Photo exhibtion:The Global Mentorship Program
Welcome to a photo exhibition featuring students from Chalmers’ Global Mentorship Program. Through photographs and personal stories,they share their experiences of collaboration, learning, and cultural exchange in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Yasmine & Johanna - Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering
What new perspectives or insights have you gained from studying abroad?
One of the biggest perspectives we gained from studying abroad was realizing how adaptable people are and how little material things actually matter for everyday wellbeing. During our time in Tanzania, we lived in a much simpler environment than we were used to, where people solved problems using the resources they had available.
What was the most memorable moment?
One memorable experience was when we had the opportunity to join the students while they were planting sweet potatoes. They showed us how the plants should be placed in the soil, which direction they should face, and how the soil should be pressed around them. It became a very meaningful opportunity to spend time together outside of our regular project work and to feel more included in everyday life at the school.
Is there anything you’d like to share with students who are considering studying abroad?
It can feel overwhelming in the beginning, but things usually work out. Doing your thesis abroad, and especially in a low-income country, is a unique opportunity to experience another culture in a much deeper way than during a normal vacation. You learn a lot about both the world and yourself.
Guiling Xiao - Architecture and Planning Beyond Sustainability
What was the most memorable moment?
The most memorable moments were when local people started to trust me and generously helped me with my research. I was especially touched during the workshop with children, where I tried to understand their spatial preferences for play. Seeing them enjoy the drawing process made the research feel very real and meaningful.
Is there anything you’d like to share with students who are considering studying abroad?
Be brave to try, and bring both curiosity and respect. Use the knowledge you have, but do not only imagine abstract “communities” or “people” from books. Go and meet real people, listen carefully, and try to make even a small contribution through your work.
André de Mots - Management and Economics Of Innovation
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your time abroad?
I am quite a social guy, but making friends with both international and local people in Rwanda was a bit more challenging than I expected.
Is there anything you’d like to share with students who are considering studying abroad?
I can only recommend it. If you want to create a new perspective on very mundane things, going abroad (especially outside of Europe) is the way to go. You will definitely not forget it.
