From April to July 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to spend three months at the Faculty of the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) in Torun, Poland, through the Erasmus+ mobility program.
Those three months were truly transformative. Immersed in a vibrant academic community, I focused deeply on my research on coffee value chain in Uganda. Daily interactions with the academic staffs and fellow PhD students helped me think more critically, refine my ideas and improve my scientific writing.
A major highlight to my stay was completing my first manuscript draft on farmers’ perception and willingness to adopt cascara production. With access to excellent resources, I could synthesize my research findings, analyse them rigorously and prepare them for publication, a milestone that strengthened my confidence and motivation for the rest of my PhD journey.
Beyond research, this experience exposed me to new perspectives, innovative approaches and international collaboration. The supportive environment reminded me how valuable academic exchange can be for growth and learning.
I am deeply grateful to my supervisors, the Erasmus+ coordinators, the NCU academic community and Makerere University for making this experience possible. These three months in Poland were not just an academic visit, they were a step forward in my journey as a researcher, shaping how I approach challenges, learning and innovation.
