A group of students from the Department of Foreign Languages’ German Unit at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), accompanied by Dr Ezekiel Olagunju from the Department of Foreign Languages and Professor Bolanle Fayomi from the Department of Adult Education, OAU, Ile-Ife, embarked on an educational programme to Germany.
READ ALSO: Improved Safety: Moremi Hall Gets New Lighting, Other Halls to Follow Soon
The programme, themed ‘The International Academic and Cultural Exchange Programme,’ was undertaken by ten German students from the Department of Foreign Languages at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. These students were awarded a prestigious scholarship to participate in a 10-day Academic and Cultural Exchange Programme from 23rd October to 2nd November at Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, Germany. The beneficiaries of this scholarship were Olagunju Faith Jesupelumi, Oha Florence Obianujuakunwa, Adewoyin Peace Ayomide, Oni Emmanuella, Ewegbemi Gift Oriyomi, Idowu Mojolaoluwa Nihinlola, Ojo Soji Olumide, Akande Pretty, Emmanuel Anjola, and Gbaniyi Isioma Louis.
The students travelled through Amsterdam, Netherlands, en route to Freiburg, Germany. Their programme included academic seminars and institutional engagements at Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg under the instruction of the following distinguished lecturers: Dr Benjamin Siegmund, Prof. Dr Eckermann, and Prof. Dr Z. Kalkavan-Aydin. The team also enjoyed academic and cultural interactions with their German counterparts. The programme was organised and coordinated by the hospitable hosts, Verena Bodenbender and Julia Satzmann. Accommodation was provided at StayInn Hostel Freiburg.
In addition to academic activities, the students visited notable cities and landmarks across Europe, including Freiburg, Germany; Strasbourg, France; Basel, Switzerland; and Lake Titisee, Germany. The students expressed immense gratitude to the Rector of Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, Prof. Dr Hans-Georg Kotthoff, for his generosity, scholarship support, and commitment to strengthening international academic relations.
Appreciation of Stakeholders in OAU
The students appreciated the Head of the Department of Foreign Languages, Dr. Tajudeen Osuniran, for his wholehearted support, and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Gbenga Fasiku, for his invaluable guidance, invitation to his office, generous gifts and counsel, as well as for approving the release of the Faculty Bus to convey the team to and from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
The Trip Has Deepened My Perspective – Beneficiary
Speaking to ACJOAU on the impact that the trip has had on the students of the German Unit of the Department of Foreign Languages at OAU, one of the students said, ‘The trip to Germany has truly broadened and deepened my perspective as a student studying German. Being here has allowed me to experience German not just as an academic subject but as a living language connected to a culture, a people, and a system of learning. Seeing how German is used naturally in daily communication has strengthened my confidence and sharpened my listening and speaking abilities.’
He added, ‘I now appreciate how much context, tone, and cultural background influence meaning. The exposure to academic seminars at Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg has also shown me practical approaches to teaching German as a foreign language, and it has inspired me to think more critically about methodology, learner motivation, and intercultural competence. Most importantly, this trip has given me a new sense of purpose. It has reminded me that learning German goes beyond grammar and vocabulary. It is about cultural understanding, building bridges between societies, and shaping myself as a global citizen and educator who can make meaningful contributions to language learning both in Nigeria and internationally.’
This partnership has significantly enhanced intercultural learning and international academic exposure for the German students, and they remain committed to fostering this productive relationship.