Back to University

The beginning of my summer was spent in Ethiopia, implementing the Biosmart Initiative project. I could write a whole separate blog about the trip, but as for the purposes of this one, I will just briefly summarize my impressions. Working with the farmers proved to be much more difficult than we expected, due to the fact that any non-standardized work with the soil needs to get official government permits and given the level of bureaucracy in Ethiopia, this can mean weeks of waiting. For these reasons we worked in close cooperation with the local Adama Science and Technology University and the NutrAfrica Organization. Their help really facilitated our research of methods of production and usage of charcoal. During the three-week stay we learned much about the Ethiopian culture, about local university students and their lives and about doing business in Africa, but we also discovered much about ourselves, since due to security reasons we had to stay together all the time. The project was therefore enriching from many perspectives, mostly from the international development one. Pictures illustrating our June adventure follow.

Although the government officials were very tough in awarding permits to start the research, local people were extremely friendly and helpful.

Ethiopia is a developing country full of contrast.

One day a herd of camels came to the university campus to graze and drink.

These “bajaj” taxis are the most common means of transport – for less then a pound they take you anywhere in the city.

The capital Adis Abbeba is quickly turning into a modern city, however poverty is still very visible in some parts of it.

After my return from Ethiopia I finally had some time to enjoy the typical holiday activities, such as film and musical festivals visits. Having regained my energy I started my internship within the PPF Bank in Prague, in the department of Operations. This internship brought me much knowledge from the banking environment and it allowed me to see the internal processes of a bank. Such an experience from the corporate environment is really valuable to me, as it complements the NGO and volunteering ones.

I have missed the university throughout the summer holidays, which might be the reason why I subscribed for a summer school. Based on having good references I participated at the Summer School of Development Cooperation at Palacky University in Olomouc. The program of the lectures was composed in way to present both NGOs, IOs and governmental and army strategies of development. Some of the panels discussed the expected themes of immigration crisis in Europe or wars in Syria and Ukraine. What I found were refreshing was the introduction of Czech social entrepreneurship platforms, which contribute to social integration, fostering social values and often also to filling in of a market hole. I was glad to see education at Czech universities, and although the majority of the lectures was very interesting, I am still very grateful to gain my education in the UK. Apart from learning much about development strategies, I also gained many new friends in Olomouc.

In September I finally returned to my beloved university in Exeter to fulfil my academic and extracurricular duties. All the modules I am due to take this year are really appealing, since in the final year is very flexible, which mend I could select modules cantered around the topics of my interest - the development and environmental policy. Having chosen such modules I find my study deeply fulfilling.

Very good news is that the University of Exeter has been ranked as the 93rd in the world in the influential rankings of Times Higher Education. This has qualified it as one of the best one hundred universities in the world and based on my experience I can confirm that the ranking is fully deserved. I am very proud to study at such a prestigious university!