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03 March 2020

The Office for International Affairs (OIA) at the University of the Free State (UFS) implemented the second iteration of its Umoja Buddy Programme (UBP) in 2020. The UBP is a flagship internationalisation-at-home programme aimed at the smooth academic, social, and cultural integration of first-entering international students at the UFS by pairing them with senior UFS students. It offers local students an international experience on the home campus and develops their international and intercultural competence through direct interaction with international students. The UBP contributes to the achievement of the UFS vision, whereby every student will in future have an international experience during their studies at the UFS.


Internationalisation at home

On 13 February 2020, a welcome function themed Echoes of Sophiatown set the tone for this year’s edition. Chevon Slambee, Chief Officer in the OIA and UFS master’s student, welcomed the students and explained the theme of the day. She said that, “as students, we have a responsibility to be active citizens and contribute to change and social transformation”. Programme coordinator Bulelwa Moikwatlhai introduced the function and framework of the programme and highlighted the importance of internationalisation at home. Also in attendance was the Dean of Students, Pura Mgolombane, who encouraged students in his address to honour their heritage, “so that together, we can be able to appreciate one another”. He emphasised the importance of social justice for academic success. The SRC member for the International Student Council, Simba Matheba, expressed his support for the UBP. The UFS Arts, Culture, and Dialogue office provided entertainment at the event.

Umoja Buddy

International and local students mingling at the 2020 Umoja Buddy Programme Welcome Function.

News Archive

International Office fares well at IEASA conference
2007-09-17

Various accolades and recognitions were awarded to UFS staff during the recent International Educators’ Association of South Africa (IEASA) Conference in Port Elizabeth. Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar Student Academic Services at the UFS, was awarded the certificate of honour in support of IEASA’s goals, recognising his strategic and long-standing support of internationalisation in South Africa over many years. Mrs Jeanne Niemann, Senior Officer in the UFS Internationalisation Office, received the award for most outstanding international student support services individual, celebrating her unstinting support of, and assistance to, international students on the UFS Main Campus. Dr Aldo Stroebel, Head of Internationalisation at the UFS, was elected to the Executive Committee of the IEASA Council, the body responsible for the strategic and conceptual governance of the Association. Pictured here are: Ms Niemann (right), receiving her award from Ms Fazela Haniff, President of IEASA.
Photo: Supplied
 

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