Topic outline

  • Round 4

    VIEL Student Experiences Summersemester 2023


    • Neil:

      During my Bachelor studies I spent six months on exchange in the USA which was an amazing experience. Twenty-five years later, as a Masters student with a family and a fulltime job, an exchange like that just isn’t an option anymore but when I heard about VIEL it sounded like an excellent alternative. One of my friends also took part in VIEL the previous semester and raved about the experience so for me that sealed the deal.

      The program offered a great opportunity to take part in additional workshops for practical skills like podcast and video production, and more theoretical topics like the meanings of colours and signs across cultures. We even had a lesson in how to cook some traditional Kenyan dishes!

      Through the WhatsApp group and the weekly Zoom meetings I really got to know my fellow participants which was great, and I think especially good for Limerick students because most of us are distance learners. We don’t often get to meet people from our own course and now we even know students from Germany and Kenya! Belinda definitely deserves thanks for organising the group and keeping us talking.


      Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to join the group for the trip to Karlsruhe but judging by the photos and what I heard afterwards, everyone had a great time. Each new post on Instagram made me more and more jealous that I couldn’t be there! I will keep in touch with my fellow participants and hopefully manage to meet up with them sometime in the future too.

      I would recommend the VIEL program to anyone who is interested. If you are in your final semester like I was, be aware that the video task might take some time, but it was fun to do and worth it too. All in all, I am grateful to Yvonne for allowing me to participate and Sissi and Belinda for organising such a great experience. Thanks also to Alex, Rukiya, Farina and Edith for their workshops too.

      • Linda:

        As VIEL is a virtual exchange I had no idea what to expect but, in a world where the possibility to study and work entirely remotely is creating lots of amazing new opportunities, I was intrigued by what might be involved in this tri-national project.

        The VIEL program is innovative, educational, and very rewarding but most importantly it is also really fun! Our weekly Zoom chats offered a nice break from the stress of working and studying, we exchanged stories about ourselves, our cultures, and what we had been up to during the week. It was like sitting down for a coffee with old friends. These meetings quickly became a highlight of my week, even if Neil never did remember to bring the biscuits! We also have a WhatsApp group where we swap jokes, cultural titbits and pictures of our daily lives. It’s oddly entertaining to see what other people around the world are really eating on a normal day, not just the typical staged Instagram photos.


        The VIEL exchange is also hugely beneficial for both professional and personal development. The workshops and assignments are very well organised and thought out. For the first project, we were put into pairs to record getting-to-know-you interviews and then edit the recording into a podcast. It was a great introduction to podcasting and a fantastic way to build bonds within the group. Making the podcast was so fun and then listening to what the others had created was amazing, I learned about my fellow exchange students and about different podcasting styles.
        We also did workshops on intercultural communication, non-verbal communication, and visualisation, which are all very relevant to our field of study and the world we live in. It was fascinating to learn about how emojis can be interpreted and have conflicting meanings in different cultures and even between different generations. I also particularly enjoyed the workshop on video editing as this was a skill I had been hoping to develop. The “A Day In My Life” video assignment was especially fun, and it was really entertaining to see what the others had created, as everyone took a different approach. The workload is very manageable, and the deadlines are generous and flexible. Above all, I loved how practical the workshops and assignments were, I developed some really useful skills that will be invaluable to me in my career.

        Although VIEL is a virtual exchange we had the opportunity to meet face-to-face in Germany in May. The week in Karlsruhe was obviously a highlight of the whole experience. It was amazing to meet someone in person for the first time and feel like you are already friends. The week was packed with educational and fun activities. We travelled to Stuttgart to visit the BWS offices and we attended a Tekom conference hosted by the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. We also had time to explore beautiful Karlsruhe together, visit the castle and the museums, try new foods and I even got to perfect my photography skills – special thanks to Donald for being such an inspiring model!


        I am so glad I took part in the VIEL exchange, it was a very enriching experience. I gained new skills, learned a lot about both German and Kenyan cultures, and made fantastic new friendships.

        • Pamela:

          ‘VIEL such a distinctive and stimulative programme’

          I was elevated to have a chance to participate in such a distinctive and stimulated programme. It provided me with a platform for learning intercultural skills, communication and valuable experiences. When Edith our coordinator at Pwani University explained to me about VIEL, I got interested because to me, it sounded more of diversity something I love. My desire to learn and understand different cultures and how they vary from one group to another is what motivated me to participate in VIEL. I met and interacted with great friends from Pwani University, Karlsruhe University of applied science (Germany) and University of Limerick (Ireland). In our first group meeting, we introduced ourselves and got to know one another.

