Peter is a UT student from Yola, Nigeria. For the next nine months, his program of study is Technology Applications in Education and Training (TAET). As an instructor at the Adamawa State Polytechnic University in Yola, he is quite enthusiastic about the opportunity to further his education in Europe.
A teacher at heart, Peter has degrees in education and computer science. With a grant from NUFFIC he was able to make the trip to Twente for a year of study. He considered a position in Minnesota in the US, but the UT application came through first. He has come to gain international experience with the express goal of bringing much needed skills as a technology instructor back to his own country. His real interest lies in methods of technology training - not the technical side of polytechnics, but rather the educational aspect. When asked about his interest in teaching, the father of three breaks into a warm smile, `I always wanted to teach, I had other options, but I truly enjoy teaching.' He says his parents encouraged him to consider his options but he remained committed to his course.
Kwache enjoys his bachelor apartment in Enschede and says his Dutch neighbors have been friendly. Though he misses his family and friends from home, he keeps up with frequent phone calls. He enjoys biking and the ease of the flat landscape. Outside of colleagues from his classes, Kwache has met other Africans on campus including several Nigerian students.
He says that he enjoys the coursework in the Department of Educational Science and Technology so far, but misses the teamwork of his studies in Yola. Here, he finds the emphasis lies on an individual's own motivation more than the interaction of a group.
The low temperatures, rain, early winter sunsets and long hours of study add to the challenges of the new experience, but Kwache's yawns are inevitably followed by a broad smile. He plans to make the most of this year in Europe and has already visited many Dutch landmarks. His intention is to sightsee as much as his coursework allows.
