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My Name is Tshwarelo Mocheko currently studying for a Master in Public Management and Policy Analysis Program(PMPP) with the International University of Japan(IUJ). My studies were supposed to be done in Japan, however due to the Covid 19 pandemic, international travel restrictions were imposed in most countries, Japan and Botswana included. These travel restrictions did not hinder my studies as JICA made arrangements for me to start my program and study remotely in my home country.

At the start of the program in September 2020, all the subjects that I was taking were offered online through zoom. As we all know, online classes require accessibility to a stable internet. I experienced some challenges such as poor internet connectivity in some of the classes, however, the university ensured that Professors shared with us the recordings of the class sessions. This was very helpful as I was able to watch the recordings in situations where I lost my internet connectivity during class.

Where the courses were offered as a hybrid (in class and online participants), it was not easy to hear those that are physically in class during discussions whereas they could hear us, who are online. This motivated me to engage with other students to catch up on what I missed on class discussions through social media platforms. This was an exciting experience for me as I was able to interact continuously with other students though we were far from each other.

Due to the seven (7) hours' time difference between Japan and Botswana, the courses that were offered at 10:30 a.m. in Japan, I had to attend them at 03:30 a.m. in my home country. This was wearing me off especially where I had other lessons following on the same day.

I am grateful for the support that JICA Botswana Office and my university gave me during this period of remote learning.