Interview with Prof. Wamae Muriuki from the University of Nairobi, Kenya

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

I am currently serving as a professor in the Philosophy and Religious Studies department at the University of Nairobi, where I have been teaching since 2014. Although I have been primarily teaching courses related to Religious Studies, I am now interested in expanding my teaching to include more courses in Philosophy, specifically in the areas of Contemporary Philosophy and Political Science. My educational background includes a bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University, as well as a master's and PhD from Ohio State University, with a specialization in comparative studies of Japanese Buddhism. My current responsibilities at the University of Nairobi include teaching courses on Asian Religion.

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?

I was intrigued by the idea of teaching at a European university and experiencing their approach to education. Having gained experience from teaching at an African university and learning in the USA, I was eager to explore what distinguishes or parallels the teaching methods between these regions, and how this knowledge could be applied to enhance learning in my home university. Additionally, I was curious about the cultural dynamics at a European university and how they influence the learning process.

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

Thanks to the clear and concise instructions provided by Tomaš prior to my travel, I was able to make my way from Vaclav Havel Airport to Hradec Kralove with ease. Being someone who enjoys planning ahead, I had researched the transportation options in the Czech Republic and found them to be user-friendly. However, the potential language barrier was a concern for me, as I do not speak Czech.

How was your experience with the Czech language as you were moving around? 

I did not encounter any difficulties within the university, but outside of the campus, I found that locals were willing to assist once they realized that I was not fluent in the local dialect or language. This helpful attitude made it much easier to navigate and communicate in unfamiliar places.

Have you participated in a similar kind of program before?

I have not had the opportunity to participate in a teaching exchange program before, so this will be my first experience.

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

Collaborating in the future with my colleagues in the Philosophy department would be an excellent idea, particularly with a focus on Philosophy. Although we have yet to discuss this possibility, I am interested in exploring the potential for such collaboration. Specifically, I am eager to delve into the Philosophy of Asian Pacific, as I believe this area has not been extensively studied and offers exciting opportunities for research and exploration.

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

Currently, I am on leave, and upon learning that I would be visiting UHK during this period, I made some necessary adjustments to my schedule.

Do you have any suggestions for improving the program?

As an Erasmus student in the Denmark International Study program, I had the opportunity to participate in their hosting program where international students were matched with local families. This arrangement, which lasted between 3 to 4 months, allowed for easy integration into Danish society as students became familiar with the language and culture of the country. I believe that implementing a similar program at UHK would greatly benefit our international students by helping them adjust to their new surroundings quickly.

Additionally, I would like to suggest that an office or workspace be provided to visiting professors like myself. This would enable us to adequately prepare for our classes and consultations, and generally make the most of our time here at the university.

How would you describe your classes?

I was impressed by the flexibility of the UHK program, which allows students from various departments to take courses outside of their field of study. This is not something that we currently offer at the University of Nairobi, but I believe that it is an idea worth considering.

Furthermore, the classes at UHK are well-equipped with modern technological tools that greatly facilitate the teaching and learning process. Although the teaching methods used are quite similar to what I am used to, I found the class participation to be satisfactory, with students showing a keen interest in the subject matter being taught.

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

Yes, I have met with our two students from the University of Nairobi who are currently here at UHK on the Erasmus program, one at the undergraduate level and the other at the master's level. Through our conversations, I have come to realize that they are gaining valuable knowledge and experiences that will undoubtedly shape their future academic and professional pursuits.

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

In my opinion, the Erasmus program provides students with a unique perspective that can positively impact their academic approach. This exposure can encourage them to pursue subjects that align with their passions and resonate with their interests.

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

To avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is advisable for the facilitators of this program at UHK to start the process early enough. They should not underestimate the length of time the visa application process takes and should send the necessary documents for visa application in a timely manner. It is also important for the professors to gather accurate information about the climate and weather conditions of the destination before embarking on the trip. Finally, the professors should not shy away from preparing challenging course materials for the undergraduate students as they are capable of handling them with ease.

Did you try any Czech cuisine during your stay?

During my stay in the Czech Republic, I had the opportunity to try some local dishes like Goulash and Easter dumplings, and I found them to be quite tasty and easy to adapt to. The food here typically consists of starches, potatoes, and meat, which makes it quite filling and satisfying.