Graduate interview with Toke

Why did you choose to study African Studies?

I have always been very interested in the developmental- and political conditions on the African continent, and I also travelled there a lot. I was excited to engage with what was going on, on the continent.

Did the degree live up to your expectations?

Yes, definitely. I was surprised to find that the degree basically is not only about Africa but is more a way of critically approaching our world and society, with Africa being the starting point. You can use the tools you get at CAS to understand other geographical contexts.

In what ways have you used your degree?

I have developed a critical approach to much of my work. And learned to question the way things are done, and critically reflect on for example procedures.

What challenges have you experienced?

I was surprised at the extensiveness of the study. I was challenged in relation to my own interest, which are more politically inclined. The degree also incorporates religion and anthropology, which I knew less about, but I was positively surprised.

What do you think of the study environment?

The study environment was really great. The first year we spent a lot of time together, since we had classes together, while most of us went on exchange or field work the next semester. Because it is a small class, you create a really good and close study environment, where you share the same interest – namely Africa.