A week-long intensive training led by two visiting lecturers from Ede Christian University of Applied Sciences (CHE) in the Netherlands has officially wrapped up Today at the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK). The course, which focused on enhancing practical skills for Journalism and Communication students, was part of the ongoing Erasmus+ academic exchange program supported by the European Union.
The training gave students a rare chance to experience different teaching methods and viewpoints. For most, it was their first time learning directly from European instructors.
“I learned how to brand and expand my stories across different media platforms,” shared Janvier Manishimwe, a student in the Department of Journalism. “It was my first time being taught by Dutch lecturers, and their simplicity in language and delivery made a big difference. It was truly eye-opening.”
Another student, Papia Irambona, also highlighted the insights gained from the new concepts introduced during the training: “We delved into public diplomacy, a concept that was entirely new to me as a Journalism and Communication student. Additionally, I learned the importance of focusing on a single angle to generate multiple story ideas. The use of eight communication models to understand and cater to audience needs was particularly enlightening, as it emphasized crafting stories that truly engage readers.”
He continued, “The visiting lecturers ensured that nothing was left unexplained, and there were no language barriers. Their teaching methods made complex topics easy to understand.”
The visiting lecturers, including Jeroen Van der Zeeuw, brought not only academic expertise but also a collaborative spirit that resonated with students and staff alike.
“It is always meaningful to help shape young minds,” Van der Zeeuw said. “But it would be even more rewarding to return next year and see the growth, to witness the long-term impact of what we have started.”
Beyond classroom learning, the Erasmus+ initiative is designed to promote international academic exchange, cultural understanding, and institutional cooperation. Since its inception in 2019, the partnership between ICK and CHE has grown steadily.
Jean Baptiste Hategekimana, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies at ICK, highlighted the broader implications of the collaboration.
“This partnership enriches not only the students but also the lecturers from both institutions. It’s about building mutual understanding and preparing our students for a globalized media environment,” he said.
Initially launched through a focus on Public Relations, the exchange has since expanded to cover Journalism, Nursing, and Midwifery.
“Our students must be exposed to diverse learning styles and international standards if they are to compete globally,” he added.
So far, the program has enabled eight Dutch lecturers to teach at ICK, while four Rwandan lecturers have traveled to the Netherlands. Eleven students from ICK have also benefited from the exchange, including three selected for upcoming placements in Europe.