           We then had our first workshop which was about how to make a podcast by Dr Yvonne.  At first, it was difficult for me to make the podcast because audacity, the software that we were to use gave me problems to install. However, after trying for sometimes it worked and I was so happy that it did. The recording became so easy and interesting. We were later paired for assignments. I was first paired with Linda from Limerick University and made a podcast where she interviewed me on the typical Kenyan dishes and the traditions surrounding those dishes. I was also paired with Alicia, whom I interviewed on the challenges we face from climate change and some possible solutions to curb them. The second workshop was on intercultural communication, where we learned a lot from the diverse cultures as we come from different cultural groups. We also had our third workshop on video editing.

          After the video editing workshop was when the Kenyan team was supposed to go to Germany, a visit I was really looking forward to. This sounded so special to me for I was eager to meet my newly founded friends face to face but guess what? It remained a dream. It never happened. The German embassy denied me a visa. Thanks to Edith, she honestly tried to follow up the issue by sending emails to the embassy, but they remained adamant. However, even if I didn’t make it there, it was not much difference as my friends kept on updating me on the day’s events they even sent me some beautiful pictures which really kept me updated. I also got some wonderful gifts from Linda and Belinda, Dr Rukia, and Dr Munyaya. I felt so much appreciated, and at the same time proud of being in a group of friends that are caring. Not only that, but I was also given VIEL certificate, which is going to serves as evidence that I can work with minimal difficulties in the global environment. For sure, I made the best decision to join VIEL Programme.

           

          The last workshop was on visualization where I learnt the effects of colours and their meanings, effects and efficiency of shapes, graphics and images in communication. Finally, we had our final meeting with Prof Sissi and Belinda where each one of us was supposed to showcase one of their assignments, which we did.

          Our workshops used to take place on Thursdays at 11am Irish time, 12pm German time and 1pm Kenyan time. There were also some regular meetings held once a week (Wednesdays). I loved attending these meetings, for it felt like a therapy section to me. We shared life experiences, week experiences, cracked some jokes, laughed together and also discussed our progress in the programme. Meeting and interacting with new people has always been my desire as a way to challenge and expand my cultural Knowledge. Being an MA Philosophy student, taking part in VIEL programme has allowed me to gain new innovative ideas especially from making podcast and video editing. Through VIEL, a distinctive and stimulative programme, we shared valuable experiences that if well utilized will not only enrich our lives but also broaden our horizon.

           I am deeply indebted at heart to Prof Siss, Belinda and Edith for allowing me to be part of VIEL 2023. With special appreciation I acknowledge the company of the entire VIEL group 2023 Linda, Neil, Don, Alicia, and Marvin for we had a journey together. Asante… Danke… Thank You!

          • Donald:

            Being part of the VIEL Round 4 class has been one of the major highlights of my year. For me, the desire to be part of the project was triggered long before joining Pwani University as a member of staff in 2020.  I happened to witness some of my close acquittances get the opportunity to travel to Germany, which at the time seemed unimaginable. Regardless of the project they were under at the time, their endeavor planted a seed of desire to want to be part of such a big deal project that exposed students to the rest of the world.

            Long story short, I pursued Edith Miano on how I could be part of Project VIEL and Viola! I joined. I honestly feel like I’m still part of a global network of individuals eager for more inter-cultural exchange as well as the need to explore and harness the skills learnt throughout project.

            I will briefly explore my experience in the following spheres:

            The Classes

            What I liked about the project is the unique classes or lessons, they are different from what we are used. The classes are formulated to impart both knowledge and skills, which are more memorable and useful for the students. Through learning various things such intercultural aspects in communication, how to create a podcast, video editing and visualization basics, a student gains impactful skill to use in his everyday life or even generate income.  

            In fact, we were each able to complete a podcast and create a video on “A Day in My Life”, as part of our assignment. Though challenging, the entire process was fun and provided an excellent opportunity practice the skills learnt. I’m super proud of myself and my fellow Round 4 students including Linda, Neil, Marvin, Pamela, and Alicia for being up to the task and delivering excellent work on every assignment tasked. Bravo!

