INCOMING EXCHANGES


IMG_2907


The UFS recognises the critical importance of developing its students’ international and intercultural competencies through Internationalisation @ Home. It adopts a vision whereby each student will have an international experience during UFS studies. The university promotes and organises interdivisional celebrations of cultural diversity, including the celebration of Africa Day, Heritage Day, UNESCO international days, and national independence days relevant to university community members. To advance Internationalisation @ Home, international adjunct staff and research associates will be sought. 

The Internationalisation @ Home unit works to integrate international students and staff into the UFS community.  It also provides opportunities for local students to connect with international students and become global citizens.  The Internationalisation @ Home unit at the UFS creates a welcoming and supportive environment for international students and staff.  This fosters cultural exchange and helps all UFS students develop intercultural competencies.

 

Programme Coordinator

   
   Matome Mokoena
   +27 51 401 2375
   Email me
 

INCOMING EXCHANGES

Are you interested in applying for a semester or a whole year at the UFS?

Have you been nominated by your home university? 

Learn more about the UFS Incoming Exchange Programme

Students from a partner university (home institution) can come to the University of the Free State (host institution) for a semester or a year as part of an exchange programme.  These students will be enrolled in credit-bearing courses.  The University of the Free State has exchange programmes with other universities.  This also allows local students to study abroad for a semester or a year and earn academic credits.


Quick Links



UMOJA BUDDY PROGRAMME


Umoja Buddy Programme

The programme pairs newly admitted international students with current students at UFS for social, cultural and academic integration.
Whether you are international or South African, the Umoja Buddy Programme provides you with the opportunity for cultural connection and friendship. International students revealed that their adaptation process in the UFS environment was much quicker and smoother. The students felt a sense of belonging and appreciated the holistic support provided by their ambassadors.

Requirements

All ambassadors are required to complete an Ambassador Training session before being matched with their Buddy. The training will be held once at the beginning of each semester. The training is not optional. The Umoja Buddy Programme is meant to provide an opportunity to promote meaningful friendship and intercultural exchange at UFS. Any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated from either the Ambassador or the Buddy. If any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour is reported, the participant at fault will no longer be permitted to participate in the programme.

Expectations

The ambassadors are expected to meet with their buddies at least two times per month. The Office for International Affairs will host events each semester specifically meant for participants in the Umoja Buddy Programme. Relationships can be further developed through shared meals, community engagement activities, sightseeing, and holiday celebrations. As an ambassador, we recommend that you share information with your Buddy about the culture and customs at UFS. Share your knowledge with them! Show them the best lunch spots on campus or your favourite local store. Ask them about their home country and how life is different for them here at UFS. Get to know them and let them get to know you. While you are strongly encouraged to regularly spend time with your Buddy, please remember that this programme is designed for friendship and intercultural exchange. Though friendship cannot be guaranteed, if you meet with your Buddy regularly, you will have many opportunities to learn about their culture through their eyes and also share your own cultural experience with them.

Matching

Matching is based upon availability, personal interests, age, and gender. We will do our best to make sure you are paired with a buddy who has some common interests with you, but with whom you can also have meaningful cultural interactions. Cultural differences between you and your buddy are inevitable. Remember to treat these differences with respect. If these kinds of differences are leading to negative interactions with your buddy and you are uncomfortable continuing in the programme, please contact Bulelwa Moikwatlhai (MaloB@ufs.ac.za) to discuss other options.


Quick Links

About the programme

The Umoja Buddy Programme seeks to ensure the smooth transition and integration of international students into the student life at UFS, helping them integrate into the campus and local communities.
The programme aims to connect international and local students through meaningful lifelong friendships and foster their academic, social and cultural integration at UFS.

Designed to enhance the international and intercultural competencies of the UFS students, the programme pairs first entering international students with current UFS students that provide a warm welcoming friendly face, a helping hand, and a first UFS friendship that makes a world of difference for the new arrivals.

The programme adopts the UFS vision130 whereby every student will in the future have an international experience during UFS studies through Internationalisation @ Home.

Being an Ambassador: Who can apply?

Current local or international students who have attended the UFS for at least two years are eligible to apply.

Apply to be an Ambassador. (**Note: Applications open 1 October -  31 October**)


Programme Coordinator


   Lekiti Rantsane
   +27 51 401 2924
   Email me



We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful, to better understand how they are used and to tailor advertising. You can read more and make your cookie choices here. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept