Students urged to harness technology, innovation during studies abroad
DAR ES SALAAM: students preparing to pursue higher education in China and India have been urged to use their study opportunities to gain not only academic qualifications but also practical skills, technological knowledge, international networks and the capacity to create opportunities for their future.
The call was made by Global Education Link (GEL) Executive Director Abdulmalik Mollel during special meetings held on August 10 and 11, 2026, at the GEL headquarters in Dar es Salaam, where official travel documents were handed over to 387 students preparing to begin their studies abroad.
Of the students, 198 are heading to China and 189 to India, where they will pursue various programmes at higher education institutions.
Mollel urged the students not to travel abroad solely to obtain certificates or degrees, but to take advantage of the academic and technological environments in their destination countries to develop broader capabilities that would benefit both themselves and the nation.
He said studying abroad exposes students to advanced technology, laboratories, workshops, innovation hubs and diverse communities of experts and fellow students from different countries.
He challenged the students to go beyond classroom learning by visiting laboratories, workshops and innovation centres to gain practical knowledge of how technologies and products are developed and used to address challenges facing society.
Using a Business Administration student as an example, Mollel said learning management theories alone was not enough, urging students to also understand products, technology, production processes and industrial systems so they could eventually manage businesses or transform ideas into viable ventures.
The two meetings were attended by students, parents and guardians, who received briefings on travel arrangements and the students’ lives while abroad.
The students were handed essential travel documents processed by GEL, including passports, visas, flight tickets, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), Yellow Fever vaccination certificates and other documents required depending on their destination, institution and travel arrangements.
They also received final guidance on immigration procedures, accommodation, health insurance, safety, financial management, conduct and adapting to their new environments.
Representatives from higher education institutions in China and India also attended the meetings and briefed students on academic programmes, campus services and the international student experience.
GEL, an agency representing overseas universities, has more than 19 years of experience supporting Tanzanian students, parents and guardians through academic counselling, university and programme selection, admission applications, document preparation, visa processing, travel arrangements and pre-departure preparations.
