Studying abroad is a great experience for anyone. In particular, an international exchange programme gives one an opportunity to access diverse academic programmes and research facilities (some of which might not be available in the local institutions). In addition, it offers the opportunity not only to visit the host country but also the neighboring countries as well, cost permitting. The exchange student also experiences the environment conductive for learning and practicing the language of the host.

As a student abroad, living in, learning about, and immersing oneself into another culture will broaden my perspective, thus enhancing my global competitiveness. It is also imperative to go out and see how other people do certain things compared to how they are done in our institutions.

While living in Berlin I will have the opportunity to see the historic Berlin Wall and to meet and make friends with people of diverse cultures. People, who have never had the opportunity to visit Kenya and who might hitherto held divergent views about our cultural values, will have the opportunity to learn first-hand from me instead of from the commonly accessible media which is doctored in some cases to suit specific scenarios. Considering these facts, I believe international exchange programmes are good and will contribute significantly to long-term global cohesion of diverse cultures. Regarding the Berlin-Nairobi Exchange, physics postgraduate students of the University of Nairobi visiting the Hahn-Meitner Institute will not only strengthen the collaboration between the two institutions but will also finally make the exchange truely mutual. In the past we have had only Berlin physics students visiting the University of Nairobi.

Last but not least, I hope that while in Berlin we will be able learn a bit about the German curriculum so that once we are back in Nairobi we will be able to give advice on how to adjust our training in order to cater for the visiting Berlin physics exchange students. All in all, I hope the visit will accord me an opportunity for growth and development due to the diverse research programmes. It will also look great on my resume.

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