Since 2018, the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) has been offering its students unique opportunities to study abroad, thanks to a partnership with Ede Christian University of Applied Sciences (CHE) in the Netherlands.
The collaboration, formalized through the Erasmus+ program, allows students and faculty in Journalism and Communication Studies to share knowledge, experience, and skills across the two institutions.
Under the program, selected ICK students spend five months studying at CHE, while the lectulers from CHE teach at ICK. Likewise, ICK instructors travel to the Netherlands to participate in teaching exchanges, promoting mutual learning and professional development.
Despite the program running for over eight years, some students remain unsure about how the selection process works. Questions such as “How are candidates chosen?” and “What are the requirements?” are common among students in the Journalism and Communication Faculty.
Henriette Uwamahirwe, a second-year journalism student, said: “I don’t know what criteria are used to select students to go to the Netherlands. Now that I’m in my second year, I want to understand so that I can be one of the students given this incredible opportunity.”
Her classmate, Rwema Jules Roger, agreed, adding: “Going to the Netherlands is exciting because it allows us to see how journalism has evolved in other countries. We gain knowledge and practical skills that will help us in our careers.”
To clarify the process, ICK News spoke with Mr. Mugiziki Aloys, the Acting Dean of of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies at ICK. He explained that students often have limited information because selection criteria are not widely shared.
“Initially, we sent only two students each year,” Mugiziki said. “Now we send three. But selection is not automatic; students must demonstrate good behavior, strong academic performance, and proficiency in English, which is the language of instruction in the Netherlands.”
Three ICK students are presently pursuing studies at CHE.
Mugiziki further explained that the department prepares a shortlist of students who have achieved at least 70% in their second year. The list is approved by university administration, after which candidates undergo testing in English speaking, writing, and comprehension. Only those who pass these exams are chosen to participate in the program.
The benefits of the program, according to Mugiziki, are significant. “Our students gain exposure to advanced journalism practices in Europe. Dutch journalism is more developed than ours, both in tools and methods. Students learn these approaches and apply them upon returning to Rwanda. Some even earn money abroad, which helps them invest in their future.”
While the number of participants remains small, ICK continues to look for opportunities to expand access. Selected students may also participate in three-month internships after graduation, through programs such as the Rwanda Media Program, which provides a monthly stipend of 100,000 Rwandan Francs to support students during practical training.
Students who have studied in the Netherlands emphasize the value of the experience. Obed Muhire explained: “The teaching style there is different. Professors assign research projects that you must complete and share with classmates. It’s a very hands-on, interactive system.”
Joselyne Amahirwe added: “Students should work hard, achieve good grades, and know what they want to accomplish to make the most of this opportunity.”
Jean Luc Habagusenga, who studied in the Netherlands in 2022, emphasized: “Using your time wisely and being willing to try new things are key for anyone hoping to study in Europe.”
Since the program’s inception, 11 ICK students and four faculty members have visited CHE in the Netherlands. Additionally, eight CHE faculty have taught at ICK over the years. Most recently, on December 9–10, ICK hosted two faculty members from CHE’s Nursing Department, while ICK staff are scheduled to visit CHE in January 2026.
Author: Arlene Umubyeyi & Henriette Uwamahirwe
