Charitè-Universitätsmediizin Berlin (CUB) and University of Nairobi (UoN) exchange program is a 1-month fully sponsored research-based elective. It was pioneered by a student in 2016 with 3 cycles since.
SOM students experience in Germany
Charitè-Universitätsmediizin Berlin (CUB) and University of Nairobi (UoN) exchange program is a 1-month fully sponsored research-based elective. It was pioneered by a student in 2016 with 3 cycles since.
The 2018 recipients were: Becky Wanjiku Njuguna, Brian Bundi Nyamweya, Evans Mutia Mutwiri, Mandela Kibiriti Mwangi, Ruth Kwamboka Nyang'aya and Sandra Obaje Maseno.
The following account is an attempt to summarize our collective experience:
Charitè University and hospital:
Founded in the 19th century, it is a leader in research, healthcare provision and its contribution to science. Home of 4 Nobel laureates, it is an inspiring force to reckon with. It has 4 campuses spread about in Berlin. It's architectural grandeur is breathtaking. Here is where the recipients had the chance to learn and carry out research. The hospitals both at Campus Mitte and the Benjamin Franklin campus are world class with state of the art facilities and technology.
The prevailing opinion:
Germany lived up to the stereotype of a developed country. Both in in the industrial and health and social sphere.
Weather:
Absence makes the heart grow fonder never rang more true.
Getting assailed by the frosting cold weather, braving it by layering up bales of clothes just to try and maintain the core body temperature was an unforgettable experience. We visited during winter. I remember the first day we landed. The phrase shiver like a chameleon on a frail twig comes to mind. Average temperature range was -1 to 6 degrees. The days are short and the nights are long. The sun rises at 7am and sets at 4pm.
