Charlotte during her studies in Uganda

What was the first thing you thought when you arrived in Uganda?

“Jesus, I forgot how hot it can get here.” And also: “I missed the smell of the air here.” (The air in most of Sub-Saharan Africa has a very distinctive scent — it smells a bit like firewood. I always miss that smell when I return to the Netherlands.)

What was the most shocking difference between the Netherlands and Uganda?

I’d probably say: people’s manners. Most people in Uganda have an abundance of social skills compared to most Dutch people. Although that wasn’t really shocking to me this time, since I had been to Uganda before — I do clearly remember being surprised by it during my first visit. Also, because people are so friendly, conversations often last at least ten minutes before you actually get to the point — they first ask about your entire family, how you’re doing (which can honestly be a bit annoying when you’re in a hurry — especially since I’m Dutch and tend to be pretty direct).

Have you ever felt homesick? How did you deal with it?

Every now and then, but whenever I did, I would call my family or surround myself with other Dutch people. The Dutch community in Uganda is actually quite large, so I ran into fellow Dutchies almost everywhere. My family also visited from time to time, which made things a lot easier!

Did you feel at home in Uganda? Why (or why not)?

Pretty much, for the most part. Again, thanks to how friendly Ugandans are. I’ve always said I could move there in a heartbeat — and I probably will once I’ve completed my Master’s degree. I also absolutely love the warmer weather (even though it can get a bit too hot around December and January), and the nature is just stunning! But in the end, you always run into a few small issues as you try to adapt to a different way of life.

Give us some tips on who to make friends with abroad. The Russians? The Irish? The Chileans?

There weren’t many international students at Makerere University, but I did become good friends with a girl from Finland whom I ended up hanging out with almost daily. She was super chill and absolutely loved feminist rants — we hit it off right away! I also spent time with a few Dutch people, although, in my opinion, they were way too loud and even rude to the locals (racist comments, refusing to learn the local language even after living there for years, having their staff wash their underwear even though that’s a big taboo in Ugandan culture).

Most of the expats in Uganda are American, and honestly, a lot of them are just there to spread Christianity and homophobia. So I avoided them like the plague.

Describe the people of Uganda in three words.
Friendly, chill, curious.

What did you learn from your experience abroad? Was it the beloved community you enjoyed? The cheap cocktails? The beautiful nature? Or was your experience less than expected? Details, we want details!

I’d say it was a combination of the amazing community, the overall experience (attending a university on the other side of the world), becoming more independent as a person, and the breathtaking nature. Did I learn a lot at the university in Kampala? No. But I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!