FatimaMukaddam: My Experience in Germany: 2013 Tübingen/South Africa Programme


The beautiful city of Tübingen Photo Credits: Michelle Nowers

On Sunday 6 January 2013 a group of sixteen students met at Capello in O.R. Tambo International Airport ready to embark on a journey of a life time. I was honoured to be the representative from the University of the Witwatersrand for this Cultural and Language Programme in Tübingen. This trip was an incredible opportunity for every individual who attended.

There are many aspects that stood out about this trip and there are many things that I learnt about myself, the world and the amazing group I was blessed to be a part of. Meeting people of a different calibre and from different walks of life have assisted in broadening my horizons. This trip taught me patience and tolerance to the differences that make us individuals. It has taught me about diversity and a country so rich in history, politics and tradition.

I had my fair share of hurdles on this trip; some of which were: lack of Halaal food, not many practicing Muslims, being away from home for the first time for such a long time and having to do everything for myself, almost always missing the bus home and being punctual; however as I look back I am grateful for every experience lived! Living in a city that is not vigilant to Islam made me stronger in my faith, being away from home gave me a renewed sense of independence and showed me that indeed I can fend for myself, missing the bus taught me to stand on my own two feet, speak to people and find my way home, and lastly my long lived problem with being punctual is hopefully sorted out, where better to learn punctuality than in Germany.

Every excursion was insightful and something to look forward to. There were many comparisons and contrasts that could be made between South Africa and Germany. I hope once we all get back into our daily routine we will try and instil a bit of German culture into our realm, for example recycling. Germans are huge on recycling, South Africans not so much. If we as South Africans start recycling we will be one step closer to creating a world which we are proud to live in; one which we will be glad to bestow unto future generations.

I end this post with the following: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend” Melody Beattie. First and foremost I thank my University for nominating me. Thanks must go to the organisers from Stellenbosch and Tübingen University and most importantly every individual who played a role in making this trip a possibility for me. And lastly thanks to the rest of the group for making the 4 weeks an incredible journey, "after the experience is only as good as the company you're with".

In case you're wondering how I managed to get nominated my piece of advice would be work hard in your academics but play hard too. Don't be so preoccupied with living your own life and fulfilling your own dreams that you forget about your community and the problems that face us. Be an active participant of society. Love life and have fun! Most importantly grab every opportunity that comes your way and if you want something go out there and get it not forgetting your manners and morals. And always stay true to yourself!

The lessons learnt, experiences shared and bonds formed will be carried with me for years to come, if not forever. I am filled with pride and gratitude for the amazing opportunity experienced.