional growth. I am very thankful for this opportunity, for the experiences I had, and for the amazing people I met along the way. The VIEL program has truly been an enriching and inspiring journey that I will always remember.

              • Luke: “VIEL was about simple, undefined connection that we will carry in our hearts for a long time.”

                I remember feeling slightly sceptical when my lecturer from the University of Limerick first informed me about the VIEL program. I had never heard about an exchange program that takes place primarily online. It strook me as an unusual concept, and I was close to dismissing the idea of taking part right off the bat.

                However, I am so grateful that I didn’t. VIEL turned out to be a deeply grounding and unique experience, that will stay with me for life.

                Meeting my fellow Kenyan and German peers through weekly Zoom meetings became one of the favourite parts of my routine. At first, it was intimidating to introduce myself to a bunch of new faces from different cultures through a screen. But, with the informal and casual vibe that Belinda and Alicia instilled in the meetings, it became so easy to share personal insights about my life, and my perspectives. For me, it shows that cultural exchange doesn’t need to be a “formal” endeavour, defined by heated debates and academic lectures. It can be something casual and carefree – a joke about the Irish weather, or a recommendation for a delicious Kenyan dish.

                This sense of casual cultural exchange only became more wholesome when we all met in person. We immediately connected like some old friends, perhaps meeting for a coffee after years of being lost ships in the night - however, this time we were in an airport! I remember feeling so wrecked when I arrived, but everyone immediately greeted me with the kindness of open arms. Also, I suppose I wasn’t as tired as Eileen and Raphaela who had just ran a half-marathon!

                Even though I’m straying from the point, I believe this is what VIEL is all about. The small things. The simple conversations that come and go. The laughter and the tears. The planting of a mango tree in a garden at the corner of a Kenyan meadow. The delicate basket woven with love and with weathered hands. The shared experiences that will stay with us across borders even as we wave goodbye.


                I could talk about what we did specifically each day in Kenya, but for me, VIEL wasn’t so much about details. It was about simple, undefined connection that we will carry in our hearts for a long time.

                Thank you so much to Sissi, Belinda, Yvonne and everyone else that made this experience possible! Go raibh maith agaibh!