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Durban University of Technology 18The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) selected four exceptional students to represent the Institution at the University of Huelva (UHU) in Spain in an international exchange programme that ran from February 2025 to June 2025.The selected DUT students included three Industrial Engineering students, Nontokozo Macebo, Olwethu Nkosi and Nomcebo Bianca Zungu, as well as Mpilo Mbulelo Tatana, a master%u2019s student in Electronic and Computer Engineering. All demonstrated remarkable academic performance and excellence.Third-year Industrial Engineering student Zungu (19), who also serves as the Deputy Student Representative from the Women in Engineering and the Built Environment Organisation (WEBE), has been selected to participate in a scholarship at UHU.The students attended various academic programmes related to their field of study at the La Merced and El Carmen campuses of UHU. Zungu, who is from Redcliffe, shared her experiences, highlighting that the language barrier was the biggest challenge.%u201cSpanish is the predominant language spoken in Spain, and we were eager to improve our language skills to connect better with the culture. Although we started from scratch, we were excited to learn, and utilised the language learning apps to pick up basic Spanish words and phrases. I am humbled and grateful for such an opportunity,%u201d she said.Zungu stated that as DUT students, they are encouraged to embody diversity and adapt to new environments. Despite initial difficulties, she and her fellow students developed innovative communication strategies.DUT Living Values that resonate deeply with her, specifically honesty, integrity, respect and accountability, guided and inspired her to lead a life that was not only peaceful and enthusiastic but also exciting and fulfilling.She noted that sometimes things seem hard because of societal INDUSTRIAL, ELECTRONIC AND COMPUTER ENGINEERINGSTUDENTS REPRESENTED DUT AT UHUassumptions, which can discourage people from trying. However, she emphasised that with determination, challenges can be overcome.Macebo shared her exciting experience of obtaining a scholarship. At first, she was thrilled, but as the departure date approached, she felt anxious and scared. It was her first time travelling abroad, and she was unsure as to what to expect. However, when she met people from different continents, she was touched by their kindness and warmth.Macebo realised that experiencing different cultures was a valuable learning experience. %u201cI am so grateful for the opportunity to make new friends and learn about their way of life,%u201d she said.The students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the DUT community for providing them with a platform to explore, learn and enhance their academic and professional pursuits. Phiwayinkosi SibiyaPictured: DUT students at the El Carmen campus in UHU with staff members.