A legacy of learning

A home away from home

When Dr Miriam W. Oiro Omolo came to ISS in 2007, she was pursuing a doctorate in economics at the University of South Africa and decided to take our former postgraduate diploma in Modeling and Accounting for Sustainable Development (MASD). The programme gave her exactly what she needed: a balance of theory and practice.

‘I loved the experience of being taught theory and later in the day we would have practical sessions in the computer lab,’ Miriam recalls. ‘The research seminars were very good and provided insights into contemporary issues. Guest speakers were also brought in and this was very good.’

Outside the classroom, ISS became a community. With so many international students, the Institute organized activities that helped everyone feel welcome. ‘ISS takes care of international students; this support is very important for one’s mental well-being. It made it a home away from home.’

Passing on the experience

Years later, Miriam’s daughter, Joy Omolo, began looking into postgraduate studies. ‘I was very excited because I knew she would be taught by the best, she would be learning in a safe environment that takes care of the foreign student,’ Miriam says. ‘I see the young me 18 years ago, going to a foreign land to study and not knowing what to expect, but with a vision to succeed in my studies. For her, she has someone who has walked that journey, she can therefore bounce ideas, ask questions, share experiences and seek guidance.’

For Joy, her mother’s experience was decisive. ‘I chose ISS mainly because of my mum’s good experience as a former student. She spoke highly of the Masters programme in Development Studies, which aligns with my work experience in sustainability. Her good experience gave me confidence that ISS would be a good fit in advancing my career journey.’

Finding her own journey

Joy soon discovered that what her mother described was true. ‘My mum mentioned that there is diversity at ISS from the students to the professors. She also mentioned how ISS takes care of their students by ensuring they feel welcome when they first arrive as well as the many student activities that go on in ISS. Also, courses taught at ISS take a holistic approach in not only focusing on the Global North but also on the Global South. They also make you further polish your critical thinking skills through the conversations with other classmates outside the classroom.’

Her experience has gone beyond what Miriam imagined. ‘My experience at ISS has not only matched but surpassed what my mum told me. As she described, ISS is welcoming and diverse, and the range of academic and social activities has been impressive from organized trips around the Netherlands to engaging school events. What exceeded my expectations was the strong support system for career development, including career services and assistance with residency documentation, which have been incredibly helpful.’

What has changed and what remains

Miriam has noticed how much ISS has transformed since her student days. ‘The ISS reception has been remodeled and looks very beautiful; my lecturers have all retired. ISS currently has social media handles, which never existed during our time. The only way to locate ISS at that time was by using Google Earth.’

For Miriam, seeing her daughter at ISS is a full-circle moment. ‘The journey in pursuit of knowledge and excellence is a common journey for both of us, which she is now walking at ISS.’