            The Coordination

            You got to give Belinda a round of applause for the brilliant coordination. She ensured we stayed as connected and interactive as possible. We had a WhatsApp group dedicated to the cohort, whereby members shared pieces of their personal lives such as breakfast photos. We also had weekly Zoom meetings where we would engage on a more interpersonal level as just students. Although I didn’t manage to attend several of the sessions, the few that I did, were fun since it was possible to see the face behind each name.

            Other than that, the platform proved quite resourceful when it came to communicating updates for the class sessions and Zoom meeting links conveniently.

            The Trip to Germany

            To save the best for last; the trip to Germany became a reality. Before that happened, the bureaucracy involved in passport application, the delays, and Visa processing almost killed my hopes. Luckily, everything worked out fine and we travelled safely in the company of Prof. Mutiti, Dr. Munyaya, and Mr. Alex Muthanga. What an experience!

            Away from the culture shock, particularly with the efficient German transportation system, I was in awe with the beauty of Karlsruhe. The people there were also friendly and hospitable, it is as if we were still in Kilifi. I spared no minute in indulging with the culture there since it was a short stay. As they say, when in Rome…. Luckily for me and the rest, the itinerary for that week was filled with exciting activities, again thanks to the great coordination.


            We visited the wine city, Landau and hiked through the vineyard while sipping some exquisite German wine of course! Along the way we had the opportunity of playing some games, which helped in breaking the ice and made the interaction more fun. Special thanks go to Nina and Tina for the wonderful experience.


            We also dined in various restaurants in Karlsruhe, which game me the opportunity to try various delicacies including the Turkish Yufka. Before we closed the curtains on the German trip, our Karlsruhe hosts (Belinda Oechsler, Farina Ebel, Alicia, and my brother from the motherland, Marvin Kojo) made sure we had a special dinner specially for students. That was quite a farewell! Thanks guys.


            Would I do it again?

            I definitely would!

            Would you recommend anyone to join the project?

            With such a wonderful experience, I would recommend anyone to be part of the Project and any other endeavor backed by Prof, Sissi and Ms. Belinda. Take it from me, when it comes to VIEL, you not only learn new and useful skills but you feel and become the experience. “VIEL is a transformative way of learning with no boundaries”

            • Marvin:

              It all began when I heard about an informational event for an intriguing "Kenya Project" at the start of the winter semester in 2022/2023. At that time, I had no knowledge of Project VIEL, let alone the Pwani University, Kilifi, or the involvement of the University of Limerick.
              Curiosity led me to attend the informational event to find out more about this "Kenya Project". During the event, Professor Closs and Belinda Oechsler presented the Project "Virtual International Exchange and Learning" (VIEL) and explained how the three participating universities collaborated and how the project came to existence.
              Mrs. Closs was the mastermind behind it all, even securing funding from the Baden Württemberg Foundation. I was thrilled to learn that two students from each semester would be admitted to participate in this hybrid (online and on-site) project, and I immediately signed up for the summer semester of 2023.
              One of the motivating factors for my participation was the opportunity for intercultural exchange. I have always enjoyed learning about different cultures in our world, and Project VIEL provided the perfect platform. Additionally, with my own African heritage, the project held double interest for me.

              In March 2023, the eagerly awaited VIEL semester finally commenced. Via Zoom, the newly formed summer semester group, consisting of Linda and Neil from the University of Limerick in Ireland, Pamela and Donald from Pwani University in Kilifi, Kenya, and Alicia and myself from the University of Applied Sciences Karlsruhe in Germany, got to know each other.
              Belinda, along with Professor Closs, who organized and supervised the project, facilitated regular Zoom sessions. A relaxed atmosphere quickly developed, and everyone got along very well.
              We established a weekly evening talk where we discussed various topics, such as our current lives, studies, recent cooking adventures, and planned activities with friends. It was a delight to witness the convergence of life realities from different corners of the globe and listen to each other's stories.

              In addition to the Zoom sessions, we had a WhatsApp group where we shared pictures, handled organizational matters, and continued the conversations that started on Zoom. This exchange was always refreshing and enjoyable.
              The educational aspect of the project included four online lectures throughout the semester. These lectures, covering culture, communication, and media production, were delivered by professors from the three participating universities, providing us with valuable knowledge.
              For instance, we learned how to produce a podcast where we interviewed one of the other VIEL students in a conversational format. I had the pleasure of interviewing Donald, a student from Kilifi, and we conducted the interview via video call. Through the podcast production process, I got to know Donald better and learned about his daily life in Kilifi, as well as his personal preferences and interests. Recording and editing the podcast was an enjoyable experience, and I am pleased with the final result. Other lecture topics included traditional Kenyan dishes and their preparation, the Swahili language, and video post-production techniques. It was great fun to learn new things about all these topics.
              As the online exchange continued, the culturally diverse group gradually grew closer. Then, in May, the highlight of the VIEL semester arrived. The Pwani University students, accompanied by some professors from Kilifi, Linda from Ireland, and one of her professors, visited the University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe.
              The visit lasted about a week and consisted of a packed schedule of excursions and meetings. For example, we explored Karlsruhe, and I had the pleasure of introducing the Kenyan students to the city, which was great fun.


