My name is Gracia Djeguedem Pitimbaye and I am an International Relations Specialist. I was fortunate enough to study for my degree in International Relations at the Université Libre du Burkina Faso. I spent three years in Burkina Faso, where I completed my degree. This period was extremely enriching, both academically and personally, as well as culturally.
During my time there, I became part of a dynamic, diverse and open university community. Living in Ouagadougou enabled me to forge connections with students from various regions, deepen my appreciation of Burkinabè culture and develop my ability to overcome new challenges.
Highlights included cultural evenings, exhibitions and inter-university activities that showcased the richness of African cultures. I also learnt Mooré, one of Burkina Faso’s most widely spoken national languages, and gained valuable insights through interactions with local neighbourhood communities.
The challenges related to climate, food and occasional instability strengthened my resilience.
Looking back on my experience of migration in light of current events, I now see it primarily as an opportunity to acquire new skills. I now realise how formative this experience has been, teaching me patience, tolerance, adaptability and knowledge.
Current debates on migration in Sub-Saharan Africa highlight the importance of mobility for knowledge sharing, while also revealing related security and employment challenges.
Despite these difficulties, student migration remains beneficial, enabling individuals to broaden their horizons, hone their critical thinking skills and contribute to the development of their home country upon returning.
My time in Burkina Faso provided me with multidisciplinary expertise in international relations, as well as a deeper understanding of regional issues such as African integration, diplomacy, peace and security.
Thanks to the network of contacts I established there, including professors, former students and professionals, I was able to create more internship and employment opportunities upon my return.
My knowledge of West African socio-political contexts is now a valuable asset in the fields of international cooperation and NGOs.
I have learned to embrace diversity and adapt to new environments. This sometimes solitary experience has strengthened my self-confidence and ability to overcome obstacles.
Studying in Burkina Faso remains one of the greatest treasures of my life, both personally and professionally. It made me reflect on migration not just as a geographical movement, but also as a profound opening up to the world and to oneself.