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Benjamin Rwizibuka, from our Companion Diocese of Bukavu, is about to embark on his Masters Degree in Wales, which he is looking forward to. However, he is also aware of problems encountered by his friends on a similar academic path.In order to capitalise on the wealth and natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), administrative and leadership skills are necessary. A good academic course, followed by relevant experience, are an excellent way to acquire these. However, the best institutions in the world are in Europe and America, and Congolese students are increasingly seeking high-quality education from overseas institutions and are, therefore, subject to numerous risks, hurdles and worries.Popular destinations for Congolese students include Canada, Belgium, France and other French-speaking countries. This is thanks to their institutional language and relatively low tuition fees: in Belgium for instance, for a master’s degree, Congolese students pay no more than £1,500 pounds per year while most degrees in the UK and USA are above £10,000 per year.Among major challenges which Congolese international students encounter are the educational systems and their accelerated work pace. Some students, with whom I have discussed their experiences in Europe, America and China, highlight this very accelerated pace, saying that if they are not attentive, they might lose a semester, miss deadlines or even fail the entire programme.Language is also a problem for those who enter a system which is other than French-speaking (French being the official and educational language in DRC) and such students must master a new language which is likely to limit their ability to fully express themselves. Students in China, for example, not only have difficulties in expressing themselves in English but they are invited to take Chinese classes where the academic tuition itself can be in broken English.Additionally, loneliness is frequently experienced when the student arrives in a city and the only available help, which can be limited in certain situations, comes from the university.Racism is also a significant factor and some students feel it directly or indirectly when it comes to forming work teams, meeting new people, or even when requesting public services. These challenges are enormous but I still believe that they are surmountable.In September this year, I will be among those going abroad in search of academic excellence. I do not know what my challenges will be, but I dare to believe that the desire to learn and improve the daily lives of my community, on my return to DRC, will keep me going, come what may.