              We got along just as well in person as we did virtually, and the friendships that began to form online continued to grow in real life. On a sunny day, we went on a wine hike in the nearby Palatinate region (“Pfalz”), indulging in traditional Palatinate Wines and laughing together. We played games and engaged in lively conversations in the vineyards of the town Landau. We also attended a local folk festival, making the experience truly enjoyable.


              Another excursion took us to Stuttgart, where we visited the Baden-Württemberg Foundation, mentioned earlier as the project's sponsor and funder. We engaged in discussions with the officials, attended presentations, addressed open questions, and explored the future collaboration between the participating universities. It was a memorable day.
              An important aspect of the Kenyan and Irish visitors' stay was the culinary experience. In Karlsruhe, we dined together on traditional German food at the "Badisch Brauhaus," enjoying dishes such as roasts, schnitzels, potatoes, and regional beer. Donald, in particular, seemed highly enthusiastic about German brewing craftsmanship. Rightfully so, I think.
              On the final day, a conference hosted by the German Society for Technical Communication (“tekom”) took place at the University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe. The visiting Kenyan lecturers also gave presentations, and additional speakers from across Europe were invited. The event facilitated broad exchanges on topics related to media and communication.
              Looking back, the visit from the project participants in Kenya and Ireland was a highlight of my whole study career. Although their visit was relatively short, it provided me with valuable insights and wonderful memories.

              An eye-opening and transformative experience

              In September 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to go on a journey to Kilifi, Kenya, organized by the VIEL Project. I was accompanied by Alicia, Belinda, Professor Closs, and my fellow student, Lenz, who was planning to visit Kenyan students for his thesis project. Our stay in Kenya turned out to be an eye-opening and transformative experience.
              The moment we landed at Mombasa Airport and drove through the Kenyan countryside towards the coast, I was overwhelmed: "Wow. I'm actually here. Right in the heart of Africa. Experiencing all of this for real." Everything was entirely different from Germany: the vegetation, the infrastructure, daily life, and the people. But different in an incredibly impressive way. Despite the noticeable economic disparities between Germany and Kenya, I couldn't help but feel the warmth, openness, hospitality, and genuine welcome from the Kenyan people. I truly felt embraced and accepted. We visited Pwani University in Kilifi almost every day, where our VIEL exchange students, Donald and Pamela, were studying. Meeting these familiar faces with whom we had built relationships online and in Karlsruhe was fantastic. The atmosphere at the university, filled with motivated and dedicated students, left a lasting impression on me.


              Being located on the coast, beach visits were a regular part of our days. White sand, bright sunshine, and clear warm seawater made it incredibly enjoyable. And let's not forget the fresh coconuts, adding sweetness to our time there. Speaking of culinary experiences, the food in Kenya was phenomenal. We bravely explored various local restaurants, tasting a wide array of traditional dishes, thanks to our Kenyan VIEL friends who introduced us to their favorite spots.


              A highlight for Alicia, Lenz, and me was the safari adventure in the Kenyan savannas! For nearly four days, we traveled with a safari ranger through three different national parks, encountering a variety of wildlife – antelopes, giraffes, elephants, and yes, even lions up close. This safari experience, witnessing the wildest nature, filled me with deep reverence for nature. Conversations with our ranger about climate change and its visible effects in parts of the national parks strengthened my determination to contribute more to preserving our climate and the environment. Our activities also included a "Sunset Boat Tour" on the waters around Kilifi with all our new friends, exploring the city life of Kilifi, and visiting a garden project led by Professor Closs. The project supported young women, providing them protection, assistance, and employment.


