By Mako Muzenda

The flags in the hallway along the International Office announce the nationalities represented in my university’s student body.  They float in the air-conditioning induced breeze of the administration building. Out of habit, I look out for my own, and I spot the Zimbabwean flag somewhere in the middle of it all. In the melee of colors and symbols, a picture of an international institution starts to form. Rhodes University is not unique in this regard, least of all in Africa: many institutions of higher learning boast a significant international student body. What struck me the most as I walked was the sheer number of African flags hanging above my head.

For many young Africans, the dream of a good life and successful career hinges on higher education. A chance to receive formal qualifications, get some training and exposure, and start your own network of connections. However, the situation in their home country might not be conducive for that to happen.

Africa has the lowest rates of university enrollment on the planet. A 2010 survey by UNESCO showed that tertiary education in Africa is still underfunded: in 2009 spending on education per student varied between $766 and $4,535.  Faced with under-funded universities and political instability, some students have no choice but to stay. The fortunate few have the opportunity to leave and pursue their academic dreams beyond their borders. Others leave Africa completely: the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are the top destinations. Others stay on the continent. For this group, being a foreigner in your own continent presents a conundrum of sorts: how does it feel to be a foreigner in your own continent?

THE STUDENTS SPEAK

"My fear was trying to cope with new things, and the way they would accept me."  

Stephen Dorfor hails from Monrovia, Liberia, and is studying geology.  An international student at Rhodes University since 2012, Dorfor speaks about his experiences as a West African living and adjusting in a completely new cultural and social environment:

South Africa’s universities boast a significant international student population. At Rhodes University, students from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are the largest percentage of non-South African students. Other countries further north constitute a small but visible portion of the student body.  

For the most part, international students are accepted and treated well in their new homes.  However, there are situations where these good relations and a sense of belonging come under threat.  The 2008/2009 and 2015 xenophobic attacks are the first instances that come to mind.  When xenophobia flared up in student-friendly Grahamstown - the result of fears of a serial killer in the township - Rhodes University rallied together to protect its own.  However, for many non-South African African students, their peace of mind was shaken.

"Every time someone says 'go back to your country', I do feel guilty," said Stephen.

Carol Kagezi lives in Kampala, Uganda. Studying towards a Bachelor of Journalism, Kagezi's experiences in South Africa have been enlightening, but have also left her feeling uncomfortable.

Though not in the best shape, the state of Africa's universities has improved dramatically in the past few years.  Still, room for improvement is needed: gaps in learning and technical equipment means that some have no choice to leave their homes for university. Another African student in Rhodes University's international community summed up this reality: ”I want to study journalism but there are no good universities for journalism in Malawi, my home country. I have no choice but to come to a country where, in subtle and not-so-subtle forms, I'm reminded that I'm an outsider. How do I feel like an alien in my own continent?"  

Mako Muzenda is a Journalism student currently studying at Rhodes University. Her interests are history, media theories, and contemporary African affairs