11 June 2025
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Story Precious Shamase
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Photo Supplied
Dr Khangelani Moyo selected for Erasmus+ exchange, strengthening UFS international collaboration and academic growth.
This significant opportunity shows the UFS’ commitment to fostering international collaboration and providing unparalleled growth opportunities for its academics.
A gateway to global growth
For Dr Moyo, this selection is a pivotal moment, both personally and professionally. "It is an important opportunity that brings global exposure and the platform to grow my networks beyond the Anglophone space," he shared, expressing gratitude to the UFS for facilitating this experience.
The Pompeu Fabra University, a highly regarded institution, was pre-selected due to an existing strong relationship with the UFS. This existing partnership paves the way for deeper academic ties.
Strengthening international bonds
The Erasmus+ programme is renowned for its emphasis on collaboration and internationalisation, and Dr Moyo is eager to contribute to this objective. He anticipates that his exchange will significantly strengthen the relationship between the UFS and Pompeu Fabra University.
"Exchanges of this nature create mutually beneficial collaborative platforms in teaching and research, which will deepen the relationship between the UFS and Pompeu Fabra University," Dr Moyo explained. He looks forward to using this opportunity to "create further possibilities for colleagues and students at the UFS". He also highlighted the potential for colleagues from Pompeu Fabra University to gain insights into South African academia, opening doors for future reciprocal visits to the UFS.
Embracing new perspectives
While specific research collaborations and training areas are still being finalised with the host department, Dr Moyo is approaching the exchange with an open mind. "Spain is a different context to what I am used to as someone coming from an Anglophone country. I anticipate that there will be a lot of opportunities to explore."
Beyond the academic objectives, Dr Moyo is also looking forward to the cultural immersion. Having never visited Spain before, he is keen to experience Barcelona's vibrant culture, " and enjoy the food and walking in the streets".
Encouraging international engagement
Dr Moyo has a clear message for his colleagues and students at the UFS regarding the importance of international academic exchanges:
"I would like to encourage staff and students at the UFS to step out of their comfort zone and take advantage of the academic exchange opportunities created by the university and its partners. It is important to be exposed to different experiences that challenge your assumptions and help you grow both personally and professionally."
In her congratulatory message to Dr Moyo, Assistant Director in the Office for International Affairs, Bulelwa Moikwatlhai, said, "Congratulations on being selected for the Erasmus mobility programme! I'm thrilled to hear you'll be undertaking a training and teaching exchange visit to the Pompeu Fabra University. Thank you for including the office in this process, and I wish you all the best in representing your department, the Faculty of The Humanities, and the University of the Free State during your visit."
The UFS community eagerly anticipates Dr Moyo's journey and looks forward to the enriched perspectives and strengthened international ties that will undoubtedly emerge from his Erasmus+ experience.