'The buddy that was assigned to help me was a mentor figure at school and helped me get used to the culture and the new school system …'

👨 Edmund Kiseh

🌍 From Cameroon
​⚡ Electronics and ICT
​🎓Second year student on Campus De Nayer, hopefull to make a career here in Belgium

Why did you choose the Electronics and ICT course?

I was one of those people who did not know exactly what to do after high school. I moved from Cameroon to here, and I started looking into my options, what I could pursue as a career. Since I still had the language barrier, it came down to two schools, but Thomas More was more suitable for me. The course of Electronics and ICT was the one that suited me better. ​

If you had 1 minute and 40 seconds, how would you describe the Electronics and ICT Course?

Why did you move to Belgium?

My father got a job tranfer. He got the opportunity to come to Belgium and work at the Embassy of Cameroon here. So we all moved with him.

How do you feel about studying at Thomas More?

First of all, I like the fact that the school offers courses in both Dutch and English. It was a bit of a struggle for me, at first, so classes in English helped me. I also like how practical they go into the subjects, the hands-on approach. I like the services the school provides and the atmosphere here.

Did the school help you in the adaptation process?

I was assigned a buddy of Belgian origin. Aside from being a mentor figure at school, he was and is a good friend. The buddy was part of the student organisation ESN, and he helped me to get used to the culture here by occasionally inviting me to hang out with him and his other friends during certain events. That above all else helped me adapt to the new system rather easily.

How is your interaction with the students and the teachers?

I have good relations with my teachers, although I don't interact much with them, other than the necessary. I have respect for them and reach out when it is of academic importance. With the other students, I'm a lot more easygoing as I see them as my peers. It's rather impossible to get by without warming up to them on a casually social level.

What do you think of the facilities and equipment of the school?

The facilities and equipment offer all the adequate set of functionality necessary to perform our tasks and projects. I have no complaints about that matter (smiles).

Since you’re studying in an English program, do you want to work abroad or plan to stay in Belgium?

I would like to stay and get a job in Belgium. I really like it here.

What is your dream job?

I don’t really have a dream job, but I would like to find a job in the industry if it has to do with designing circuit boards and stuff like that, or even something related to programing hardware for everyday applications.

Do you have any advice for the new upcoming international students?

I'd love to give advice, but experience has taught me that not all advice works the same for everyone (laughs). It varies for each person. But fot incoming international students, one thing that is needed is help, especially with studying in a new system of education. Getting a buddy is sure helpful in that department. Friends too! Lots of them.

💼 Came to Belgium to follow his parents on a new job opportunity

👬Got help from a buddy from the Buddy Programme to adapt to the new culture and system.

🏁Fell in love with Belgium and wants to find a job opportunity here.