Tobias Furrer

Cooperation with university staff

During my assignment in Namibia, I had a highly positive experience, particularly due to the friendly and welcoming staff at NUST. From the very beginning, they were incredibly helpful, always open for a chat, and ready to assist whenever needed.

However, the second week presented a challenge as the country mourned the passing of the former president. Despite the official closure, both students and staff showed great commitment by continuing discussions and engaging in class activities where possible. This demonstrated their dedication to learning and their strong sense of community.

I also appreciated the discussions we had with people outside NUST such as William, a photographer or former students from B360, who shared valuable perspectives on local culture and storytelling through visuals. These conversations added depth to my understanding of Namibia beyond the classroom setting.

Logistics, however, posed some difficulties, particularly regarding the student list, print outs (certificates) or the beamer setup. While these challenges required some adjustments, they did not overshadow the overall positive experience.

Cooperation with students

The cooperation with students during my assignment was a truly rewarding experience. Discussions were very engaging, especially with the highly motivated and dedicated fourth-year students. Their enthusiasm and willingness to participate in class activities contributed to a dynamic learning environment.

Group work was particularly effective, and it was impressive to see the students' progress over the week. The highlight of this improvement was the final group presentations on the last day, where students showcased their newly developed skills and confidence. They also appreciated our support in refining their CVs and preparing for job interviews, which added practical value to their learning experience.

A special moment was the certificate celebration, which went beyond a formal event. It turned into a lively gathering with dancing, a small party, and even thoughtful gifts for us, reflecting the students' appreciation and strong sense of community.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed working with the class, as well as collaborating with my co-teacher, Markus. The experience was both professionally and personally enriching, leaving me with lasting memories of a truly motivated and inspiring student group.

Impact and win-win

The assignment in Namibia was a true win-win situation for both the students and myself. The students benefited greatly from our experience, gaining valuable insights into professional skills such as CV writing, interview preparation, and effective presentations. Their progress over the week was evident, and it was rewarding to see them grow in confidence.

At the same time, I gained a fresh perspective on the world, learning from a different generation and culture. Engaging with the students allowed me to understand their viewpoints, aspirations, and the unique challenges they face. This exchange was not only insightful but also deeply enriching on a personal level.

Additionally, this assignment provided me with my first real teaching experience in front of a class, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, the experience was mutually beneficial and truly impactful.

Personal message

I would like to sincerely thank Markus for the great cooperation, his valuable insights, and the meaningful contributions he made—not only for the students but also for me. His support and shared experiences truly enriched the overall course.

Beyond the classroom, I truly enjoyed the time spent with our group, including Corinne, Rudolf, and Markus. The weekend trips and discussions we had made this assignment even more special. It was also a pleasure to reconnect with former B360 interns, hear their inspiring stories, and see how they have developed over time. Witnessing the appreciation from NUST and the students for our efforts was incredibly rewarding.

This experience has been truly unforgettable, and I can only recommend such an assignment to others. It offers valuable learning opportunities, cultural exchange, and personal growth—something I will always cherish.