              In summary, my time in Kenya was the perfect finale of my entire VIEL Project experience. It was a journey that changed and expanded my perspective in numerous ways. I am grateful for every experience I had in Kenya and will miss all my Kenyan friends dearly. Hopefully, we'll meet again soon – whether in Karlsruhe or Kilifi, that remains to be seen. 
              The entire VIEL semester was an incredibly enriching experience. Being part of this project and engaging in open and friendly exchanges with fellow students across countries and cultures was truly remarkable. In my opinion, strong acquaintances were formed, if not friendships, and I intend to maintain contact and continue the exchange.
              I am open to further participation in the VIEL project and any subsequent endeavors, playing a role in sustaining intercultural exchange between Kenya, Ireland, and Germany, as well as the three partner universities. Projects like VIEL are crucial as they offer new perspectives and enable us to broaden our horizons. I believe it is essential to look beyond our own borders and continuously learn, and that was my motivation for participating, which I do not regret at all. To quote Alexander Humboldt, "The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world." Let us remain open to other cultures and engage in fruitful exchanges.

              • Alicia: I am convinced that you learn the most when you talk and interact with other

                I heard from friends who had previously participated in the VIEL project what a great experience the project was. After talking with them, there were no reasons for me not to apply - but countless reasons to do!

                In our first online meeting I met the other participants: Linda and Neil from the University of Limerick, Pamela and Donald from the Pwani University and Marvin from University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe. A bit reserved at first, we warmed up to each other in weekly meetings over the time. I always looked forward to the meetings and was excited to hear what the others had to tell about their every day lifes. The exchange was so friendly and it seemed to me that it was the most normal thing to make friends across continents.

                Every few weeks, short workshops were held by one of the three participating universities. The workshops were as varied and exciting as the whole VIEL project itself. We talked about the cultures and I learned a lot about Kenya and the traditional food. I especially enjoyed the workshops in which we were allowed to be creative. At the beginning of the VIEl project we were able to talk to each other in podcasts and get to know each other better. Some of the podcasts were funny and others were more serious and gave knowledge about the different cultures of the participants. While we talked about our daily lifes each week, it was even more exciting to follow the others in their lives for a day in our videos. We may live hundreds and thousands of miles away from each other, but this allowed us to have a look in each other's lifes.

                Unlike in the VIEL rounds before, the participants from Kenya and Limerick visited us in Karlsruhe, Germany this round. The last Sunday in April was the day - all participants met for the first time in Karlsruhe and visited the city. The next day the Irish and Kenyans were lovingly introduced to German culture with a hike to celebrate the first of May. We hiked together packed with backpacks full of food and of course German wine through the vineyards in the Palatinate. We got to know each other better in the vineyards during small sports activities and games and laughed a lot together. The hike ended at a traditional german folk festival in Landau. While the day was full of sunshine, in the evening we went home in the rain, exhausted but happy.


                On Friday, a final conference organized by tekom took place. At the conference professors from the University of Limerick, Pwani University and the University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe gave exciting presentations. We also got an insight into the new course of studies at pwani university, which is organized together with the other universities.

                With the end of the conference the official part of the visit ended. In the afternoon we received our certificates in a small beer garden while having a drink and recalling the experiences of the last days. But we couldn't and didn't want to say goodbye to each other yet and planned to have a last typical german meal in a brewery in the evening. This evening there was a lot of laughter. Of course, we all decided that we would meet each other again one day - but then in one of the other countries.


                The VIEL project also allowed me to travel to Kenya in September 2023 and meet the other participants from Kenya in person. Thanks to the project, we were warmly welcomed by the others. I have never learned so much about a culture and about the country in such a short time. It was amazing to talk to all the students and local people and experience the country together. Through the exchange you were never alone. There was always someone to share food with or talk about the similarities and differences of our cultures.


                A special experience for me was to visit the Pwani University in Kilifi. There, a similar master's program to mine has just started. We were able to participate in classes with the students on site. It was a lot of fun to exchange ideas with the students, to stroll around the campus and to go out to eat together during the lunch break or in the evening.


                Lastly I loved spending time on the beach in Kilifi. Kenya is such a beautiful country and I was able to see some more of it on a safari, which was amazing. All in all I would definitely like to travel to Kenya again one day and see my new friends there again!


                The time in the VIEL project went by too fast. By the time we all really got to know each other, the project was already over. It's even nicer that we're all connected online and can continue to follow our lifes on social media and stay in touch. Without the VIEL project I would never have had such an opportunity. I was able to learn an incredible amount about the cultures of the other countries and more importantly about the people who live there. I am convinced that you learn the most when you talk and interact with each other. The exchange was great and I really enjoyed being part of the VIEL project. I am thankful for the experience and for the people I have met.