Topic outline

  • Round 8

    VIEL Student Experiences Summersemester 2025


    • Brenda:

      • 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: