The Durban University of Technology welcomed another group of exchange students from Germany last week.
As a formal welcome, the International Education and Partnerships (IEP) Office organised an orientation for the group, inviting different academic and supporting departments of the institution.
The 13 students from Loerrach University of Cooperative Education as well Ravensburg University of Cooperative Education will spend a term at the University.
It is their first time in South African and the group seems eager to explore the culturally rich country and to get to experience the lifestyle. Beyond this, the students hope to gain as much academic knowledge as possible.
This exchange programme, between DUT and the two German universities, has been running for the past four years and the number of students has increased significantly each year.
IEP is determined to make the students’ stay fruitful. The office will seek assistance from the departments of Marketing and Retail, Hospitality and Tourism, Entrepreneurial Studies and Management as well as the Faculty of Health Sciences; areas in which the exchange students are keen to study.
Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Director: Centre For Research Management and Development expressed her delight on the arrival of the students. “This is a great opportunity for our students, Germans are known for their hard work and that will teach our students to study more,” she said.
Andrea Irg (22), one of the exchange students, said of the three provinces they were given to choose from, she knew she wanted to be in Durban. She is excited to finally be in the city. “I have always wanted to come to South Africa and learn IsiZulu and now this is my opportunity. I heard that Durban is very rich in culture and tradition so that’s where I thought I would get the taste of real Africa,” she said.
A self-confessed traveler, Amato Baumgarther (23) said his expeditions have never before stretched to the African continent. Hearing about this opportunity to study abroad was the perfect reason for Baumgarther to visit Africa, he said. “This is an opportunity to spread my mind and get to experience a different form of learning”, he said.
The group is pleased that it will get to be a part of the University’s heritage celebration in September where they will get to showcase their culture and in turn learn about the various South African cultural groups.
–Nomvula Sikakane
Caption: Dr Lavern Samuels (fifth from the left) and the IEP office staff are proud to welcome yet another group of German exchange students. IEP intends to make the students’ term of study at DUT a worthwhile experience.
