Photo: Christel Almeida from University Bochum and Alexandre ‘Alex’ Das from Aalen University of Applied Sciences at the Clarens Extreme spot with Ms Martina Moss, Deputy Director: Staff and Student Mobility and coordinator of the excursion.

The Centre for Global Engagement (CGE) continually aims to provide incoming international students an immersive and holistic introduction to South African culture and environment. This approach is an essential part of an orientation strategy, meant to help students feel at home and to ease their transition into their new academic and social environment.

Recently, two inbound exchange students, Alexandre ‘Alex’ Das from Aalen University of Applied Sciences and Christel Almeida from University Bochum, both enrolled for Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Management, embarked on a memorable orientation adventure in Clarens, which Ms Martina Moss coordinated.

According to Ms Moss, Deputy Director: Staff and Student Mobility and coordinator, the excursion aims to introduce the students to the cultural wealth and recreational possibilities of their interim home, the Free State.

The adventure started at the Basotho Cultural Village, nestled in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The village serves as a living museum, accurately depicting the lifestyle and architecture of the South Sotho people from the 16th century to the present.

“It was an enlightening experience for Alex and Christel, who embraced the chance to understand, appreciate, and interact with the local customs and traditions, enriching their South African study-abroad journey before their academic semester began, said Ms Moss.

The students were taken for an array of thrilling adventures (from white-water rafting to quad biking and ziplining) at Clarens Extreme, a favourite spot among locals and visitors alike.

Both Alex and Christel said the adventure has instilled the spirit of resilience and adaptability. They are ready to face and overcome any challenges they might face, an essential trait for budding entrepreneurs.

Photo: Ms Moss and students at the Basotho Cultural Village, nestled in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Ms Moss added that the visit to Clarens was more than an excursion. This visit was also an opportunity for the students to immerse themselves in the diverse culture and thrilling adventures that South Africa has to offer. These experiences will undoubtedly enrich their time at CUT, providing context and perspective to their studies in the Entrepreneurship Development Unit. This initiative underscores CGE and CUT's commitment to internationalisation. At CUT, we believe the first few days of an exchange program can significantly shape the students' entire experience. By integrating such experiences into exchange programs, we aim to promote global awareness and foster a cosmopolitan campus environment. It’s not about simply studying abroad, but also embracing a global perspective and becoming better global citizens,” she concluded.