The Durban University of Technology hosted an Orientation Day to welcome 58 international students at the ML Sultan Campus, recently.
The international students are from Europe on an exchange programme for a three month period, an initiative driven by DUT’s Directorate: International Education and Partnerships (IEP).
The IEP was established to support DUT in its drive towards becoming a globally positioned University of Technology. It also plays a vital role of encouraging internationalisation by highlighting activities in all departments to international and potential partners whether universities, industry, embassies, consulates, Government Departments or International agencies.
The international students were welcomed by Dr Lavern Samuels, who spoke about DUT’s education system and the cultural diversity that exists in the province. There were various other speakers such as Ms Sara Bibi Mitha, Mr Sihle Mbanjwa and Dr Blessing Karumbaka, each speaker gave an overview as to what each student can expect at DUT and where they can also go for pastoral, logistical as well as counselling at DUT campuses.
The orientation programme did not only provide opportunities for the international students but for international lecturers as well. Currently, lecturer Stéphane Leszkwiewicz from France is now part of the Language and Translation Department. He has also hinted that he will be opening a French Club at DUT which will give students and the public an opportunity to learn the beautiful language of French.
One of the International students at the orientation day, Kim Sina Dahlem, said: “I am really enjoying and loving this beautiful country. The people are so friendly and hospitable, but besides that, I really love the gorgeous weather and the beautiful beaches. I even got to watch a local soccer match between AmaZulu and Ajax Cape Town at the popular soccer stadium, the Moses Mabhida Stadium. However, I am looking forward to my studies at DUT.”
Dr Indrani Naidoo from the IEP said, this exchange programme was not just about international students coming to Durban but also about DUT marketing South Africa as a whole.
– Philiswa Xulu
Pictured: International students with DUT staff at the orientation day event.
