During my first year as a bachelor's in agricultural economics at the University of Pretoria, we received an inspiring speech from the President of the SRC, Henrico Barnard. In his speech, he listed ten recommendations to consider during our time at the University of Pretoria. One piece of advice was to expand your knowledge and way of thinking by visiting other modules outside of your study field.

This piece of advice resonated with me throughout my academic career. Therefore, when the opportunity came to enrol for the Erasmus+ exchange programme, I did not think twice. Erasmus+ is the European Union educational programme that provides funding for youth to study, train, and gain experience abroad. I spent the entire first semester of 2022 at Lund University, Sweden. Despite focussing on agricultural international trade for my master’s thesis, I decided to use my opportunity in Sweden to study subjects entirely outside my field such as Swedish culture, Swedish economic history, greening the economy and machine learning. As an agricultural economist, one can be seen as a jack of all trades, needing to understand social studies, economics, statistics and the environment. The modules I took during the Erasmus exchange allowed me to understand Sweden better and complement my career in agricultural economics.

Within these modules, I have learned to challenge my old ways of thinking and look at every problem as an opportunity for innovation. During the class discussions and assignments, we were encouraged to debate and question economic theories and understand better how the current economic, political and social structures came into place. I believe this way of teaching has led Lund University to be a hub of innovation leading to innovations such as Blue Tooth, Oatly Milk and facial recognition technology.

My exposure to different cultures has also thought me valuable lessons. Lund is in a melting pot of various international students from across Europe, South America, North America and Asia. Despite the political tensions caused by the Ukrainian war, the sense of community still prevailed. Twice a week we would cook dinner together to learn more about each other’s cultural food and beliefs. These dinners facilitated cultural borders to be crossed as we learned more about the beauty and hardship in each person’s home country. Bridges were built across our different religious and political backgrounds through finding common ground in building a better future for ourselves and future generations. 

I would like to conclude by building on the advice I received as a first-year student: expand your knowledge and way of thinking by crossing cultural borders. This has not only enriched my life but has brought an understanding and appreciation of my own home country’s diversity. You do not have to travel far to make new connections with people. You can experience the rich culture- and biodiversity within South Africa. The world is full of inspiring people that challenges old institutions and bring hope and innovation to the future. It is our responsibility as future community members, researchers and leaders to learn from others and develop interdisciplinary solutions.

For more information visit Erasmus+ Exchange: https://www.up.ac.za/international-cooperation-division/article/2851487/erasmus