Bridging Continents: MVNU/ANU partnership transforms students through global engagement

From left, Kessy Kheityna Ishimwe, Robert Moinket Mutarakwa and Dominic Rose met up in Nairobi, Kenya, prior to starting their academic exchange experience.

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The new academic partnership between Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Africa Nazarene University officially got off the ground this past fall with the first students trading places for the semester. MVNU welcomed Robert Moinket Mutarakwa and Kessy Kheityna Ishimwe to campus while Dominic Rose experienced life and studies in Nairobi, Kenya.

While each had different expectations as to what they would experience, the common thread is that they all had their eyes opened in unexpected ways — academically, culturally, and spiritually. Here’s a look through their eyes.

Robert’s Journey: An Exchange of Faith, Law, and Culture

At 41, Robert is in the final stretch of his studies at Africa Nazarene University in Kenya, nearing the completion of his law degree. As he prepared to return home after the exchange program with MVNU, Robert reflected on how the journey had reshaped him, his family, and his approach to the world.

Born into the Maasai tribe, Robert’s roots run deep in the plains of Kenya, where his people had lived for generations though he had spent many years in Nairobi. The Maasai were known for their deep connection to the land and their strong cultural heritage. Married with two daughters, leaving his family for months was a difficult decision, especially with his eldest daughter entering her teenage years and his youngest daughter was just six years old. However, Robert knew the opportunity would impact not only his future but also his community back home.

“That was one of the most difficult decisions,” Robert recalled. “My daughter had just turned 14, and that’s a tough age for every parent. It’s when they begin discovering themselves, and as a father, it’s a challenge to guide them through that transition.”

But there was more at stake than just his immediate family. Robert was also involved in a legal battle, administering his late father’s estate. His father had passed away without a will, and the property was stolen by dishonest individuals. As the executor of the estate, Robert found himself tangled in over 400 legal cases, fighting for what was rightfully his family’s. This experience inspired him to pursue law, aiming to understand the justice system and fight for others facing similar challenges.

“I’ve been in court countless times,” Robert said, “and that’s what inspired me to pursue law. I wanted to understand how the system worked and how I could make a difference.”

Throughout his time in the U.S., Robert not only learned about the American justice system but also had the unique opportunity to witness a U.S. presidential election. As a political enthusiast back home, Robert had seen multiple Kenyan elections, but the intensity and importance of the U.S. election left a lasting impression. He also had the chance to discuss global issues like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the crisis in Syria, expanding his understanding of international relations.

“I want to help people,” he added with passion. “There are so many land injustices in my community, and I want to be a part of the solution. My family has experienced it firsthand, and I want to make sure others don’t have to go through the same struggles.”

The exchange program wasn’t just academic, however. It was also spiritual. Robert valued the Christian environment at MVNU, especially when he had to explain why he missed a chapel service.

“That was amazing,” he said, appreciating how spiritual life was prioritized. “They really take God seriously here. It’s a reminder that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God, and that’s something I want to take home with me.”

Robert also took away valuable lessons about the power of unity and inclusion.

“The people here are incredibly welcoming,” he said. “I’ve never felt like an outsider, even though I’m from a different culture and background. There’s no racial discrimination, and that’s something I really appreciate. The kindness and friendliness of the people here have been incredible.”

.As his time in the U.S. ended, Robert knew his work wasn’t finished. He was eager to return home to Kenya, where he would continue his legal studies at ANU. His Maasai heritage shaped the person he was, but his experiences abroad opened his eyes to new perspectives, and he was determined to take those lessons back to Kenya to help improve his own country.

“The systems here are well-developed,” Robert reflected. “But Kenya is still young, and we have a long way to go. Our country is only 62 years old, while the U.S. is over 200. With time, I believe Kenya can develop and build systems that work as effectively as those here. But we need to invest in education, infrastructure, and communication.”

Robert is committed to being part of that change. As he looked ahead, he knew that this experience had shaped his future, and he would continue to encourage others to take part in exchange programs and gain the global perspective that he had.

