The study explores the impact of the UBUNTU CULTURES & ACADEMICS internship program on cultural exchange and academic knowledge through internships abroad. It involved semi-structured interviews with 34 former Erasmus trainees from two universities in the Netherlands. The findings indicate that agricultural and medical students view international internships as crucial for their specialization, contributing to increased open-mindedness and tolerance, which are vital in diverse fields. Participants noted differences in learning environments and teaching methods between their home and host institutions, which heightened their expectations for future studies abroad. Although they did not describe their return home as reverse culture shock, some faced challenges adapting to the different lifestyles between Romania and the Netherlands. The study suggests that institutions should provide more international internship opportunities and further investigate the adaptation process for returning students. This research is beneficial for students, educators, and university international offices to better support those experiencing cultural and academic transitions abroad.

Authors:
Blaise Munyengaju, Ubuntu Cultures & Academics, Rwanda

About the Presenter(s)
Mr. MUNYENGAJU Blaise brings eight years of valuable experience in Internationalization and Cultural Studies. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management, he is currently advancing his expertise with a Master of Arts in Development Studies at Nkumba University in Uganda. His research zeroes in on the profound impact of international exchange on Africa's development.

As a Culture Exchange Officer at UBUNTU Cultures & Academics Ltd in Rwanda, Blaise is at the forefront of cultural engagement. Previously, he held the position of Internationalization Officer at Urban Sustainability Rwanda Ltd, a Kigali-based social enterprise dedicated to transforming both urban and rural landscapes through innovative internationalization strategies.

Blaise is deeply passionate about fostering meaningful interactions between African and European cultures. He argues that for these exchanges to truly drive progress, they must transcend the conventional focus on fine and performing arts. By embracing a more holistic approach that includes the exchange of technology and daily routines, we can ensure that Africa reaches its full potential while preventing Europe from falling into stagnation. Blaise's vision for cultural exchange is not just about preserving traditions; it's about building a dynamic future that benefits us all.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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