While the journey towards pursuing PhD studies in a different country may present several challenges, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of encouragement. The obstacles faced, though significant, pale in comparison to the benefits that await upon successful completion of the studies. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged not to be disheartened by the challenges they encounter along the way, but to persevere with determination towards their academic goals.
Starting a Ph.D. journey in a foreign country is a life-changing experience that brings both excitement and challenges. As a recipient of the esteemed DAAD scholarship, I had the privilege of pursuing my doctoral studies in mathematics at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. In this essay, I will share my personal journey and reflect on the invaluable support, preparations, and adaptation required when studying abroad.
The process of applying for the DAAD scholarship involved reaching out to potential supervisors within the Department of Mathematics at Stellenbosch University. Since I lacked personal contacts in the department, I studied the mathematics department’s webpage to identify available research groups. Given my particular interest in algebraic geometry, which is less represented in my home country and across Africa, I identified a potential supervisor and decided to contact her. I wrote an e-mail expressing my enthusiasm for the field and outlining my background and motivation for pursuing research in algebraic geometry.
Several days later, I received a response from the potential supervisor. She not only acknowledged my e-mail but also presented me with a mathematical problem to work on. Furthermore, she arranged a meeting where I could present my findings and ideas to her. I dedicated significant time to comprehensively understanding and solving the problem she had assigned. On the scheduled day, I confidently presented my work to her, knowing that my performance would greatly influence my chances of acceptance.
Following the presentation, the supervisor informed me that she would evaluate all applicants in the field of algebraic geometry and provide feedback in due course. The waiting period for her response was filled with anticipation and uncertainty. However, shortly thereafter, I received an email that filled me with tremendous excitement and joy – I had been accepted into the program. This news was a profound moment of accomplishment and gratitude for me.
Subsequently, my supervisor played a pivotal role in guiding me through the subsequent scholarship application processes, including the departmental pre-selection and the final decision-making processes of the DAAD.
Prior to beginning this journey, I had to navigate through several crucial preparations. I’d like to discuss the specific preparations required, the challenges encountered, and the strategies employed to overcome them.
The visa processing stage, a critical step, required meticulous attention to documentation and adherence to specific requirements. In Tanzania, before applying for a visa, obtaining a police clearance certificate is mandatory. The process for obtaining this certificate typically took about two weeks. Once secured, I proceeded to initiate my visa application. To ensure I fully understood all requirements, I visited the South African embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. There, I received a comprehensive application form detailing all necessary documents and supporting materials. These included medical insurance, a financial statement, an admission letter from Stellenbosch University, and the aforementioned police clearance certificate.
Visa processing in Tanzania generally takes approximately one month for approval. Starting the application well in advance was crucial to avoid unnecessary delays. It allowed time to gather all required documentation, complete forms accurately, and fulfill any additional country-specific requirements. Rushing through the process at the last minute can lead to stress and potential errors in the application, risking delays or even rejection, impacting the planned study timeline abroad.
Additionally, it’s important to budget for supplementary expenses such as medical insurance and visa processing fees, which vary depending on the country and visa type. In my case, I needed approximately 675,000 Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) (248 US Dollars) for medical insurance and 80,000 TZS (29 US Dollars) for visa processing. Accumulating these funds required careful planning and budgeting, contributing to some delays in my visa application process. Allocating adequate resources upfront is essential to ensure a smooth visa application experience.
Financial preparedness was another crucial aspect of my preparation. Noting that the disbursement of DAAD scholarship funds begins upon arrival at the host institution, I diligently organized my finances. By saving enough to cover initial expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and daily necessities, I could embark on my Ph.D. journey with confidence, free from financial concerns. It’s advisable to ensure adequate funds for the start of your Ph.D. by researching and understanding the currency of your destination country. Familiarizing yourself with currency conversion rates allows for effective financial planning and budgeting.
Building a support network was instrumental in my successful adaptation to the new environment. Through connections with fellow scholarship recipients, my supervisor at Stellenbosch University, and the assistance of the University’s International Student Office, I cultivated valuable relationships. These connections provided guidance, counsel, and a sense of community throughout my academic journey, as detailed below.
