The University of the Free State (UFS) is breaking new ground in the
Department of Animal Science with the launch of its first-ever Virtual Exchange Programme. This pioneering initiative marks a historic collaboration between UFS, Aeres University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It connects students across continents in a transformative agricultural learning experience, setting a new benchmark for international collaboration in the sciences.
Developed by the UFS Department of Animal Science in collaboration with AERES University of Applied Sciences and funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in South Africa, the initiative is being hailed as a significant milestone for internationalisation at the UFS. It represents the university’s first virtual exchange in the “hard sciences,” seamlessly integrating academic content with real-world industry insights.
Crossing borders without leaving the classroom
Led by
Dr Beanélri Janecke, lecturer in the Department of Animal Science, the programme introduced a collaborative agricultural module that brought together mixed teams of South African and Dutch students – three and two per group, respectively. Each team developed a comprehensive South African livestock farm plan (focused on cattle, sheep, or goats), undertook farm visits, and created comparative videos highlighting farming practices in both countries. The Dutch students further enriched the project by conducting literature reviews on livestock farming in the South African context.
Despite working across time zones, languages, and educational systems, the students and lecturers remained connected via Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, and hybrid lectures. Guest speakers from the industry contributed specialised insights on themes such as feeding, health, financial planning, breeding, and reproduction. The programme concluded with a hybrid presentation session, where student groups showcased their farm plans and videos to UFS academics, the Office for International Affairs, and Carina Bakker-van de Beek, the Dutch lecturer who co-facilitated the programme.
Lessons beyond agriculture
Although the exchange posed challenges – including language barriers, differing academic expectations, and complexities of online collaboration – these were transformed into valuable learning opportunities. Students emerged with enhanced cross-cultural understanding, stronger collaborative problem-solving abilities, and critical soft skills such as adaptability and digital fluency.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr Janecke said: “It took immense effort to coordinate, but it was deeply rewarding. Collaborating with Carina and the Dutch students was enriching, and everyone involved walked away with skills and experiences that will serve them far beyond the classroom.”
The programme also offered UFS lecturers hands-on experience in managing virtual international classrooms – expertise that is becoming increasingly essential in the modern higher education landscape.
A blueprint for the future of global education
“For the university, this represents a breakthrough – our first virtual exchange in the hard sciences, tied closely to industry. The professionalism of our students and the department’s courage in piloting this initiative set a new benchmark. Beyond technical knowledge, the students gained soft skills that will remain invaluable as they step into the professional world.”
This programme signals a growing shift towards more flexible, inclusive, and innovative approaches to international education, using technology to bridge geographical and cultural divides.
Chevon Slambee, Chief Officer in the Office for International Affairs, highlighted the relevance of such initiatives:
“Higher education is changing rapidly, with new ways to learn, teach, and connect across borders. Virtual exchanges like this make learning future-ready, more inclusive, and globally connected.”
Looking ahead, the Department of Animal Science plans to expand such initiatives, building on lessons learned to enhance future offerings and deepen global partnerships.
For more information about COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) and how to develop similar projects, contact the Office for International Affairs: JacobsCS@ufs.ac.za or JacobsL@ufs.ac.za.