Many students aspire to study abroad as the experience allows them to discover different cultures, gain new academic perspectives, and grow personally and professionally. Unam Tandwa, a University of Pretoria student, realised his ambition when he enrolled in an exchange program at Leiden University in the Netherlands. He shares his experiences, challenges, and essential lessons learned during his international exchange.

Unam learned about the exchange program through clickup, a student communication platform at the University of Pretoria. He read the announcement about the program's applications two days before it closed. He rushed to express his interest in being considered as an exchange student; some of the supporting documents required for the application were an academic transcript, a motivation letter, and an administrative form obtained from the Student Exchange Committee. 

His view of Leiden University was positive, particularly in terms of the academic component of the exchange programme. Before leaving South Africa, he researched Leiden University to become aware of what he could anticipate from the experience. He discovered that the university was ranked among the top 25 for law, which reassured him that the exchange opportunity would be life-changing. He recalls having a more difficult time transitioning academically than when he started his studies at UP Law. Culturally, he found the experience enriching as it exposed him to studying with more International students from all backgrounds and institutions while being taught by lecturers from all over the world, including UNICEF, the United Nations, and other global organisations.

He enrolled in three courses, two of which focused on law and governance in Africa. These classes taught him about governance, more so the variables that impact good governance and governance trends. They also helped him grasp the relationship between society and law, including Western colonialism in the Global South. The third course, which focused on children's rights, which he thoroughly enjoyed. It taught him about the sensitivity of children's rights, how to better safeguard them, and the significance of raising awareness about them. It also encouraged me to pursue a career in this field.

Being taught by Professor Ann Skelton was a true honour; she is a distinguished professor in the Department of Private Law at the University of Pretoria, currently the chairperson of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child and UNESCO Chair: Education Law in Africa. Learning from someone so informed about children's rights made the course more enjoyable, interesting, and understandable. As a professional who works with children and their rights, she inspired him to consider a career in that field. Her teaching aided my studying. He marvelled at the opportunity to engage with her one-on-one over coffee and discuss children's rights, which piqued his interest in the subject area and the course. Her teaching and approach helped me gain a more profound understanding of the course.

When he settled in Leiden University, he joined the UNICEF Student Team. This group enhanced his knowledge of children's rights and assisted him with a course related to his studies at UP Law. Joining this organisation helped him increase awareness about children's rights and promote their well-being. Beyond academics, he formed lasting friendships with several whom he still communicates with now. Being a team member, Unam felt like part of a family.

Adapting to a foreign country is difficult. He saw that students were closed off and stayed to themselves, making it difficult to engage in casual conversations and make new friends. However, this experience taught Unam that everyone has a unique socialisation process. The language barrier was tolerable as the majority of students spoke English. While shopping, Google Translate became his best friend! It helped him to translate Dutch words and made shopping more convenient. He expected a high degree of learning and was ready for challenges, even if they were tough to adjust to initially.

Leiden's teaching methods differed from those at the University of Pretoria, Law in that we solely used academic articles as study material, with no textbooks - which surprised me. Unam believes the most significant lesson he acquired was to adapt and embrace change. Learning to adjust to an unfamiliar environment made things easier and allowed him to experience Leiden University. He is confident that his capacity to adapt will enable him to fit in wherever his ambitions take him.

The International Exchange Programme at Leiden University has been an amazing experience in his life. It has given me a new perspective on life, proving that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. The sky is no longer the limit, the only constraints are those you place on yourself. He was encouraged to embrace ambiguity rather than reject possibilities out of fear of the unknown. Furthermore, it showed how limiting oneself is a mistake because there is a lot more to discover in the world. "I am happy with the abilities I gained throughout my five months there, and I plan to implement all I studied in my future endeavours."

Unam Tandwa's exchange experience at Leiden University demonstrates the transformative potential of studying abroad. Unam not only extended his worldview but also developed a greater interest in children's rights, which has influenced his future aspirations. This also highlights the significant benefits of venturing outside of one's comfort zone, such as gaining new insights, forming long-term relationships, and learning new skills. For students considering an exchange program, there are numerous benefits to embracing the unknown, which may positively contribute to one's academic and personal development. Studying abroad is more than just an academic experience; it's an enriching adventure with boundless possibilities.