Testimonial Victor Koswana

In the summer of 2024, Victor Koswana, PhD candidate from the University of the Western Cape, visited Campus Fryslân to write several chapters for his PhD thesis. In this testimonial he shares more about his experiences in Leeuwarden.

Reason of visit

“My study is on social welfare policies and domestic migration based on poverty and inequality. The Netherlands have a rich history towards the founding forms of South Africa and I was so excited that finally I would have the chance to engage and learn the Dutch culture and norms which influenced many aspects of South African welfare”, Victor explains. 

Throughout his stay he was supported by his supervisor Prof. Yousefzadeh Sepideh. “She connected me with lots of experienced scholars around my study so as to gather more relevant knowledge and exposure around my field of study”, says Victor. 

Outcomes of visit

“While I was in Leeuwarden, I had an opportunity to present my study to the whole department and received positive feedback and key pointers to focus on. We also worked on a paper article which we hope to publish soon." Additionally, he met many other scholars from Africa and other continents which made his network grow and the relations are still on up to this date for further engagements in my academic journey.

“Furthermore, the most important thing during my exchange study was not only the academic work, but also the addition of my own learning and life experiences in the community and how the Dutch language was so similar to the Afrikaans created by them in South Africa in 1652. The experience of culture and customs of different countries made my research atmosphere and learning experience different and refreshed from another university abroad. This was a very important part of my academic development and knowledge capacity building although it was short.”

Campus Fryslân

Other than most visiting academics, Victor stayed at Campus Fryslân in Leeuwarden. “Campus Fryslân is quite small, so you get to know everyone in the building which made it easy to navigate for any information and support. Marketing manager, Amaranta Luna, was remarkable in her support from the time I was in South Africa preparing for my stay until the Netherlands, and back to South Africa. She made my stay very easy, productive and joyful. She organised my traveling schedules to Groningen and orientated me in both campuses.”

More than writing a PhD thesis

“My experience was one someone can wish to have over and over again. When I arrived at the train station in Leeuwarden I was received with a warm welcome by my housemate, who is also a staff member at the university. She was so generous that she gave me her spare bicycle for my entire stay which I had to use going to campus and for shopping.”

“I arrived in the summer and during the European Championships football tournament. Most people where excited and dressed up in orange t-shirts in support of the Dutch national team. Most evenings I would join my PhD colleagues and watch football with them, and it was always great to share space with them after a long working day.” 

“We also had PhD boat rides in the canals with the faculty’s PhD students organised by PhD forum. I also took myself out for a one day trip to Brussels in Belgium, which I found a beautiful city.” 

On a final note

“I believe the Erasmus+ exchange programme is an excellent option for anyone who chooses or considers exchange learning in the future. You have a unique chance to experience many cultural differences that build the global world in all spheres of our lives. Despite the challenges, the memories are priceless and the experience is unique. Exchange learning is not a waste of time, in my opinion. It is a path to self awareness and self improvement.”