Windhoek: The University of Oulu in Finland has expressed high praise for its ongoing student exchange program with the University of Namibia (UNAM), highlighting the significant benefits of cultural and educational exchanges. The collaborative initiative, which began in 2021, aims at co-designing solutions to address challenges faced by tertiary institutions in both nations. A recent stakeholder event in Windhoek, held on Thursday, October 10, served as a platform to review the program’s achievements and discuss future directions as the initiative approaches its concluding year.
According to Namibia News Digest, the event brought together educators and students who have participated in the exchange. Dr. Maria Saari, a lecturer from Oulu University, emphasized the importance of cultural immersion through the program, which she believes is crucial for understanding distinct educational dynamics and enhancing bilateral relations. She noted that such experiences provide valuable insights into diverse educationa
l practices, which can be instrumental in shaping effective academic environments.
Jacolynn Van Wyk, a lecturer from UNAM, shared at the event that the selection process for the exchange program favors students who are in their fourth year, particularly those studying Education at senior primary and junior primary levels. The focus is not solely on academic excellence but also on students’ ability to engage and share knowledge across different cultural contexts. “It wasn’t about looking at the students that have A symbols or top performers, we focused more on students that can carry themselves well, share information, and would be open to engage with others in a different context,” said Van Wyk.
Participants of the program shared their transformative experiences, with Moses Hamadila, a final-year student at UNAM, describing his time at the University of Oulu as a journey of “co-creation.” He highlighted the differences in teaching methods and classroom management he observed in Finland. Another participant,
Caroline Tokwe, expressed a strong desire to revisit the experience, noting its profound impact on her personal and professional growth.
The exchange program is not only a testament to the successful collaboration between the University of Oulu and the University of Namibia but also serves as a model for international educational partnerships that prioritize mutual learning and solution-oriented approaches to common challenges.