Interview with Dr. Romanus Shivute Shivoro from the University of Namibia

Could you kindly start by telling me about yourself and what your specialties are?

I currently hold the position of Deputy Director for International Relations at the University of Namibia. In this role, I am responsible for fostering cooperation and collaboration between the University of Namibia and external institutions and organizations, both within Namibia and internationally. Additionally, I serve as the University's semester co-module coordinator, where my primary focus is to design and provide general courses for our first-year students at the beginning of each academic year. These courses aim to prepare students for university life and equip them with essential skills and knowledge.

What were your motivations for going to UHK in the Czech Republic? What are some of the things that inspired you to apply for this program?

Internationalization is increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of the academic sector, and the University of Namibia fully acknowledges its significance. As a result, we place great emphasis on facilitating student and staff exchanges, both for academic and administrative personnel. It is vital for individuals to stay informed about global trends and possess the ability to connect and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse regions and cultures.

How has your experience been in the Czech Republic so far since you arrived?

Since I arrived in the middle of the week, I had the chance to meet my colleagues and even teach some classes. I must say that Hradec Kralove is a truly fascinating city in Europe. I've already been to a few places, like restaurants. The language has been challenging for me, but luckily, I met people who were willing to speak English. I also had the opportunity to visit historical sites and learn about things that are important to Czech people, like the holiday of 8th May, which is Victory Day.

Have you participated in a similar kind of program before?

About 4 years ago, I visited Latvia where I was teaching some courses. During this time, I got to interact with the Latvian community, in this case, even the locals. However, this was the first time in the Czech Republic for such a program.

Are there any future collaborations or plans that you are considering?

Our goal is to ensure the program's sustainability, enabling an increase in both student participation and staff engagement for capacity building purposes. It would be highly beneficial to have academics from other institutions collaborate with those at the University of Namibia, leading to joint publications and the development of shared resources for the project. We are also exploring the potential for joint courses between the participating institutions. Looking ahead, we aspire to expand this collaboration beyond the Philosophical Faculty to include other departments such as History and Archeology.

How does the credit transfer process work for students from your home university who are studying at UHK?

The credit transfer process has been smooth. Throughout my tenure as Deputy Director for International Relations at the University of Namibia, I have not faced any difficulties with UHK. As an institution, we take proactive measures to ensure that before students embark on their study abroad programs, the department assesses and approves the courses they will be taking to ensure alignment with our curriculum. Even if students need to modify their learning agreements after departure, they are still required to seek administrative approval.  

What challenges, if any, do students and staff from the University of Namibia encounter while participating in this program, and how are these challenges addressed?

As of now, Namibia does not have a Czech Embassy within the country. Therefore, individuals applying for a Czech Visa need to travel to Pretoria, South Africa, to submit their applications. This requirement can be somewhat burdensome at times. However, the dedicated commitment from both UHK and the University of Namibia has helped to alleviate the process to a certain extent.

Considering the previous question, what measures can UHK take to facilitate and streamline the process?

I recommend making timely arrangements to ensure visa approval within the desired timeframe. This entails submitting the necessary supporting documents well in advance to initiate the process at the earliest opportunity.

How was it managing your responsibilities at your home university and taking up this opportunity?

When I arrived here, I had already finished all my lectures for the current semester, which meant that I did not have any remaining obligations or responsibilities in that regard.

Do you have any suggestions for improving the program?

By maintaining the continuity of mobility and providing staff and students with the opportunity to visit both of our institutions, I am confident that it will enhance the program's effectiveness and overall impact.

How would you describe your classes?

Up until now, I have conducted a comprehensive class that has been rich in content. The class had a small number of students, though I expect more engagement in future sessions. The classes have been wonderfully diverse, comprising students from various countries such as Czech Republic, Ecuador, Ukraine, Nigeria, and Brazil. Time has swiftly passed by due to the active participation and interactions with the students. I delivered a lecture on Global Citizenship, which is a student-centered topic that resonates with students regardless of their background or country of origin.

Have you had the opportunity to meet the Namibian students currently studying at UHK?

Indeed, I have had the pleasure of meeting the three students from the University of Namibia who are presently enrolled at UHK. They have conveyed their utmost contentment with the program and highlighted notable disparities in teaching approaches between UHK and their home university. They have openly acknowledged substantial personal development since commencing their studies here. During a captivating lecture, numerous intriguing ideas emerged that captured my attention.

How would this program benefit your students at University of Namibia?

This program will not only benefit my students but also provides valuable knowledge to me regarding effective communication with diverse audiences. It is crucial for me to ensure that students from various backgrounds can connect with the content I teach. Consequently, my current priority is to facilitate access to international materials for my students. Additionally, as a result of my experience here, I am committed to equipping the students visiting UHK from my home university with comprehensive information that will support their academic success and overall social well-being.

Do you have any advice for professors who are planning to visit UHK in the future?

I strongly recommend that they initiate the visa processing well in advance, particularly for individuals coming from African countries, as it often requires more time to complete the necessary procedures. Additionally, they should establish communication with professors at UHK who teach similar courses and develop a clear plan regarding their areas of focus. It is important for them to be aware of what to expect before arriving here, such as the diverse classes and the varied backgrounds of fellow students (bachelors, masters, PhD), as this knowledge will assist them in preparing relevant content for their audience.   

Did you try any Czech cuisine during your stay?

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to indulge in a variety of Czech dishes during my time here. Among them, the dish that stood out and became my personal favorite was the traditional Czech combination of pork and potatoes. Being unrestricted by dietary limitations, I eagerly explored and savored multiple dishes without any difficulty. To share this experience with the University of Namibia students, I extended an invitation for dinner at a local restaurant named U Dvora, where we indulged in Czech cuisine together.