Within the vibrant corridors of a renowned academic and research institution like Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), where scholarly pursuits intersect with global opportunities, a new opportunity is stirring excitement for eager students and dedicated faculty; the ‘Erasmus KA171 Mobility Project.’ This initiative promises students a chance to broaden their horizons through international exchange and a platform to enhance their professional development and research capacities for faculty.
However, with such an opportunity comes the challenge of selecting the right candidates. On 11th September 2024, the Principal Investigator of the project- Dr. Rose Opiyo convened an interview to recruit students for the exchange program at the University of Turin- Italy. The other advisory members of the European Union Funded Project involved in this competitive selection were the co-principal investigator of the project- Prof. Catherine Muhonja Aurah, DDr. Bill Ouda, Dr. Caroline Wekhulo, Dr. Teresa Okoth, Dr. Elvis Kauka and Dr. Edwin Kanda (representing DIAL).
From right; The Co-Principal Investigator of the project- Prof. Catherine Muhonja Aurah, Dr. Caroline Wekhulo, and Dr. Bill Ouda during the interviews.
As the committee reviewed the applications, some key aspects examined included Academic Excellence, Motivation and Goals, Cultural Adaptability, Language Skills, Previous International Experience, and Recommendation Letters. The interview attracted 12 participants who are Masters and PhD students from various Departments and Schools in the University.
The Principal Investigator of the Erasmus KA171 Mobility Project keenly listening to an interviewee.
After a thorough deliberation, the committee will select students who are not only academically capable but also enthusiastic and well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The chosen students will be unveiled in October 2024, when two professors from Turin will visit MMUST. They will then embark on a three-month Erasmus KA171 exchange program in Italy, ready to expand their international networks and engage in academic and cultural enrichment activities.
Commenting on the selection process, Dr. Opiyo pointed out that the exchange program will offer benefits that extend beyond students' personal and professional development. “We are not just sending students abroad, but we are seeking to prepare them for careers in an increasingly globalized economy as well as enhancing our institutional reputation
A section of the interviewees.
Certainly, the Erasmus KA171 Mobility Project is not just a program. It is a doorway to a world of opportunities, and for the students who will be picked, it will be the beginning of an extraordinary academic journey enabling them to become MMUST academic social and cultural ambassadors.
By Linet Owuor