Supervisor(s) help
My supervisor actively supported me in navigating the administrative requirements of the University, ensuring I had all the necessary information. She provided guidance on the registration process, including key deadlines and the required documentation. Additionally, when I faced an unexpected delay in arriving at my host university, which could have impacted my DAAD scholarship, my supervisor played a pivotal role in addressing the situation. She took proactive steps to contact the DAAD coordinators, explaining the circumstances and exploring potential solutions.
Recognizing the importance of the scholarship and the implications of the delay, my supervisor effectively communicated the situation to the DAAD coordinators. She highlighted the extenuating circumstances that caused the delay and underscored my dedication to pursuing the Ph.D. program. Through her advocacy and persuasive efforts, the DAAD coordinators acknowledged the unique circumstances and agreed to initiate the scholarship online for three months.
Scholarship holders’ help
The support and assistance from my fellow scholarship holders who had traveled to South Africa earlier than I did were truly invaluable in my journey. Their firsthand experiences and knowledge helped me navigate the logistics of accommodation arrangements and transportation upon arrival. My fellow scholarship holders informed me about the University’s transport services available for new arrivals at the airport. They explained that the University often organizes pick-up services to assist international students in reaching their respective accommodations safely. This information proved invaluable, sparing me the task of navigating public transportation or arranging a separate airport transfer. Instead, I could rely on the University’s transportation arrangements, providing an added layer of convenience and peace of mind for my journey.
The international office
The International Office helped me with the pre-arrival support such as the documentation needed for visa application, registration, health insurance, familiarizing myself with campus facilities, academic policies, and the support services available on campus. Therefore, it is crucial for prospective students to regularly contact them.
Research Preparation and Experience
Upon receiving my research title and discussing it with my supervisor, I realized a gap in my background knowledge concerning algebraic geometry and category theory, crucial areas for my research. These subjects were not sufficiently covered in Tanzania. Understanding the necessity of bridging this gap, I embarked on acquiring the essential knowledge under the guidance and support of my supervisor. However, balancing this preparation with existing responsibilities in Tanzania posed a challenge. Juggling family and work commitments made it difficult to fully dedicate myself to my studies, resulting in an extended preparation period throughout the first year of my scholarship.
Reflecting on my journey, I can offer the following advice to prospective students: If feasible, consider arriving at your host institution early to commence studies on schedule. Being physically present allows immersion in the academic environment and focused attention on acquiring necessary background knowledge and understanding key concepts. Early arrival facilitates close interaction with supervisors and peers, enabling regular discussions, guidance, and immediate feedback critical for academic progress. Moreover, early engagement in the academic community offers opportunities to attend seminars, workshops, and lectures, enhancing subject comprehension.
Upon arrival at the host University, I maximized available academic resources by attending numerous workshops, and seminars, and enrolling in relevant online courses pertinent to my research area. These activities significantly contributed to my preparation and academic development.
Furthermore, while embarking on this new chapter, I was conscious of the importance of maintaining a strong connection with my family back in Tanzania. Despite the geographical distance, regular communication through phone calls, video chats, and messaging platforms allowed me to stay connected with their daily lives. This connection offered not just emotional support but also a means to share my experiences and find solace in the knowledge that my loved ones were doing well.
Finally, adapting to a foreign culture remains a pivotal part of my journey. Acquiring knowledge of a new culture holds significant importance for international students. It not only fosters personal growth and enriches overall experiences but also equips us with valuable skills and perspectives beneficial for academic and professional endeavors. Personally, I have immersed myself in the local culture by attending diverse cultural events such as music festivals, art exhibitions, and food fairs. I have also engaged in learning local languages through interactions with native speakers and exploring historical and cultural sites, including museums and landmarks that illuminate South Africa’s history, art, and heritage. These experiences offer profound insights into the country’s cultural values, traditions, and pivotal events.
Damas Mgani
PhD student at Stellenbosch University. Daad Scholarship holder.
