Vossie Feature: Chitsanzo Mbewe

Vossie Feature: Chitsanzo Mbewe

Vossie Feature: Chitsanzo Mbewe

Post by Eduvos, September 29, 2023.

Eduvos Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and English) graduate, Chitsanzo talks to us about her academic journey at our Midrand campus as an international student.    

How did you come to know about Eduvos? 
An Eduvos representative came to Malawi and visited my high school. The presentation really intrigued me, especially the fact that Eduvos’s qualifications are accredited and internationally recognised. The representative had such a welcoming nature, and she got me excited about enrolling at Eduvos.  

What did you choose to study?  
One of the main reasons I chose a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and English) was because of my fascination with the human mind and my passion to help others. In Malawi, many people aren’t aware of mental health and how to approach the subject. In studying this qualification, I wanted to be able to come back to Malawi and really make an impact.  

As an international student, how did you find your enrolment process?  
At first, it was scary, the thought of leaving home and moving to a new country all by myself. I arrived in South Africa and went straight to my new residence to settle in and went onto campus the next day to enrol. The Midrand campus is huge, but the whole setup was so easy to follow. Everyone on campus was so helpful and informative, they really made you feel at home. I no longer felt scared. I saw the lady who came to my school in Malawi, it was great to see a familiar face.   

How was your overall experience at Eduvos?  
I had a great experience. I started with the Pre-Degree Foundation Programme in Social Sciences, which was great. Unfortunately, later that year my father got sick which was really difficult; being far away from home. At one point I felt as though I was fighting for survival, but the caring nature of the staff really helped me push through each of my classes and pursue further studies with my BA degree.  

My lecturers were really helpful and engaging. I appreciated the one-on-one interactions and student support which ranged from ensuring you met your deadlines, attended class and that you were coping with the workload. I don’t think I would have had the same experience at a public university.  

What is unique to Eduvos?  
Definitely the student support and student wellness.  There was a mental health clinic run by interning Psychology students, which I’m so grateful for. It helped me deal with my grief, which helped me pay more attention in class and stay focused. The infrastructure, classes and the way modules were set up really made my study experience that much more engaging. The student advisors showed interest and checked in with me.  

Would you recommend others study at Eduvos?  
Yes, Eduvos is a really great and diverse institute; a place to grow. I found that I got to learn more about myself while studying. You learn how to manage yourself in different situations. As a foreign student, it was quite scary but the Midrand campus, even though it was really big, it still felt close-knit. For international students, I’d just suggest they prepare themselves and embrace new experiences and cultures. You’re going to be exposed to so many new things, just enjoy every moment.  

How has Eduvos prepared you for employment?  
I believe Eduvos helped me step out of my comfort zone and communicate. Being exposed to public speaking opportunities really helped me with my anxiety and get me to where I am now. I think being in a diverse and interactive institution really helped prepare me for the world of work, to experience new things and explore new cultures. I started volunteering for an organisation in Malawi, where I now am employed, and I feel that my Eduvos experience contributed and opened the door to this opportunity.  

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