Stellenbosch University (SU) is greatly invested in international inclusion and diversity. But how much does our institution truly invest in the lives of the students who must adapt to a new environment?
SU offers a wide variety of exchange programs to give students the opportunity to experience a new culture, lifestyle and global perspectives. These exchange programs include Semester Mobility Programs, Short-term Study-Abroad Opportunities, Faculty-Specific Exchange Agreements, Business School Exchange Programs, Internationalization at Home Initiatives, and Japan Centre Mobility Initiatives. The SU Exchange program consists of numerous partners all over the world. Not only is this program available for BCOM and LLB students, but for other faculties as well (provided that the University has an exchange agreement with the institution). The institutions that are involved stretch from Europe, Asia, and Australasia all the way to North America.
Die Matie spoke to two international students to share their experiences with the SU International Exchange program and what their experience in Stellenbosch has been so far.
“Adapting to life here was incredibly easy because everyone is so open and welcoming. I’m very fortunate to live with wonderful people who are all from South Africa or have lived here most of their lives, and they’ve been immensely helpful with everything,” says Caroline Breithaupt, a German Exchange student from Göttingen.
Her experience with SU’s exchange program has been very positive so far. The only complication she had to face was the intricate process of the application. This process demands a lot of time and effort because of the in-depth documentation and information that is required to obtain a South African Visa.
Caroline has fully adapted to the Stellenbosch Student life and enjoys a rusk and rooibos tea for breakfast and a good braai over the weekends. She stated that SU is significantly better organized than her home institution. Orientation week and the welcoming dinner were true standouts for Caroline as they helped her get to know people and adjust easily.
Caroline believes that SU International tries their best to ensure that all students adjust smoothly to University life.
Emily Rusch, another student from Göttingen University, admires the academic courses and different perspectives she gets to experience in Stellenbosch, especially the different cultures and perspectives. Emily believes that SU makes sure that the students live a balanced life of excitement and academics.
“There’s a real pride in being part of SU, which creates a welcoming and energetic atmosphere. The sports culture is also amazing. There are so many opportunities to join in, whether by playing or supporting.”
She states that SU does its best to make the process of applying more manageable and easier for all students. The courses that SU offers are also more diverse in comparison to her home institution. This is one of many reasons why Emily decided to come back to South Africa six years after she volunteered at Grassy Park Primary School located in Grassy Park, Cape Town. The only time Emily found herself shocked was when she saw the big economic differences between the wealthier and less privileged areas.
“Living and studying in Stellenbosch has shown me new sides of the country. I’ve noticed the big contrasts between rich and poor, city and countryside, and different cultures and languages.” Overall, Emily found it interesting how resilient South Africans are in terms of not shying away from taking on challenges like inequality and having such a strong sense of community.
Emily shares some great advice for students thinking about applying for an exchange program:
- Apply for the program as soon as possible and have your visa ready on time.
- Check all your accommodation options before it’s too late.
- Try to connect with other students and build relationships.
- Try to get to know the culture of the country.
- Manage your time well between academics and social activities.
These students take on every chance they have, to really experience the beauty of Stellenbosch and the people of South Africa. They describe the staff and students of SU as helpful and welcoming, which really shows the warm demeanor of South Africans.
Emily and Caroline show that it is possible to go out into the world and adapt to a new country and culture. What factors are discouraging SU students from signing up and stepping outside their comfort zones?
By Nina Guy
