Eight students from the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) are currently taking part in the ERASMUS+ International Credit Mobility programme (ICM) at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia.
The main goal of this programme is to promote mobility in higher education and offer students and staff an enriching international academic experience.
The group of students, which includes six undergraduates and two postgraduates from the Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science, will be engaged in the exchange programme from April 20 to June 20, 2024. The students participating are Joseph Asare, Evare Owusu Agyemang, Hertty Blankson, Blessed Aboagye, Sharon Asenso, Deborah Nketsiah, Kelvin Manu Osei, and Samuel Kwaku Badu Boahen.
Two faculty members, Dr. Richard Kyere-Boateng and Dr. Frederick Otu-Larbi, also form part of the exchange programme. According to Dr. Kyere-Boateng, who oversees the departmental exchange programmes, the aim of this opportunity is to broaden the educational and research skills of the students in an international setting.
The selection process was rigorous, with candidates needing to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and undergo a comprehensive assessment of their academic records. Their research aspirations and potential contributions were evaluated through personal interviews, with active involvement in relevant extracurricular activities also taken into consideration.
Dr. Kyere-Boateng highlighted the significant benefits that both students and faculty members are expected to gain from this international academic endeavor. The exposure to advanced research opportunities and technologies abroad will enhance the students’ climate science skills by learning from their international peers.
Furthermore, the knowledge and skills acquired during this exchange programme are anticipated to help participants effectively address climate-related issues in Ghana, influencing policy-making and increasing public awareness about climate change. Dr. Kyere-Boateng emphasized that this initiative will enrich the academic environment in Ghana by fostering a culture of research and innovation in climate science, ultimately enhancing the country’s capacity to develop sustainable strategies for tackling current and future environmental challenges.
Overall, this exchange programme at the Slovak University of Technology is paving the way for invaluable global networks and future collaborative research opportunities, ultimately contributing to Ghana’s efforts in addressing climate change and promoting academic excellence in the field of climate science.
