For 37 students from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) at Strathmore University, this year’s international academic trip to the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany became far more than an educational excursion. It evolved into a deeply reflective journey of intellectual discovery, cultural immersion and personal transformation.

Accompanied by five staff members, the students participated in a carefully curated programme of academic engagements, institutional visits, cultural experiences and philosophical discussions designed to expand their global outlook and connect classroom learning to real-world international contexts.

The trip also carried special significance as the School’s Bachelor of Arts programmes celebrated their 10th anniversary this year, a milestone marking a decade of nurturing critical thinkers, ethical leaders and globally minded graduates.

From discussions on international justice at The Hague to philosophical reflections on human dignity in Belgium, students encountered ideas and experiences that challenged assumptions, broadened perspectives and deepened their understanding of the world.

First Encounters with Europe: Learning Beyond the Classroom

The journey began with the SHSS staff and students’ arrival at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, where excitement and anticipation filled the group as students prepared to engage with institutions and cultures they had previously encountered mainly through textbooks and lectures.

For many students, the trip represented their first experience outside Africa and their first opportunity to witness global systems and institutions firsthand.

“Reading about international institutions in class is one thing, but standing inside those spaces and interacting with people working there made everything feel real,” reflected Wisdom Tukero, a third year student pursuing bachelor of arts in Communication. “It reminded me that global governance and diplomacy are not abstract concepts; they affect real people and real societies.”

That sense of discovery would become a defining thread throughout the trip.

Exploring International Justice at The Hague

One of the most impactful moments of the academic tour was the visit to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

During the session, students explored the Court’s operational framework, procedures, and the State of the Treaty/Host Country Relationship (SOTY), gaining practical insight into the complexities of international justice and accountability.

For students studying international relations and governance, the visit brought legal and diplomatic concepts vividly to life. 

“The ICC visit changed how I think about justice on a global scale,” Chantal   Owomugisha “You begin to understand how difficult it is to balance politics, sovereignty and human rights, but also why these institutions matter.”

The delegation later toured the iconic Peace Palace, a global symbol of diplomacy and international law. Guided by Valentina Botello León, students explored the institution’s rich history and its enduring role in promoting peace and conflict resolution.

Several students described the visit as both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving.

“One thing that stayed with me was realizing how much dialogue and negotiation happened behind the scenes to maintain peace,” Vyola Margaret reflected. “It gave me a new appreciation for diplomacy and conflict resolution.”

Academic Exchange at Erasmus University Rotterdam

At Erasmus University Rotterdam’s Campus Woudestein, students engaged in meaningful conversations around academic collaboration, student exchange opportunities and international learning environments.

The visit introduced students to one of Europe’s leading institutions while also exposing them to different approaches to higher education and research culture.

A guided campus tour allowed participants to experience student life firsthand, explore modern learning spaces and engage with staff and students from diverse academic backgrounds.

For many, the visit inspired new academic ambitions.

The discussions also highlighted the growing importance of global partnerships in higher education and reinforced SHSS’s commitment to preparing students for increasingly interconnected careers and societies.

Celebrating BA @ 10 Through Culture, History, and Shared Experiences

As part of the Bachelor of Arts programmes’ 10th anniversary celebrations, the trip intentionally blended academic engagement with cultural immersion.

A memorable stop at De Tulperij flower farm introduced students to the Netherlands’ world-famous tulip industry. Hosted by Daan Jansze and Anja Jansze, the session explored flower cultivation, agricultural innovation and the historical significance of tulip farming within Dutch culture and economy.

Students were fascinated by how culture, history and commerce intersected in ways they had not previously considered.

The group also explored Rotterdam through a harbour cruise aboard the Spido Tour, taking in the city’s striking architecture, maritime economy and urban design.

Many students described the experience as one of the trip’s standout moments.

“The Rotterdam harbour tour was unforgettable,” Angela Muthoni recalled. “You could see how history, innovation and commerce coexist in the city. It connected so many themes we study in development and globalization.”

Philosophy, Ethics, and the “Thinking Reed”

At the Pascal Institute, students encountered one of the trip’s most intellectually reflective sessions through a philosophy lecture inspired by Blaise Pascal’s concept of the “thinking reed.”

Facilitated by Gerard Versluis, Dean of the Pascal Institute, the session explored human dignity, morality, reason and the limitations of knowledge.

Students were challenged to reflect not only academically, but personally.

“Professor Versluis reminded us that intellectual achievement without ethical reflection can be dangerous,” Destiny Mukiri shared. “That conversation stayed with me because it connected leadership with responsibility and humanity.”

Jonathan Kabirigi noted that the session encouraged deeper introspection about their role as future leaders and professionals.

“The lecture challenged me to think beyond success and ask what kind of person I want to become,” the student reflected.

The session became a powerful reminder that the humanities remain central to understanding leadership, society and human experience in an increasingly complex world.

International Perspectives at Thomas More University

In Belgium, the Staff and students visited Thomas More University’s School of Communication and Media Studies in Mechelen, where students participated in lectures, presentations and practical demonstrations that connected directly to contemporary communication, media, and business trends.

Sessions led by Veerle Van Goethem, Paul Nchu Ngang, Peter Van Edom, and Nienke Van Den Kieboom explored African Studies, generational communication, media innovation and frameworks for doing business in diverse cultural settings.

The visit exposed students to fresh international perspectives while encouraging dialogue around Africa’s place within global academic and professional spaces.

Ian Nderitu particularly appreciated the session on generational communication.

Students also toured the Pro-media Lab, where they interacted with modern communication technologies and creative learning environments that demonstrated the growing integration of media, innovation and education.

Understanding European Governance in Brussels

The visit to the European Council and the Council of the European Union offered students a rare opportunity to observe the realities of multilateral governance and diplomacy at the heart of the European Union.

For students studying governance, public policy, and international relations, the experience deepened their understanding of regional cooperation and international decision-making.

The sessions reinforced the importance of collaboration, diplomacy and institutional accountability in addressing global challenges.

Reflection and Decolonized Perspectives at the Africa Museum

As the journey neared its conclusion, students visited the Africa Museum in Belgium, an experience many described as deeply thought-provoking.

The museum prompted reflection on African history, colonial legacies, identity, representation and contemporary debates surrounding decolonization.

For several students, the visit became one of the most emotionally significant moments of the trip.

“The museum forced us to confront difficult histories while also appreciating the richness and resilience of African cultures,” Kabongo Serge, shared. “It sparked conversations about identity, representation and who gets to tell African stories.”

The experience encouraged students to critically engage with historical narratives while reflecting on Africa’s place within global conversations today.

A Journey That Extended Beyond Borders

By the end of the trip, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany academic tour had become far more than a sequence of institutional visits and cultural excursions.

It became a journey of intellectual growth, personal reflection and global engagement.

Through interactions with international institutions, philosophical discussions, cultural encounters and shared experiences, students gained new perspectives on leadership, governance, communication, ethics and identity.

As SHSS celebrates 10 years of its Bachelor of Arts programmes, the trip stands as a powerful reflection of Strathmore University’s continued commitment to experiential learning, intercultural dialogue, and preparing graduates to navigate and contribute meaningfully to an increasingly interconnected world.

Article written by Hezron Otieno