From East Africa to Basel, the heart of Europe's pharmaceutical industry, Hochschule für Life Sciences FHNW

Some students choose to study abroad to experience a new country. Others are looking for a renowned university. For Godfrey Switbert Samson however, the decision was driven by something far more personal: a desire to improve the lives of children who depend on better medicines.
His journey has taken him from paediatric HIV clinics in Tanzania to the FHNW School of Life Sciences (HLS) in Muttenz, which is located at the heart of one of the world's leading pharmaceutical hubs.
"My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of better, more accessible formulations that improve treatment outcomes for patients, especially children."

Before starting his Master's degree, Godfrey worked in paediatric HIV clinics in Tanzania. There, he witnessed first-hand how difficult treatment can become when medicines are not designed with patients' needs in mind. Suitable formulations for children were often unavailable, which made therapies harder to administer and reduced treatment adherence. Since most medicines were imported, there was little opportunity to adapt them locally.
These experiences shaped his future.
"It inspired me to pursue a Master's degree in Pharmatechnology, where I could learn how medicines are formulated and developed."

When it came to choosing where to continue his education, Basel stood out. Home to global pharmaceutical companies and an internationally recognised life sciences ecosystem, it offered exactly the environment he had been searching for.
The FHNW School of Life Sciences also impressed him with its practical, application-oriented approach.
Rather than simply studying theory, students work with modern technologies, collaborate closely with industry and learn to solve real-world challenges.
"I saw the HLS not only as a place to earn a degree, but as an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to improving pharmaceutical care and drug development in the future."A personal journey driven by one goal: to learn how better medicines can improve patients' lives.

Although Godfrey had already studied abroad in Austria, arriving in Switzerland still brought new impressions. The spectacular mountain scenery, the efficiency of public transport and the well-organised everyday life immediately stood out. At the same time however, adapting to Swiss German proved to be more challenging than expected.
"Although I had studied High German, it took some time and practice to understand Swiss German in everyday conversations."
Fortunately, the welcoming atmosphere at the HLS helped him settle in quickly.
Academically meanwhile, he noticed clear positive differences compared to his previous universities.
"The courses are fast-paced and more demanding, but what I particularly appreciate is that the exams focus on understanding and applying knowledge rather than simply memorising facts." This emphasis on critical thinking reflects the practical HLS approach to education.

Life at the HLS extends well beyond lectures and laboratory work. Connecting with fellow international students came naturally, as many were facing similar challenges in adapting to life in a new country. Community dinners and campus events also helped him get to know Swiss students and build friendships across cultures.
Outside of university, Switzerland quickly became an adventure. Highlights of his exchange semester included swimming in the Rhine after lectures, discovering Basel's vibrant cultural scene and exploring the Swiss Alps.
Learning to ski was something he had never imagined doing before arriving.
"Learning to ski was an unforgettable experience, and visiting places like Brienz and Blausee gave me some of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen."

Studying in English made academic life straightforward, and everyday situations provided the ideal opportunity to practise his German.
Shopping, travelling and dealing with public offices became practical language lessons, however Swiss German remains an ongoing challenge.
"Living in Switzerland has motivated me to keep improving my German, and I hope to become more confident over time."

Looking back, Godfrey encourages future incoming students to embrace every aspect of the experience.
Come prepared, stay organised and learn some German before you arrive. But most importantly, remain curious.
"Some of the best experiences and friendships happen outside the classroom, whether through university events, sports or travelling around the country."
For Godfrey, studying at the HLS has been about much more than earning another degree. It has been an opportunity to learn in one of the world's leading life sciences ecosystems, experience a new culture, and take another important step towards improving healthcare through pharmaceutical innovation.