Early this year, in April, I was privileged to participate in a three-month Erasmus+ mobility scholarship at Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) in Torun.
Reflecting upon my past three months’ stay in Tourn, it feels like that period has significantly transformed my perspective regarding both my academic pursuits and the world around me.
One of the major achievements during the program was writing the first draft of my manuscript titled “Farmers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of incentives for sustainable stewardship actions in coffee agroforestry in the Mt. Elgon region, Uganda”. This was a huge milestone towards my PhD journey, and I am very grateful for the support and encouragement I received from my supervisors and colleagues (Patrick Kayima and Dhiraj Kumar). I am also grateful to the Department of Geomorphology for enabling me to have free access to all the academic resources/ materials I needed.
Apart from the academic life, I greatly cherished the numerous invitations extended by the lecturers, particularly my mentors at NCU, for social gatherings organized by the department, such as drinks and dinner, which I really enjoyed. I also participated in the social events organized for the Erasmus office, which offered a valuable opportunity to engage with students from different countries. The social interactions created a welcoming atmosphere and contributed significantly to my sense of belonging.
The program additionally fully funded a fieldtrip that integrated learning experiences with exploration. I had the opportunity to explore the Sudety Mountains, the Baltic Sea, and also visited the iconic sites such as the city of Wrocław, Malbork Castle, and Princess Daisy Castle. Each excursion made me appreciate more about Poland’s landscapes, history, culture, and unforgettable moments of adventure.
Generally, life in Torun was filled with a sense of captivation, encompassing the city’s architecture, the vibrant streets, and parks, which made each day exciting. Together with my friends, I made several walking tours throughout the old Town and to other neighboring towns like Chełmno.
Despite the above, I also experienced a few challenges anging from adapting to a new culture, adjusting to a different environment and climate, and navigating the language barriers. However, these experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of going beyond my comfort zone.
As I reflect on this journey, the Erasmus+ mobility program has been a transformative experience for me. I have grown academically, broadened my perspective, and gained lifelong memories. I am very grateful to the Erasmus+ mobility scholarship, my supervisors for making it possible. This experience has given me new skills, new friends, and enhanced my view on international collaborations.