“When I go back,” he said, “I will tell my fellow students about this experience. I would encourage more people from Kenya to come to Mount Vernon Nazarene University. In fact, I’ve already been talking to others in my community about coming here. … By God’s grace, I plan on coming back for my master’s degree. I’ve already been helping some fellow students explore how they can come here. Immigration is the biggest challenge, but once that is sorted out, I’m confident there will be many more students coming here in the future.”

Below is a sample of a Maasai tribal chant:

Kessy’s Journey: A Story of Growth, Change, and Acceptance

Born in Burundi, Kessy’s academic journey took her to Kenya and ANU, where she studies Environmental Natural Resource Management. When she was offered the chance to come to the United States and study at MVNU, she jumped at it, even though her family may not have been on board initially.

Arriving in the U.S. was a huge step. Kessy initially felt uncertain about the new country and missed her family.

“I was a little scared, but once the semester started, everything changed,” she recalls. “My mother was not into it because she always says that it’s kind of too far for her and I’m alone,” said Kessy, 22. “My big brother and big sister are together in Canada, so they’re like, oh, if one has a problem, they can count on the other. But here, I’m alone. My brother, Chris, goes to the University of Montreal and my sister, Lisa, goes to the University of Winnipeg, so they’re still a little way away from each other.”

After arriving at MVNU and starting class, Kessy quickly realized how different her field of study was from the Environmental Biology she would study here.

“Environmental natural resource management is more like a generalized version of environmental biology,” Kessy said. “Here, we focus more on the specimens — you have to know them — but in environmental natural resource management, it’s like a broad part of it. You have to know how to manage them. You don’t have to actually know the specimens by name or anything. … So, when I came here and I had to learn that, especially when it was like animals I’ve never seen in my life, it was pretty hard and intimidating.”

Also intimidating for her was campus life. Being thousands of miles away from home and not really knowing anyone was a difficult adjustment.

“First of all, the fact that I came without any expectations of America at all,” Kessy said. “When I came here, it was like a shock. I didn’t know what to expect. When we got here, nobody was here. We came like a week before other students.

“I first thought, ‘I’m a little bit too far from home. Why did I do that?’ But then I thought I guess I must wait and see how it is. Once the semester started, everybody was nice and welcoming. It turned out that it’s just a normal campus.”

The adjustment was not without challenges. The punctuality of American students was one of the first things Kessy noticed.

“In Africa, if you say you’ll meet at 10 AM, expect people at 12!” she laughed. “Here, everyone is rushing to be on time, and if you’re not, you feel out of place.”

She also found it odd how people would walk past without stopping to chat.

“Back home, if I see a friend, we stand in the middle of campus and talk. Here, it feels like everyone is in a hurry,” Kessy said.

Over time, she grew accustomed to the American pace of life, even if it wasn’t the way she was used to.

Kessy also found support in other MVNU international students, especially those from similar backgrounds, which helped her through times of confusion.

“When you meet someone from a similar culture, you bond in that confusion,” she says.

Kessy’s experience in the U.S. was transformative, not just in terms of academics but also in broadening her worldview. She had come to understand that the perspective she had of the U.S. was far different from reality.

“The perspective we have of the U.S. is different, but when I got here, I realized we’re not that different after all,” Kessy reflects. “I always thought we wouldn’t understand each other, but it turns out, it’s all the same.”

As Kessy prepared to return to her studies in Kenya for her senior year, she reflected on the lessons she would bring back home. Through all these challenges and experiences, Kessy had grown.

“I’ll take away so many memories from this journey,” she said with a smile. “And I hope that more students from my university will have the chance to come here, despite the financial challenges. It is a nice experience, and you learn a lot. I experienced a lot that I never thought I would. It’s a memory that I’m going to hold on to.”

