Interview with prof. Rex Hibajene from the University of Zambia

What is your main area of specialty? Does it align itself with what the UHK offers? 

I began my work in 2017 focusing my research on Environmental politics, climate change, food security, within the context of Zambian politics. Later, I developed an interest in Foreign Policy Analysis at the International Relations offered at the University of Zambia. Since the UHK and University of Zambia are in two different regions, there is a great possibility that they will focus on politics of Africa and Politics of Central Europe, respectively. Therefore, this opportunity gives our students a chance to acquaint themselves with matters of politics out of the African continent. Despite the disparity in the areas of specialty, this program exposes students on global issues. 

What were your motivations of going to UHK, Czech Republic. What are some of the things that inspired you to apply for Erasmus International Credit Mobility? 

First, there is a lot of interesting facts about Africa that the world is not familiar with. Hence, I have had an ongoing interest to let the world know what Africa has got to offer to the world. I realized often that the western media does not relay the actual information as it is about Africa. Hence, we the experts from Africa can change this image. Therefore, I applied to the program to teach on the politics of Africa since I see the need for people to learn more about Africa, starting from the Precolonial governance to the current new scramble for Africa by western countries.  

What has been your experience so far in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic? 

It has been incredible so far. I have been able to visit the Old Town, been to the Futurum shopping mall, the areas around Palachova and many more. It is indeed a very calm place as everyone is most of the time going about their business without bothering those around them.  

What cultural/ language barriers have you encountered so far and how are you dealing with them? 

Following my experience in the United States, I was aware of the likeliness of experiencing culture differences and disparity in language. It has been quite difficult here to communicate with people even on the streets as most of the time they do not speak English. The challenge mostly comes when trying to engage in a conversation with the older people. As for the food, it is quite okay. Though I did not try Czech food yet, I did visit an Indian Restaurant here which had somewhat good food.  

What is your opinion on the program in its entirety? 

The program has been so beneficial to me. It has afforded me a chance to work with people from different cultures and to appreciate other people’s cultures. I have equally learned much on how European Universities operate. Another area that has intrigued me here is the Time management aspect. Unlike in Zambia, I did realize here at UHK and in Czech Republic at large, that there is strictness in time as everything is done on time. This will add to my efficiency when I return to my home university. I will inculcate this to my students and colleagues as well. At the end of the day, the program has helped me enhance my confidence and efficiency.  

Have you been to any similar kind of mobility in the past, if so, what are some of the significant differences? 

Yes. I had a similar program in 2021, giving a lecture virtually at UHK on the Politics of Southern Africa and their relationship with the outside world. In 2022, following my experience in the politics of Southern Africa, I won a fellowship to got to the United States. The program in the United States was very practical as we had a chance to put into perspective what was taught in classes by visiting respective places, i.e., The United Nations Headquarters, associated with it.  

Can you compare the virtual vs physical mobilities. The Pros and cons. 

There was less interaction with students during the virtual program. The internet connection would also distort proper communication from time to time. Not all students could afford to ask questions virtually because of aspects such as time. However, physically, the interactions are far much better in terms of understanding each other. Students can open up freely. Also, it was a great chance to meet international students from across the globe. 

Have you gotten a chance to meet and interact with the students from the University of Zambia currently enrolled at UHK? What are their sentiments on the program? 

Yes, I have met our students already. They are excited about being at UHK. Though they initially had a problem understanding the bus connections, they have grown familiar with it.  

How have your classes been so far? Are there any notable differences in the way the lectures are conducted here compared to your home university? 

The classes here are more interactive. The students come to class prepared having read the literature materials for the seminar beforehand. This makes the classes more interesting unlike what is often the case in my home university.  

What academic activities have you participated in while here or will be engaging in while here? 

I intend to collaborate with some PHD students from UHK to coauthor on contemporary USA-African relations to determine the benefits of this relations.  

How will the mobility benefit your home university and students? What impact will it bring? 

After my time here, I am confident that I will bring the lessons learned here to my home university. I am also certain that students that have participated in this program learn a lot whilst here and bring this with them to their home university. After this program, I have gained more confidence hence will be more efficient in my upcoming proceedings.  

What advice/recommendations would you give to UHK? 

My recommendation to UHK is for them to deduce a way of looking into the affairs of international students especially those who happen to encounter a challenge in adapting to the culture differences/ culture shock. Perhaps it would be prudent to inquire if the students are facing any challenges with regards to the food, language, weather, nature of the study program, whilst studying so the issues are dealt with before hand. This would be better than asking about this at the end of the program.  

What advice/recommendations might you have for professors who would wish to engage in similar program at UHK or abroad? 

I encourage other professors to take an initiative of visiting UHK in order to share with students very relatable topics. As ambassadors for Africa, they should strive to come and talk about the fascinating facts about the African continent.  

What are some of your expectations vs realities moments? 

Before I arrive here, I had a feeling that due to the different learning environments, it might be quite difficult to adjust and fit in. However, after having my first class, I realized there was not much to worry about as the classes were just as normal. At the end of the day, I was able to make the necessary adjustments. I was equally afraid of the cold weather, however, I now got somewhat used to it.