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The University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus officially launched its Global Ambassador Programme (GAP) on 20 March 2026, marking an important step in advancing intercultural engagement, student integration, and global awareness within the campus community. The launch represents a key milestone in support of the internationalisation goals of the Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations, while also formally welcoming both local and international students selected to serve as Global Ambassadors.

The Global Ambassador Programme forms part of the university’s broader student integration and internationalisation efforts and aligns closely with the objectives of the Umoja Buddy Programme (UBP) on the Bloemfontein Campus. The Umoja Buddy Programme was introduced to support the social, cultural, and academic integration of international students by pairing them with current UFS students, creating opportunities for meaningful peer support, intercultural exchange, and a sense of belonging. Similarly, the Qwaqwa Campus Global Ambassador Programme seeks to create an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can connect, learn from one another, and contribute to a globally conscious campus community.

Speaking at the launch, Bulelwa Moikwatlhai, Assistant Director: Directorate of International Partnerships and Relations, Qwaqwa Campus, highlighted the significance of the initiative in building a welcoming and inclusive campus culture. “The Global Ambassador Programme is designed to empower students to become active agents of inclusion and cultural exchange. Through this initiative, we aim to build meaningful connections that enrich the overall student experience at Qwaqwa Campus.”

A key highlight of the launch was a series of facilitated discussions focusing on topics such as culture shock, cultural identity, shared student experiences, and diverse cultural practices. These conversations created space for honest dialogue and mutual learning, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to empathy, understanding, and student belonging. Reflecting on the experience, one international student participant said: “The discussions made me realise how much we can learn from one another. It was comforting to know that many of us share similar challenges, even though we come from different backgrounds.”

The session also provided students with a clear overview of the programme’s objectives, emphasising the important role Global Ambassadors will play in promoting inclusivity, encouraging student participation, and strengthening intercultural understanding on campus. Another student ambassador expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute to student life at UFS: “Being part of the Global Ambassador Programme gives us an opportunity to make international and local students feel welcome and supported. It’s about building a community where everyone feels they belong.”

As with the Umoja Buddy Programme on the Bloemfontein Campus, the Global Ambassador Programme reflects UFS’s continued commitment to internationalisation at home by ensuring that global learning, intercultural exchange, and student support are embedded in the campus experience.

For more information on the Global Ambassador Programme on the Qwaqwa campus contact Mojalefa Mthembu at mthembuma@ufs.ac.za.

For enquiries about the Umoja Buddy programme on the Bloemfontein Campus contact us at rantsanelp@ufs.ac.za.