An exchange in a foreign country can be a nerve-wracking journey including excitement as well as apprehensions about the forthcoming challenges. As an academic on an exchange research stay, I believe it's normal to have a mix of emotions, ranging from travel to the fear of being without internet connectivity (and I don’t think I am alone on this one). In this short blog, I share my thoughts about my research stay at the University of Pretoria from mid-June to mid-September 2022. As I set foot in the country, my bewildered brain attempted to navigate the unfamiliar landscape. Riding the Gautrain from the airport, I decided to take in the landscape while adjusting to the new surroundings. Despite having done my homework on the region's dry season, the aridity exceeded my expectations. Amidst the uncertainties, I was relieved when I spotted the familiar face of a project colleague, who provided a sense of reassurance and assisted me in getting settled down.
Fast forward: Coming from a place where university campuses are freely accessible to the public, I was intrigued by the high-security gates at the University of Pretoria. The sight of the "no guns" symbol was simply fascinating. As a first-time visitor, it served as a reminder that each educational institution has its own unique set of practises and protocols. Despite ‘some’ initial cultural surprises, the TUKS (a name I later learned) team had arranged everything for a seamless jump-start into continuing my research work, often surprising me with the efficiency and speed with which things were organized, fostering an ideal working atmosphere. This professional support not only contributed to my research progress but also made me feel at ease in a distant setting. Far from being monotonous, each day was filled with discoveries, both academically and through diverse cultural interactions. The University of Pretoria proved to be a welcoming and warm place. The camaraderie and warmth extended by colleagues during an unforgettable birthday celebrations was the icing on the cake for my experience. From my experience, three months is a tricky time to be in an unfamiliar place — neither too short to escape the novelty nor long enough to fully acclimatise and be at home, but I discovered that embracing the unfamiliar can lead to rewarding personal and professional encounters. With gratitude for the many smiles and warm welcomes, I bid farewell, knowing that I leave with cherished memories of an incredible stay and experience. Until we meet again, “now now”, University of Pretoria and South Africa!
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