At Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), learning extends beyond classrooms and laboratories. It is a journey of discovery, belonging, and transformation. Through its rich networks of collaboration, mentorship, and intercultural exchange, MUST offers international students not only academic excellence but also a welcoming community that nurtures their dreams. In this series, our international graduands share their personal experiences of life, learning, and growth at MUST. Stories that celebrate diversity, resilience, and the spirit of global friendship.
Mbarara: Three Years of Growth
My three years studying for a Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health at MUST were demanding yet deeply rewarding. The academic workload was intense with countless late-night study sessions. But the warmth and kindness of the people in Mbarara offered the perfect balance.
I was able to overcome the challenges thanks to a phenomenal support system. The administration and dedicated lecturers provided crucial guidance and resources, while my supportive peers became my lifeline, turning shared struggles into collective success.
The most significant challenge, however, was the language barrier during clinical practice. Practicing medicine requires understanding more than symptoms, it requires connection. Fortunately, my amazing colleagues stepped in, patiently translating local phrases and cultural nuances, helping me build trust and care effectively for my patients. It is wonderful to know that the International Relations Office now offers Runyankore language lessons. This initiative will help international students enjoy a richer and more fulfilling experience during their academic journey.
I have left Mbarara not only with a degree, but with resilience, deep gratitude, and a professional family that taught me the true meaning of teamwork.
My DAAD-Funded Journey with MUST
Winning the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) In-Region Scholarship was a distinct honour and it opened the door to my pursuing an MSc in Biology (Natural Resources Ecology, Management and Conservation) at MUST.
Long before I arrived in Uganda, the MUST International Relations Office (IRO) had already reached out. They guided me through travel logistics, visa requirements, accommodation options and what to expect on arrival. Their early involvement made me feel welcomed and confident. Upon arriving in Mbarara, the IRO personally assisted with orientation, registration and settling in, from connecting me with my supervisor to helping me adapt to a new academic and cultural environment.
My time at MUST has been nothing short of transformational. Immersed in a diverse, innovation-driven community of lecturers and peers, I deepened both my scientific knowledge and my commitment to environmental conservation. MUST gave me a platform to grow intellectually, professionally, and personally. The spirit of teamwork, mentorship, and resilience within the university inspired me to dream bigger and to keep pushing boundaries. Thanks to the networks and support I built at MUST (with the backing of DAAD and the IRO), I was able to secure another opportunity: a summer school scholarship at the Goethe‑Universität Frankfurt in Germany.
This journey from pre-arrival support to international exposure shows how valuable the partnership between DAAD and MUST truly is. I am deeply grateful to the IRO for walking with me every step of the way and helping make this experience possible. To all current and future students, remember that your journey may be challenging, but every experience counts. Keep the focus, stay humble, and use your education to make a difference.
Succeed we must!
