Erasmus+ mobility in “Bi-directional teaching and learning” Lao-German project: Sabaidee to Laos! – by Nico Hillah
Editor’s note: Nico Hillah is a researcher at PH Karlsruhe in the field of e-learning at the Institute of Informatics and holds a PhD from the University of Lausanne. He is interested in the question of how to effectively exchange knowledge and information technology tools between the Global North and Global South communities, and this is why he asked to join our Erasmus+ cooperation project with Savannakhet University (SKU). He is presently visiting SKU for the second time and taking a look back at his first stay.
In December 2022, I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ mobility program of PH Karlsruhe: “Bi-directional teaching and learning“: Lao-German projects of PH Karlsruhe, for the first time. I visited the Faculty of Information Technology of Savannakhet University in Laos from 6 to 17 December, as Prof. Bernhard Standl (Head of Informatics) had done in 2020.
On my first day of work, I had a nice office in the International Affairs Department with a beautiful flower on my desk. My first task was to learn how to behave and show respect to people in Laos – social rules and manners. Then I had an interesting conversation with the Vice-President of Savannakhet University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sitha Kemmarath. We took the opportunity to talk about how important the university is to the region, as Savannakhet Province has the highest high school graduation rate in the country. I also visited the university library and had lunch with colleagues from the International Office.
On my second day, I moved to the IT Faculty for the rest of my visit. I had a meeting with the Deputy Head of the three departments of the faculty: Information Technology, Multimedia Technology, and Network Technology. For each department, we talked about how to improve the quality of teaching and what challenges students face in terms of adequate infrastructure (computers, internet connection, and other IT devices) needed to acquire good IT skills. We also worked on solutions such as having an “IT – English week” full of diverse activities (games, competitions, poesy, theater, hackathons, etc.) to promote these two fields in the university as well as in the region. Furthermore, we also discussed how to improve the curriculum of some courses by introducing IT certifications (Cisco Certified Network, Microsoft fundamentals, TOEFL, etc.) so that they are modern and meet the requirements of the local and international labor market.
Together we considered how to improve the teaching and learning aspects in the departments. I also had the opportunity to participate in different courses such as “Advanced Database”, “Wireless LAN”, “Computer Games”, and “English for computer science courses”. The students were very excited to learn about the differences between studying in Germany and studying in Laos, and why it is important for them to learn to communicate and cooperate with people all over the world if they want to work in an IT profession later.
In the second week, I visited the construction project of the new campus in Nong Pheu, which was supported by the Asian Development Program. Together with Ms Somsanouk Xayyavong, I toured the brand-new building of the Faculty of Information Technology and looked at how to secure the new IT infrastructure on campus. We also installed a new learning and management system, “Moodle“, to support teaching and learning activities at Savannakhet University.
What would a visit to a country be without the social and culinary aspects?
My mobility was not limited to working at the university, but I was also able to socialize and get to know Lao culture. In this regard, I must say that I was incredibly lucky because my hosts took me to the “That Ing Hang Stupa” temple, which is a spiritual center for Buddhists all over the country, especially for people in Savannakhet province. On that day, there were a lot of activities going on at the temple due to the pilgrims’ week, I got the chance to talk to people and had lunch over there. After trying the local food – beef salad, sticky rice, papaya salad – I was immediately hooked. From the third day, I changed my diet to traditional food. I ate hot noodle soup every morning and went to the night market every night, which was close to my hotel. The local women were so kind to me and recommended a different delicious dish every night.
On my last day, I was invited to a nice restaurant (Daohoung 1) where we had an incredibly good lunch, and I received a T-shirt and a nice scarf as nice souvenirs from the Vice-Dean of Academics Affairs Dr. Bonnheuang Ninchaleune. In the evening, Ms Phetsavanh Somsivilay came with her lovely daughter and picked me up to meet the other colleagues for dinner before going to a karaoke bar for the after-party. The next morning, Ms. Somsanouk drove me on her motorcycle to the main market to do some shopping (coffee, and tea). I must give her a special thank you for putting so much energy into organizing activities for my visit.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all my hosts, especially to Prof. Dr. Sitha Kemmarath, Dr. Bounheuang Ninchaleune, Mr Bounthong Sengvilaykham, Ms Phetsavanh Somsivilay, Mr Visinh Moungsinh, Mr Sengthian Khouvolavong, Mr Santisouk Khounladsouvannavong, Ms Lamnguen Chanthanouvong, Ms Latdavanh Naonady, Ms Khampeng Saleumsouk, and Mr Viengthong Mangnormek, for their warm welcome.
Finally, I would like to thank the Erasmus+ project leader Prof. Dr. Isabel Martin, and our International Officer and coordinator Ms Julia Friedl, who provided me with all the necessary information for a pleasant stay, as well as Prof. Dr. Berndhard Standl, who gave me the opportunity to participate in this interesting project. I am looking forward to further developing the existing cooperation between our two universities, and to welcoming our partners from Savannakhet University. I was happy to visit such a beautiful country with nice and friendly people, and very glad to be here again right now!
Sabaidee and khop chai, Laos!
Nico Hillah
Text & photos by Nico Hillah
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