The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience, Association Sans but lucrative, commonly known as IAESTE A.s.b.I, is a non-profit global organization with 80+ countries worldwide representing academic, industrial, and student interests. It serves over 3500 students, 3000+ employers, and more than 1000 academic institutions through career-focused professional internships to students in engineering, sciences, and applied arts. The organization also aims at strengthening social and intercultural cohesion, enhancing international networking, and employer branding activities among others. During the virtual participation at IAESTE annual conference held between 20^th and 26^th January 2023, Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) was able to get a student from Germany in the Competence Network for E-Inclusion and Assistive Technologies (CNEAT) project for internship.  The innovative project funded by the National Research Fund (NRF) is integrating Assistive Technology in schools for children who are differently abled. The project is designed to collect, extend and share knowledge, tools and best-practice models for affordable Assistive Technology and its application.

Kristof Kraus, a fifth-year Master Mathematics student studying at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in the South-West of Germany applied for an internship at IAESTE to gain experiences abroad and advance his technical skills. Kristof is currently attached to Dr. Amos Chege (Coordinator, Innovations) who is in charge of the project. The project from Meru University of Science and Technology he applied for is aimed at using Statistics and Machine learning in various application fields to improve people’s lives. Kristof specializes in this area precisely because of the fusion of abstract mathematics with models that can concurrently have a tangible impact across a broad spectrum of applications. With this internship he hopes to apply his knowledge and learn new approaches and skills from the researchers working at MUST.

Coming from Germany to Kenya, it was clear that Kristof needed to adapt to a different culture and environment. Luckily with IAESTE he is privileged to have students belonging to the IAESTE club, Meru University by his side that guide and support him. He found a very welcoming and helpful IAESTE club. While working at the University and interacting with local students, Kristof looks forward to exploring various aspects of Kenya and acquiring fresh perspectives and experiences. This may also entail the opportunity to witness an ancient, massive volcano and encounter majestic wildlife.

On 9th October 2023, Kristof, along with members of the IAESTE MUST Local Committee and Dr. Amos Chege, made a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor’s office. They were warmly welcomed by our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, who expressed great enthusiasm about Kristof’s presence at MUST. Kristof will be attached to the project for two months.

Welcome to the MUST family Kristof.