These experiences are not only personal growth opportunities but are also aimed at contributing to the country's development across various sectors.
One such group of students is studying at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco, a prestigious institution that is quickly becoming a beacon for academic excellence.
Located in Benguerir, in Marrakesh-Safi region, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is one of Morocco's leading institutions. Ranked 400th globally and 4th in Africa, the university has set ambitious goals.
By the next academic year, it is projected to be Africa's top university, with plans to enter the top 100 universities globally by 2100.
Currently, the university hosts 30 Rwandan students, both male and female, who are enrolled in diverse fields such as construction, medicine, art, hospitality, business management, agriculture, and water management.
Speaking to IGIHE, Alanda Kamana, a Ph.D. candidate in construction, shared his insights on the educational advancements in Morocco.
According to him, every one of Morocco's 12 administrative regions has its own public university, with several private universities complementing the state-run institutions to enhance the quality of education.
"This university was created with a focus on agricultural research, but it has expanded to include several other disciplines such as health sciences, hospitality, and more," Kamana explained.
Founded in 2017, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University has a vision to be the leading educational institution in Africa by 2030. By 2100, it aspires to be ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
Despite the perceived educational gap between Rwanda and Morocco, Kamana believes the difference is not as wide as many think, seeing it as an opportunity for further knowledge exchange between the two countries.
"We encourage both Rwandans and Moroccans to share their knowledge so we can advance together," he added.
Aimee Mutuyimana, a final-year Ph.D. student specializing in water purification, highlighted the university's excellent resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories and expert faculty.
She is confident that the knowledge gained will be invaluable to Rwanda upon her return.
'The well-being and academic support here are top-notch, and I am excited to bring back everything I have learned to contribute to Rwanda's progress,' Mutuyimana said.
Similarly, Nicole Niyonsaba, a third-year medical student in a six-year program, noted that the academic environment at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University has allowed her to thrive.
"We have access to everything we need to succeed," she shared. "The professors provide guidance, and we also engage in extra-curricular activities that enhance our research and personal growth."
Niyonsaba expressed gratitude for the opportunities, as the comprehensive support they receive strengthens their education.
Hortance Bizimana, studying business management, shared how international students are well-supported in their academic journey.
As part of the curriculum, students are offered internships abroad, and some have already completed placements in Hong Kong and Dubai.
"We are in our second year, and the exposure we're receiving is invaluable," Bizimana stated. "We're committed to using what we've learned here to develop our home country."
Eric Rukenesha, a master's student specializing in agricultural development, explained that their curriculum is focused on Africa's agricultural needs.
He noted that although agriculture is the backbone of Africa's economy, there are significant challenges, such as poor post-harvest handling and market access.
"During my break, I spent two months working with farmers in Rwanda to address these issues, particularly in preserving crops and reducing wastage, which is a major concern," Rukenesha shared.
Alice Joy Ineza, studying architecture, emphasized the rigor of her program, which requires creativity, critical thinking and hard work.
"These skills will be essential for Rwanda's urban development," she said. "I believe that when we return, we will help build modern cities that prioritize sustainability and environmental conservation."
Nasla Ingabire, who recently completed her master's degree in International Business Management, spoke about the importance of gaining international experience.
"I aim to seek job opportunities in Morocco and then return to Rwanda to share the knowledge I have gained," she expressed.
These students have also encouraged their peers to consider applying to Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, emphasizing that the university offers a unique opportunity to gain international experience and knowledge.
The university, unlike most in Morocco, offers programs in English, making it accessible to a broader range of international students.
Moreover, students are eligible for fully-funded scholarships, either from their home countries or through philanthropic organizations such as the Mastercard Foundation.
Recently, these students learned about additional funding opportunities from the Mastercard Foundation, further incentivizing Rwandans to pursue higher education at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.
Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