Dominic’s Adventure: Seeking Discomfort and Embracing New Perspectives

Dominic’s journey to Kenya started with an unexpected opportunity. Sitting in class one day, he learned that Mount Vernon Nazarene University had just started a new partnership with African Nazarene University. Dr. Thad Hicks, Professor of Emergency Management and Criminal Justice, pitched the idea to Emergency Management & Homeland Security majors. He was looking for a volunteer for the semester abroad program focused on Peace and Conflict Studies.

The opportunity intrigued Dominic, and he was the only one to raise his hand.

“I was the only one, but I was totally okay with that because I was just trying to seek discomfort,” Dominic said, recalling how the decision felt. “I kind of felt led there.”

He arrived in Kenya with open eyes and a willingness to experience everything, even though it was a profound difference from what he was used to. Not only was the geography different, but he also felt like he was the only white person, which made everything feel even more unfamiliar.

“Being over there was a culture shock in itself,” Dominic shared.

The school’s class structure was also unlike anything he had encountered in the U.S. Classes were three hours long every day, and professors showed up at least an hour late.

“You get in the shower at eight, and you get to class at nine, and your professor wouldn’t show up until 10,” Dominic explained. “Very different, but I had a blast.”

The experience was more than just about the studies; it was about embracing the different pace of life and seeing the world in new ways.

“It was a different type of culture,” he explained, referring to how daily life didn’t adhere to the same schedules he was used to. “If an event starts at six, you don’t get into the shower until 6:20. You arrive at 8:20, and the event starts in 20 minutes. The timing was very different.”

Despite going to Kenya to study Peace and Conflict Studies, Dominic quickly realized he was learning just as much as he was sharing. Through his classes and interactions with students from countries like Swaziland, Burundi, and Tanzania, Dominic gained new perspectives on global issues.

“I wasn’t teaching more than I was taught because ultimately I was going there to learn,” he admitted. “It was just me giving my perspective. It was an international classroom, and we all shared our own struggles and experiences. … I was able to be involved in class discussions and give my American perspective, but it was more of a collaboration.”

As he explored Kenya, Dominic embraced the differences — new forms of transportation and unexpected adventures. Though the program started off unorganized, Dominic learned to embrace the unpredictability.

“I was riding in different types of transportation, like tuk-tuks,” he said. “It was fun and different, something I’d never experienced before. … To see African culture, which is so prevalent over there, was eye-opening.

“The details were very robust, but I was probably more appreciative of the freedom I had,” he reflected. “Instead of everything being scheduled, I had more room to explore.”

Dominic’s experience in Kenya also made him reflect on his own identity. One day, while out and about, some Kenyan women asked him to take photos with them. They called him “Mzungu,” a term used for a white person, like “gringo” in Spanish.

“They wanted to take pictures with me because, to them, I represented wealth,” he explained. “It was a humbling experience, showing me how my race and nationality were perceived in a different light.”

Dominic was also struck by Kenya’s complex tribal culture.

“There are 52 different tribes in Kenya, and each one has their own culture, language, and stereotypes,” he said, fascinated by the intricacies of social dynamics. “It’s very different from the three social classes in the U.S.”

Through it all, Dominic was able to see the world through a different lens, shaping his future career path.

“My bachelor’s is in Emergency Management & Homeland Security, and my minor is Peace and Conflict Studies. I want to work in counterterrorism or humanitarian aid,” he explained. “Being able to understand peace and conflict resolution in different contexts helps me prepare for a better future.”

Dominic’s journey taught him the value of seeking discomfort and embracing new experiences. It is something he would like others to share.

“Even if it looks scary, you should at least pray about it,” Dominic said. “My final decision was backed by hours of prayer, hours of reading the Bible, hours of talking to mentors about if I should even do this. Even talking to my mom and saying, ‘Hey, do you want your baby boy to leave the country and go live in Africa for four months?’

“While it did look really scary, it was also an opportunity for God to use me and to seek discomfort because I’d hate to have this tunnel vision my whole life if I have an opportunity to go and explore the world.”