On the morning of August 27, 2024, three journalism students from the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) departed from Kigali International Airport, en route to Christelijke Hogeschool Ede (CHE University of Applied Sciences) in the Netherlands.
The students, Obed Muhire, Adolphe Mpirwa, and Japhet Sibomana from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies, earned their spots in a five-month exchange program after passing an English exam in April 2024.
In an interview with ICK News, the students shared their preparation, expectations, and the potential benefits of this international opportunity. They also emphasized their commitment to representing ICK with distinction.
Obed Muhire highlighted the unique educational exposure the program offers. “It’s a great opportunity for us to experience education outside Rwanda, interact with students from other countries, and compare our educational standards. We expect to gain valuable insights by observing different teaching methods,” he said.
Muhire, who has a keen interest in international journalism, anticipates that the program will offer a deeper understanding of global media practices.
Adolphe Mpirwa echoed Muhire’s sentiments, expressing his excitement about studying in a different educational environment.
“Studying in the Netherlands will be an enriching experience. I expect to gain new perspectives through different teaching approaches and improve my English skills, as it will be the primary language used. Additionally, interacting with diverse cultures will provide valuable insights,” Mpirwa noted.
The students expressed gratitude to ICK and its administration, especially the Faculty of Journalism and Communication, for facilitating this opportunity. They pledged to uphold the institution’s reputation by excelling in their studies.
“Our primary goal is to learn and excel,” said Muhire. “We are committed to returning with enhanced knowledge and experience that will make ICK proud. We are determined to follow in the footsteps of those who preceded us and succeed.”
Mpirwa added, “We are fully committed to making the most of this opportunity, which will positively reflect on our institution. We hope that this success will pave the way for ICK to send even more students in future years.”
Back in April, when these students earned the opportunity to study at CHE University, Father Dr. Pudence Bicamumpaka, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research at ICK, praised their achievement. He emphasized the importance of this experience in shaping their personal and professional development.
“These students have shown great promise in Journalism and Communication Studies, and I have no doubt they will excel during their academic tenure in the Netherlands. This experience is crucial as they will gain new perspectives and meet people from different cultures,” Father Dr. Bicamumpaka told ICK News.
This exchange program, funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, marks a significant expansion of the partnership between ICK and CHE University.
Since the partnership’s inception in 2019, the number of participating students were two, but in this 2024, the number has increased from two to three, reflecting the growing success and trust in this collaborative initiative.
The partnership also includes the exchange of lecturers and academic programs, further strengthening academic ties between the institutions.
The participation of these students underscores ICK’s commitment to international academic collaboration and the professional development of its students.