“German exchange student Jonas Schmid begins his academic and cultural journey at VUT, building connections, learning new perspectives and embracing life in South Africa.”
17 March 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
Leaving home to study in a different country is never just about academics. It is about stepping into the unknown, learning to navigate new spaces and slowly finding a sense of belonging far from everything familiar.
This is the journey that brought Mr Jonas Schmid from Aalen University in Germany to the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), where he arrived on 29 January 2026 to spend the first semester of the academic year.
His presence at VUT is part of a long-standing partnership between the two institutions, but beyond the formal agreements and academic frameworks lies a more personal story, one of curiosity, courage and quiet adaptation.
Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mr Schmid chose VUT for its strong offering in engineering disciplines aligned to his field of study. During his time at the University, he is completing four postgraduate modules across Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Operations Management, while also contributing to a Diploma in Industrial Engineering group project. Through this, he is not only engaging academically, but also forming connections with fellow students, sharing ideas and learning from different perspectives.
Yet, it is outside the lecture room where much of the learning unfolds.
“South Africa is a very diverse country and offers many opportunities to explore and experience new things,” he reflected. “It is very different from Germany, and I am still getting used to some aspects of living here, but the people have been very kind and helpful, which makes adapting much easier.”
Now based at the Main Residence, Mr Schmid is experiencing a rhythm of student life that contrasts with what he knows back home. The differences, he admits, have required adjustment, but they have also opened the door to growth.
“VUT and the residence environment are new to me and quite different from what I am used to in Germany. The standard of living and the organisation of academic activities differ, as in Germany everything is usually planned in detail. However, if you are willing to adapt, it becomes a positive learning experience,” he said.
In many ways, his story mirrors that of countless students who arrive at university carrying expectations, only to discover that the real value lies in what they had not anticipated.
Beyond his studies, Mr Schmid is embracing the country with an open mind. Whether travelling, building friendships or learning new languages, he is gradually weaving himself into the fabric of South African life.
“My goal is to enjoy my time here and see as many places in South Africa as possible. I also want to continue meeting new people, making friends and learning a few words from the different languages spoken here. Academically, I aim to complete my modules successfully, and overall to have a safe and memorable experience before returning home,” he shared.
His journey is a reminder that internationalisation is not only about institutional partnerships. It is about people, about shared experiences and about the exchange of perspectives that shape how we see the world.
As VUT continues to open its doors to students from across the globe, stories like that of Jonas Schmid quietly affirm the University’s role as a space where cultures meet, ideas travel and learning extends far beyond borders.