Five undergraduate students from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) - Chris Sambo, Angelique Strydom, Soyama Nonkotwane, Rorisang Modibedi and Emma Witten - have embarked on an online semester at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) in Bavaria, Germany. Running from 1 September 2025 to 14 March 2026, this initiative marks an important step in advancing UFS’s commitment to inclusive and transformative internationalisation.  

The exchange is made possible through an active Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UFS and HSWT, which continues to strengthen academic collaboration. 

Reflecting on the opportunity, Prof Corli Witthuhn, Professor in Sustainable Food Systems and Development, highlighted that the opportunity for undergraduate students at the UFS to attend the International Online Semester offered by HSWT greatly contributes to their professional development. “The programme provides education and training in agriculture with a focus on improved farming practices. Students gain not only new insights and skills but also experience an international classroom and work environment. This opportunity allows our students to internationalise without the expense of travelling, serving as an excellent example of internationalisation at home.” 

Building digital fluency and intercultural competence 

Virtual exchanges such as this extend beyond academic mobility; they are strategic interventions that foster two vital skill sets for the 21st century: digital fluency and intercultural communicative competence. 

Prof Lynette Jacobs, Interim Director at the Office for International Affairs added that this valued collaboration with HSWT demonstrates the University of the Free State’s commitment to embedding inclusive internationalisation at every level of our academic offering, in diversified ways. “Virtual exchanges provide scalable, equitable opportunities for students to develop the digital and intercultural competencies needed in today’s interconnected world.”   

In an era of rapid technological advancement, students must be able to navigate digital platforms, collaborate across borders, and engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to broaden my studies through a different institution. For me, this experience opens the door to further studies abroad, and with that knowledge, I want to contribute to the betterment of South Africa,” expressed Emma Witten, one of the participating students. 

Skills gained through the exchange 

Through this online semester, UFS students will acquire practical digital skills, including: 

They will also strengthen intercultural competencies by:

Preparing students for global opportunities 

Study abroad opportunities - whether virtual or physical - are a vital part of preparing UFS students for success in a global context. They expose students to different academic systems, build adaptability and resilience, and cultivate leadership and problem-solving skills valued in the workplace. 

For many, these experiences serve as steppingstones to postgraduate study, international research collaboration, and global employment opportunities. This initiative directly supports the vision outlined in the Vice-Chancellor’s Installation Address, demonstrating institutional agility by showing how virtual exchanges can be flexible and scalable tools for internationalisation. 

As these five students embark on their virtual semester, they are not only engaging with new academic content but also stepping into a transformative learning experience. They will sharpen their digital skills, deepen intercultural understanding, and gain competencies increasingly vital in a globally connected, technologically driven world. 

Prof Witthuhn added that the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is proud of the students and hopes that they will share their experiences and knowledge with peers and staff in Agriculture. “We believe that the Online Semester will also better prepare them for future employment.” 

This exchange reflects the UFS’s strategic commitment to Institutional Agility and Transformational Culture, ensuring students are equipped for both academic excellence and meaningful participation in a digitally connected world.

For more information on Virtual Exchanges, contact Chevon Slambee at jacobscs@ufs.ac.za.