Luise, Julian and Johannes’ journey to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi was not only about earning academic credits but also about stepping into unfamiliar territory, meeting new people and seeing the world from a different perspective.
The three exchange students from Germany shared their early impressions of life in Ghana during an orientation programme for international freshmen and residents of the Ghana Universities Staff Superannuation Scheme (GUSSS) Hostel.
The orientation brought together representatives from the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, campus security, University Health Services, the Counselling Unit, Career Services and the Directorate of Student Affairs.
The sessions introduced international students to the range of services available on campus, covering health, safety, immigration and personal development.
Luise, a postgraduate Sociology student from Germany, said her decision to study at KNUST was driven largely by curiosity. While she had options in Europe, Asia and North America, Ghana stood out because it was the place she knew the least about.
“I wanted to learn more about the culture, the people and the customs here,” she said. “That’s why I chose KNUST.”
After attending her first lecture, Luise described the experience as refreshing and engaging, noting that the lecturer’s humour and interactive teaching style helped create a strong sense of community in the classroom.
“The lecture was really interesting and from a very different perspective. I loved it. The people are super friendly,” she said.
For Julian, a Master’s student in Mechanical Engineering, KNUST offered both academic opportunity and the chance to explore West Africa. He described his decision to study in Kumasi as straightforward, citing the University’s reputation as one of the largest and most respected in the sub-region.
“I wanted to travel to West Africa, and KNUST is a very big university, maybe even the biggest in West Africa,” he said. “So coming here for my semester abroad was a no-brainer.”
Julian said he was immediately struck by the University’s serene environment and welcoming atmosphere.
“There’s so much green here, you can really enjoy nature,” he said. “The people I’ve met so far are really nice and supportive.”
Johannes, an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student from the Technical University of Munich, also chose KNUST through an existing partnership between his home institution and the Ghanaian university. He said the warmth of the people and the quality of education had already exceeded his expectations.
“I heard that people in Ghana are really friendly, and after one week here, I can confirm that,” he said.
Looking ahead, Johannes said he was eager to select his courses and gain new perspectives that would complement his studies in Germany.
“I hope to learn things from a different point of view, academically and in life, and just gain as much experience as I can,” he said.
By: Abigail Ofori Photos: Emmanuel Offei
