12 countries 73 students Infinite opportunities

Student exchanges are a key driver of internationalisation in the University, and the first group of international students to arrive on campus since 2020 added to the rich tapestry of diversity.

Our doors are once again open as the University of Pretoria (UP) welcomed the first arrival of students from abroad since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This international group of exchange students, who attended the University during the second semester, comprised 73 students from UP’s partner universities in Belgium, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland and Japan, as well as elective students from the Czech Republic and Nigeria.

“Student exchanges are a reciprocal arrangement between UP and numerous universities globally,” said Setsipane Mokoduwe, Head of International Cooperation in the Department of Research and Innovation. “These arrangements afford students an opportunity to study at partner universities for one or two semesters, and allow them to learn from their peers, and experience the different cultures, perspectives and customs in another country. This international experience also affords the students opportunities to establish global networks and build resilience, thus contributing to building global graduates and global citizens.”

For some students, this was the first time that they had travelled outside of Europe.

“Out of all the options that I could choose, I decided to go with UP,” said Ebba van Merwijk, who attends Leiden University in the Netherlands. “I have never been outside of Europe; I also wanted to break my own stereotype of Africa, especially South Africa, and UP seems like a great school. I am happy to be here.”

MAMELODI CAMPUSTHE SOCIAL INNOVATION HUB OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA (UP)

As UP’s flagship campus for the Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECPs), and as its social innovation hub, the Mamelodi Campus strives to be the gateway of choice to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM)-related fields of study for talented learners with demonstrated potential and academic acumen.

“I have never been to Africa before, so thought coming here would be a great opportunity,” said Viivi Ropponen of Erasmus University in Rotterdam. “I opted for UP because I had heard a lot of positive feedback from previous exchange students. am loving it so far; people here are really warm and welcoming.”

“I am interested in the colonial history of the Netherlands and learning about South Africa’s past and post-apartheid era,” said James Steijger of the University of Amsterdam, who is in South Africa to do fieldwork for his dissertation. “I am loving UP thus far!”

“The presence of these students is an opportunity for our local students to embrace, connect and engage with the broad international community on campus,” Mokoduwe added.

By Paseka Gaola

The Campus seeks to assist learners to successfully transition from high school to university-level academic engagement to ensure success in their elected fields of study at UP.

ACADEMIC OFFERING

1 BCom ECP

3 BSc ECPs

STREAM 1: Physical Sciences

STREAM 2: Mathematical Sciences

STREAM 3: Biological and Agricultural Sciences

COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES

• STEM Sensory Garden

• Community vegetable garden

• After-school Football Programme

• CAFCA Music School

• Mae Jemison US Science Reading Room

COMMUNITY CLINICS

1: Centre for Faith and Community

2: Business Hub

3: Animal Health Clinic

4: Siyathemba Occupational Therapy Clinic

We welcome our newly appointed director, Prof Ntebogeng Mokgalaka-Fleischmann, to the Mamelodi Campus