Zambian Culture on Display in the Netherlands: Our Students Shine at Fontys University (Venlo)

 

Four of our students currently on a student exchange program in Venlo, Netherlands, at Fontys University, recently received a special visit from our leadership team, Mr. Kingsley Chisanga (Head of Research & Innovation) and Mr. Cornelius Chipasha (ICT Instructor).

The visit was more than a check-in. It was an opportunity to see, firsthand, how our students are settling into their academic environment, connecting across cultures, and representing Zambia with excellence.

A warm welcome and a tour of Fontys University

During their time at Fontys, Mr Chisanga and Mr Chapasha were taken on a guided tour of the university facilities. From learning spaces to innovation areas, the tour highlighted the kind of practical, hands-on learning environment that supports the exchange experience.

Beyond the buildings, what stood out most was the spirit of collaboration, a strong culture of global learning where students from different backgrounds come together to share ideas and build new perspectives.

Our students representing Zambia at a cross-cultural event

One of the most memorable moments of the visit happened during a cross-cultural event, where students from different countries showcased their heritage. Our students were actively exhibiting Zambian traditional foods and art, drawing attention and sparking conversations with fellow students and staff.

Through their display, they didn’t just present products; they told a story of identity, creativity, and pride. It was inspiring to see how confidently they represented home while learning abroad.

A learning stop in Eindhoven: the Philips Museum

As part of the trip, the team also visited the Philips Museum in Eindhoven, a powerful place for anyone interested in innovation and how big ideas start small. The museum is located on the historic site where Gerard Philips produced his first light bulbs in 1891, the same origin story that later helped shape Eindhoven into a city known for technology and design.

Gerard Philips, alongside his father Frederik Philips, founded Philips & Co in 1891, initially focusing on reliable incandescent electric light bulbs, a practical invention that would become the foundation for a global company.

Today, the museum captures that journey “from light bulbs to innovation,” showing how technology can evolve across generations while still being rooted in curiosity, research, and hands-on problem-solving.

Why this exchange matters

This experience is about more than travel. It’s about exposure, skills, confidence, and global networks. Seeing our students engage and stand out in an international space is a reminder of what student exchange programs can unlock academically, professionally, and culturally.

We’re proud of our students for representing Zambia so well and grateful to Fontys University for the welcoming environment and the opportunity for cross-cultural learning.