Letter from Cameroon (no. 3) – by Donald Beteyeh Nchofua
Hello Everyone!
My name is Donald Beteyeh Nchofua, a PhD student in the Department of English at University of Yaounde I, Cameroon. I have been honoured with the prestigious opportunity to participate as a guest lecturer at the University of Education, Karlsruhe (Paedagogische Hochschule Karlsruhe), through the “Get Ready for Global Teaching!” program funded by the DAAD. This is within the framework of the Cooperation Agreement between my university and PH Karlsruhe, which enriches our shared academic paths through intercultural dialogue and collaborative learning.
My doctoral research focuses on “Development Discourses in Cameroonian Parliamentary Debates: A Critical Discourse Analytical Approach,” through which I explore how language shapes and reflects ideologies of governance, progress, and national development in Cameroon’s political sphere.
The University of YaoundĂ© I (UYI) is one of the most prestigious public universities in Cameroon and Central Africa, and it is Cameroon’s premier or “mother” university created in 1962. The University of Yaounde 1 has a running cooperation with the University of Education (“PH”) Karlsruhe, Germany, as they have been linked through three international academic exchange programs since 2023, funded by the DAAD, Engagement Global, and the International Office of PH Karlsruhe.
This collaboration is developed further by the “Get Ready for Global Teaching” project (2025-2029), which fosters intercultural dialogue, guest lectureships, and joint educational research and conferences. This partnership enables scholars and students from UYI to engage with German academic systems, broaden intercultural competencies, and participate in collaborative teaching and research activities at PH Karlsruhe, enhancing academic networking and knowledge exchange between Cameroon and Germany.
From the moment I first heard about this guest lectureship program, I was captivated by the prospects of engaging with new cultures, experiencing different educational systems, and expanding my horizon as both a learner and an educator. Having long aspired to immerse myself in diverse ways of life, I was especially and particularly drawn to the idea of sharing knowledge and building networks across borders; which are values that are so central to higher education in our global era.
I owe a special gratitude to Dr Eric Ekembe, a lecturer at the Higher Teacher Training College, Yaoundé, Cameroon, who encouraged me to pursue this opportunity and guided me every step of the way during the application process and period. His mentorship and support were invaluable, especially when gathering the set of application materials, as required by both the program and the German consular authorities. Prof. Dr. Isabel Martin, who is both the Chair of the Department of English and Head of the Institute for Multilingualism at Karlsruhe University, together with Ms Mirjam Hitzelberger, the dedicated project coordinator, played an important role in my preparations for the guest lectureship. Their support was marked by exceptional professionalism and attention to detail, ensuring that all administrative requirements were clearly explained and met in a timely manner. They not only supplied every essential document required from the host institution, but also offered detailed guidance for each step of the visa application process. Their willingness to clarify procedures, their accessibility for questions, and their proactive communication helped to alleviate much of the anxiety that often accompanies international academic journeys. Thanks to their concerted efforts, I was able to navigate the often complicated process with greater ease and confidence.
The process of preparing for my departure was both exhilarating and challenging. In Cameroon, it can be so demanding to obtain official documents, particularly during politically sensitive times such as national elections (as was the case with when I was applying for a visa), when administrative procedures often face unforeseen delays. Nevertheless, determined to meet every requirement, I persevered, navigating government offices and system complexities to assemble all the necessary documentation. The relief and satisfaction I felt when my visa was granted was immense, signalling a transition from dream to reality.
With the administrative phase behind me, I turned my attention to preparing for cultural transition. I began researching extensively, seeking to understand both daily life and deeper societal values. I learned, through both readings and conversations, that Germans known for punctuality, straightforwardness, sincerity, and meticulous approach to rules and order. These impressions have informed my awareness and self-preparation as I look forward to engage respectfully with colleagues and students at the PH Karlsruhe.
The day for my travelling to Germany finally came, filling me with a mix of excitement and deep anxiety, as this marked my first international journey and coupled with the fact that I was travelling alone. Despite the detailed directives, maps, and airport navigation guides sent by Ms Mirjam Hitzelberger, highlighting clear signage at the Stuttgart Airport, to Karlsruhe main station and between bus terminals, I repeatedly questioned whether I would arrive safely or trace my way correctly from Stuttgart to Karlsruhe. These fears were compounded by the vastness of the airport and the unfamiliarity of solo transit, yet I kept my hopes and motivation alive, drawing strength from the support received and the promise of this transformative experience.
Stepping into this new academic environment, I am eager to exchange ideas with fellow lecturers and students, explore innovations in pedagogy, and witness first-hand how the educational practices in Germany differ from those in my home institution. I am excited to broaden my academic and cultural outlook, believing that such exposure will sharpen my teaching practices, research and intercultural competence. For me, the guest lectureship represents not only personal advancement, but also an avenue to bring fresh perspectives and greater understanding back to my home university in Cameroon.
As I prepare for this journey, I look forward to sharing Cameroonian experiences, learning from the German academic community, and building bridges that will endure beyond the boundaries of this program. I hope to contribute meaningfully to the dynamic and diverse academic life at Karlsruhe.
I cannot wait to share my first impressions and reflections as this new chapter unfolds.
Best regards,
Donald Beteyeh Nchofua
Text by Donald Beteyeh Nchofua
Photos by Wilfred Nchofua, Yuvils Saynyi Nah
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