Interview with Prof. Pamela Khanakwa from the Makerere University

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

Though the journey started with forming collaborations with the Political Science department, I am a historian. I currently serve as the Chairperson of the History Department at Makerere University. Hence, during my study visit here, I held lectures on Nationalism in 20th Century Uganda."

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

Firstly, the invitation to come to the University of Hradec from Makerere University was a key motivating factor for me. This invitation dates back to 2019 when my colleague, the Director at the Makerere University International Office, and I received an invitation to visit UHK. During the short visit, we realized the possibility of collaboration between our universities, and shortly after, UHK requested us to nominate students to participate in an exchange program abroad. This collaboration would grant our students an opportunity to learn and see things from a whole different perspective. Soon after, UHK offered another opportunity for an expert lecturer."

How was it for you to visit whilst still having other responsibilities at Makerere Uni?

At first, it was difficult to take up this opportunity since I was uncertain about UHK's expectations regarding what to teach for the two-week period and how students would be assessed. However, Tomáš cleared all my doubts by providing me with information on how to adequately prepare before coming here. I also had to make necessary adjustments. At the time I was required to visit, I was teaching three courses. I asked one of my PhD students to take up one of the courses in my absence, while for the other two, I have been able to conduct them virtually on Zoom while being here.

What has been your experience so far in Hradec Kralove?

I arrived here on the night of March 12th, and so far, I have enjoyed my stay. I was astonished at how prior arrangements had been made to pick me up from the airport in Prague and help me get to my hotel, where I have been staying here in HK. Although I had to make payments for my first night at the hotel, the University was able to reimburse me the following day. My advice to other guests visiting in the future would be to have some money with them to settle their accommodation at the hotel on the first night before they get reimbursed. Additionally, they should have some money to facilitate their transportation from Prague to Hradec Kralove.

What is your opinion on the program in its entirety?

This program presents an excellent opportunity for both professors and students to broaden their teaching and learning horizons. For example, students who have only studied African history in the past will now have the chance to learn about Central European history. The diversity between our regions offers valuable insights into how people in various parts of the world live and behave, which is beneficial for expanding our knowledge.

Have you participated in any comparable mobility programs before, and if yes, what are some of the notable distinctions?

This is my initial experience with this type of program, as I have not taken part in any similar initiatives previously. My travels outside the country have been limited to attending conferences and similar gatherings.

In that case, what is your opinion on this type of program and do you believe it achieves its intended objectives entirely?

In my opinion, this is a great initiative, especially if the objectives are well-defined and there is a strong drive to ensure its success. The two-week duration is also appropriate, considering that visiting experts often have other responsibilities at their home universities, such as teaching. The program is unique in that it is like a short course, and students are not required to do much. However, I noticed that some African students participated actively, possibly because they were more familiar with the issues from their respective countries. During my time in the program, I learned that it is best to avoid overwhelming students with too much information. That is because this program provides students with new information and knowledge in areas, they may not have been previously aware of. I advise other visiting professors to simplify their materials and use visual aids to enhance students' attentiveness.

Did the student's level of education, such as bachelor's, master's, or PhD, affect their participation in this course?

In my classes, I had students from various backgrounds, and I noticed that those who demonstrated more enthusiasm towards the course were mostly those with a background in African studies or were from countries that shared similar experiences.

Do you have any plans for future collaborations with UHK?

We would be interested in having more collaborations with UHK in the future, but it ultimately depends on UHK's willingness to offer such opportunities. If they do, we would be delighted to cooperate with them. Currently, UHK has provided us with a scholarship for one student to study here during the upcoming Winter Semester.

Have you had the opportunity to meet and engage with the Makerere University students who are currently studying at UHK? What is their feedback on the program?

Of course. I had the opportunity to interact with the Makerere University students who are studying at UHK, as well as with those who have already returned home. Currently, there is only one student from Makerere University's History Department studying for a PhD at UHK. During our conversations, I discovered that the students who completed their studies enjoyed their time at UHK so much that some even requested to extend their stay. However, we were unable to grant their request because they needed to return home to complete their dissertations.

Have had an opportunity to visit Palachova and observe the living arrangements of the students there?

I haven't personally visited the dormitories in this region, but during my visit to Palachova, I was interested in the facilities offered to the students such as cooking areas and bathrooms. However, I think graduate students would benefit from having private rooms to aid in efficient learning. Some students had concerns, such as not knowing they needed to bring their own utensils, which was problematic for some at the start of the program. Additionally, they were not aware that they needed to pay their accommodation deposit on the day of their arrival. The language barrier at reception was also a challenge for effective communication. Based on my experiences, I will work to better prepare future students for their travel by informing them of these issues.

In what ways would mobility be advantageous for your university and its students? What effects do you think it would have?

Although there are several things I have learned during my time here that I would like to replicate, such as effective time management, the institutional framework at Makerere University does not permit it. For example, I appreciate the smart classroom technology that enhances the delivery of lectures using visual aids to make them more engaging. Nevertheless, it would require some time to implement this system back at my home university. However, one aspect that I highly appreciate and would strive to instill in my fellow students back home is the culture of punctuality and dedication to studies, as demonstrated by the students here.

Did you visit any places in HK?

Certainly. The Ghanaian students extended an invitation to hang out with them on Saturday, and the following day, I took the opportunity to do some sightseeing around the bus terminal, train station, and campus.

What sorts of language or cultural obstacles have you faced thus far, and how are you managing to overcome them?

I had a reasonable level of readiness for the likelihood of experiencing new things during my stay here. For example, Tomáš had advised me on the weather conditions, so I came well-equipped with warm clothing. With regards to language, it has been fascinating to observe how we can communicate with others in two different languages and still understand each other. I have encountered individuals who are eager to assist me, even if we speak different languages. Additionally, I tried some Czech dishes that were quite different from what I am accustomed to, such as chicken and potatoes, and found that I enjoyed them.

What guidance or suggestions do you have for instructors who are interested in participating in a comparable program at UHK or overseas?

If professors are interested in visiting UHK in the future, I would recommend that they ask pertinent questions regarding the logistics of their travel to HK. This may include inquiries about accommodations, transportation, weather, dining options, and so on. Additionally, it is important for them to ensure that their course materials are suitable for their audience. They should inquire about the students' level of education beforehand and select topics that would be relevant and engaging for a diverse group of learners.

What are your general thoughts about this whole visit?

Since I have had several chances to travel abroad before, I was not easily perturbed during this trip. I did not experience any significant discomfort as people mostly minded their own business and were not interested in what others were doing. Overall, I have had a fantastic experience while being here.