GENDING beneficiary, 2026, MA in Gender Studies University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
A lifetime experience
I took part in an exchange programme as a GENDING beneficiary while studying for a Master of Arts in Gender Studies. It was the best opportunity and a lifetime experience as it was the time that I finished my data analysis and was writing my findings of the research and i got the chance to present my work and received a very constructive comments to improve the work. One of the best parts of the programme was an online course on Gender and Everyday Life, which gave me a new way of learning. Through this course, I connected online with lecturers and students from around the world. This widened my understanding of online learning and improved my skills in using digital tools for communication, collaboration, and accessing learning materials.
A change in perspective of gender
The course also changed how I view gender. In my country, gender is often seen mainly as a women’s issue. The course included both male and female students, and the lecturers valued everyone’s opinions equally, give each member a time to participate and share an idea concerning the topic at hand regardless of gender. This helped me see gender from a wider perspective and taught me the importance of listening to and respecting different views.
Online learning as a new experience
Although we didn’t meet in person, we worked in online groups, shared ideas, and gradually got to know each other. At the start of the programme, my digital skills were limited, especially since the level of digitalisation was more advanced than what I was used to in my country. However, my confidence and skills improved over time. One of the most interesting experiences was working in groups for various task given by using digital canvas system and taking exams online, which I had never done before. Writing one of my final exams as a term paper from home was particularly memorable because, in my country, final exams are usually taken in an exam room under supervision. I also appreciated the quick and helpful support from the student help desk.
Overall, the exchange programme improved my digital skills, broadened my understanding of gender, and as a Gendig beneficiary, the program showed me the meaningful learning and interaction can happen successfully through digital platforms.