The Durban University of Technology is home to over 24 000 students; most of who are not Durbanites or even South African.

Dr Rosethal Makhubu’s (Media Language and Communications HOD) statement that “DUT is an international institution with international students” attests to this.

As a student, choosing a place to further your education is often a tough decision, and the reality that you will be far from home makes that choice even tougher. But being far from home also has its advantages. Not only do students learn how to be independent, they also learn how to be responsible as well as how to live peacefully with other people.

Ajala Babatunde Adewale, 27, BTech Journalism student from Nigeria said studying at DUT gave him an opportunity to be a disciplined individual, adding that the many fields of work he was exposed to helped him change his perspective about Africa.

While studying Reporting Africa, which is taught by Dr Rene Smith; DUT Journalism Programme Head, Adewale had the privilege of knowing more about African countries as well as their challenges.

“It was really good studying here because all my lecturers were so friendly not minding where I come from. This really gave me the courage to move on. Although there are many challenges out there because of the language barrier, studying at DUT was worth it”, he said.

Second year Interior Design student Fiskal Kalala, 24, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) said apart from waiting for his study permit for almost two years which caused him to miss out the 2010 registrations, his experience at DUT “has been great”.

“I’m happy with the way lectures go. I have very cool interior design lecturers and the programme provides us with what we need in terms of interior design learning and practice”, he said.

Adewale said the experience he has gained at DUT has changed him for the better. “I will recommend DUT to anyone because of the hospitality given to international students and more so, DUT is practically oriented and the lecturers are very friendly”, said.

–Nomvula Sikakane
Pictured: BTech Journalism student Ajala Babatunde Adewale from Nigeria.