When Mexy Ndaarero Tjiposa boarded his flight to Germany on 01 April 2024, he carried with him a mixed bag of excitement, curiosity, and a drive to make the most of this opportunity.
A final-year Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education (Honours) student at the University of Namibia, majoring in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, Mexy embarked on a 4.5-month exchange programme to Pädagogische Hochschule Weingarten (PH Weingarten) in Germany.
For Mexy, the experience was transformative. “Studying in a developed country like Germany was a dream come true,” he shared. “The teaching methods and practices I observed will definitely influence how I contribute to education back home in Namibia.”
The exchange programme, fully funded by the Baden-Württemberg scholarship, eased financial burdens, allowing Mexy to focus entirely on his studies and the rich cultural experiences awaiting him. “The scholarship support was invaluable,” Mexy noted. “It covered my daily needs and gave me the freedom to engage myself in both academic pursuits and the vibrant life of Weingarten.”
Interning in a different educational setting
One of the most memorable aspects of his stay was the internship at a local school. Mexy was welcomed into German classrooms, where he gained hands-on teaching experience and observed innovative learning techniques. “It was amazing to interact with learners in a completely different educational setting,” he said. “The methods they use are practical and engaging, and I plan to adapt some of these ideas when I teach in Namibia.”
Despite being thousands of kilometres from home, Mexy felt warmly embraced by the faculty and staff at PH Weingarten. “The lecturers and international office staff treated me like family,” he reflected. “Their kindness made the transition into a new culture so much easier and more enjoyable.”
Living in Weingarten also offered Mexy the chance to explore the surrounding areas and immerse himself in German culture. From the serene, peaceful environment ideal for studying to the friendships he built, every moment added to his personal growth. “I made connections I will treasure for a lifetime,” Mexy said. “This experience has truly shaped who I am today.”
As Mexy looks back on his exchange journey, he acknowledges the vital role UNAM played in making it a reality. “The University of Namibia’s global connections opened this door for me,” he emphasised. “This experience made me appreciate UNAM’s commitment to empowering students and providing us with opportunities to thrive.”
Mexy’s story is a testament to the value of student exchange programmes. They offer not only academic enrichment but also personal transformation and cultural understanding. For students contemplating such opportunities, Mexy has one piece of advice: “If you ever have the chance to go on an exchange programme, take it. You’ll return not just a better student, but a more open-minded, well-rounded person – ready to make a difference.”
Through initiatives like these, UNAM continues to demonstrate its dedication to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and global perspective needed to excel in an interconnected world.
