A delegation of higher education officials from Zimbabwe visited UMSL on April 18 to learn about higher ed in the U.S. The trip coincided with Zimbabwe’s independence day from the United Kingdom, which prompted Joshua Chandauka, dean of students at Harare Institute of Technology, to enthusiastically wave around a small Zimbabwe flag to the amusement of his colleagues. (Photo by August Jennewein)

A delegation of higher education officials from Zimbabwe visited the University of Missouri–St. Louis on April 18 to learn about higher ed in the U.S.

The nine participants were shown around campus by David West, assistant director of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at UMSL. They were given a tour of UMSL’s various student services such as student life, career services, financial aid and study abroad. The group visited a handful of universities across the U.S. including several here in the St. Louis area.

The participants will take the knowledge they acquired back to Zimbabwe to share with their universities.

The visit coincided with Zimbawe’s independence day from the United Kingdom, which promoted a member of the group, Joshua Chandauka, dean of students at Harare Institute of Technology, to enthusiastically wave around a small Zimbabwe flag he pulled from his jacket pocket. The move brought smiles and laughter to his traveling companions.

The group was invited to the U.S by the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Their program was arranged by Graduate School USA.