Information session helps international students integrate with ease
16 August 2024 | STORY .Puleng Maphisa . PHOTO VUT.
On 15 August 2024 the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) through its Department of Internationalisation, held an information sharing session for the international students at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall. The theme of the event was themed: “Knowledge is Power, Information is Liberating.”
Mr Vido Kungune, the Acting Director: Internationalisation Office and program facilitator, explained primary objective of the event, saying it sought to empower international students with information about various support mechanisms at VUT to ease their integration into the broader university community. Presentations included information regarding academic support services, accommodation facilities, scholarship and funding opportunities, as well as health and safety, to mention a few.
In his keynote address, Prof Khehla Ndlovu, the VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal told the students that the university fully understands that studying in a foreign country comes with its own set of challenges such as adapting to a new culture, understanding different academic expectations, and perhaps even learning a new language. However, he assured them that VUT has a wide range of programs, resources, and support systems that have been put in place to ensure that international students feel at home, even when they are far from their own. “These include a dedicated Internationalisation Office which seeks to help international students transition from their countries of origin into the new culture and educational environment of SA and VUT to excel academically,” he said.
Prof Ndlovu further said while there is a national concern over the decline of international students to SA universities due to various reasons, VUT boasts a staggering total number of 465 international students enrolled for this academic year. “Your enrollment at VUT is testament to our continental and global reach and reputation as an institution,” said Prof Ndlovu adding that international students bring with them a wealth of perspectives, cultures, and experiences that enrich the academic environment and foster a deeper understanding of the global society we live in.
Notably, Campus France, US Consolate and National Research Foundation (NRF) representatives elaborated on the various scholarships and funding opportunities for international students in their respective organisations. Both the Departments of |High Education and Training (DHET) and Science and Innovation (DSI) also made presentations.
On health and safety, the session also offered practical advice for students on choosing between different medical benefits. This presentation was done by CompCare Medical Scheme and Momentum. Colonel Van der Ryst from the South African Police Services (SAPS), Vanderbijlpark Station also weighed in the, sharing useful safety tips as well as local emergency numbers. These medical aids are designed to assist international students with affordable healthcare options, ensuring they are well taken care of in times of emergency.
Student Support Services Ms Faith Mocoancoeng also shared some tips relating to student accommodation and cocurricular facilities provided by VUT. And Mr Joseph Radebe weighed in on internationalisation for local responsiveness and relevance of community engagements and impact international exposure and experience should have on communities. In his conclusion and acknowledgements of the event Mr Jacob Thamaga, Manager: African Languages Development Unit (ALDU) of Center for Academic Development appealed to the students to leverage the opportunities that come with internationalisation in their academic journeys.
Overall, the session was highly informative, leaving students with a deeper appreciation of their place within the VUT community. The event not only emphasized the importance of international students but also underscored VUT’s commitment to making them feel at home and valued.