Stellenbosch University International, New to Stellenbosch University (SU), about 400 international students gathered in the Wilcocks Building to be welcomed as Matie students on Tuesday 14 July.
The students from countries such as China, Switzerland, Australia, Gabon and the USA attended a welcome and orientation session hosted by the Postgraduate and International Office (PGIO). The students are the second intake of international students for the year and will enrol for full-degree and short-term programmes.
Welcoming this group of students to the “wine capital of South Africa”, Robert Kotzé, Senior Director of the PGIO, said they have chosen a good university and urged them to make a difference while here. Highlighting Stellenbosch University’s research achievements he encouraged them to connect with the community and help contribute to society.
“Student success is important to us. Use the facilities, use the structures and make it a successful semester,” he told students. Some will enrol at the University of Stellenbosch Business School. Staff members from the Bellville Campus also attended the event.
In Stellenbosch for her second visit, Monique Heyden from Germany was one of the hundreds of students attending the orientation session. “When I left Stellenbosch after the first time (2013), I cried so much. I knew I had to come back! I fell in love with the people here and I hope to actually live and work in Cape Town when I’m done with my master’s.”
Gabe Epstein from Clarke University in Worcester, Massachusetts, was one of many US students attending the session. Majoring in geography and the environment she will complete the sustainability programme at SU.
“I’m excited about being in the wine country. Hiking mountains and meeting new students, is something I’m really geared up for.”
Gabe will be joined by fellow Clarke University student Mary Molloy on campus and in class.
“The only other programme that caught my eye was one in Costa Rica, but I wanted to push the limits a little bit further. The wild life and totally different geographic landscapes here were something that really drew me in.”
International students will take part in a three-day welcome and orientation programme. The highlight is a welcome dinner on Thursday 16 July.
click here for more information on Stellenbosch University International
GET DETAILS ON UNIVERSITY APPLICATION IN SA