From NUST Exchange Students, to Permanent Employees in Germany
As part of the NUST-RheinMain University of Applied Sciences exchange programme, two NUST students have not only excelled in their studies, but they have also emerged as top performers in a highly competitive international cohort. Henry Kandjimi and Pewa Kanyemba who are students in the Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering and Construction programme, are a testament of NUST’s global competitiveness.
“They have integrated actively into university life and excelled in their internships. Their work at leading construction firms was so successful that both have secured permanent positions with one of Germany’s largest infrastructure companies in Wiesbaden,” said Prof Dr-Ing Stefan Plaum from RheinMain.
Pewa reflected on his journey: “My journey in Germany has been both transformative and rewarding. After completing the NUST-RheinMain exchange programme, I had the opportunity to start working at Julius Berger International, a renowned German engineering and construction firm with a global footprint. The hands-on exposure I’m gaining has deepened my understanding of civil engineering concepts and refined my practical skills in a real-world context.”
A New Way of Life
Adjusting to life in a foreign country came with challenges. “Arriving in Germany without speaking German was intimidating, but the local community was very supportive, and many people communicated in English, which eased my transition,” Henry shared.
Pewa added, “Relocating completely to Germany has been an incredible opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. The work environment is highly professional and fast-paced, which has allowed me to thrive and adapt in ways I never imagined.”
The Lasting Impact of the Exchange Programme
The NUST-RheinMain exchange programme, now running for nearly two decades, has had a lasting impact on both institutions. This collaboration has enabled students from NUST to experience global academic practices, while RheinMain students have had the opportunity to learn from Namibia’s unique educational and cultural perspectives. Prof Dr-Ing Plaum added: “The exchange has shaped many careers and fostered invaluable cross-cultural understanding. For Henry and Pewa, their journey exemplifies how such programmes can provide long-term benefits and open doors to global opportunities.”
