Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) International Education and Partnerships (IEP) recently hosted an amazing workshop between international and local students, at  ML Sultan campus, in Durban.

 The workshop focused on Intercultural Aspects, Global Learning Experiences and Sustainability and was attended by local students and international students who are registered full-time as well as exchange students who are registered at DUT for a semester. The purpose of the workshop was to create an opportunity for both international and local students to engage with each other, to encourage the students to consider a different viewpoint and to develop a better and greater appreciation for international diversity. 

 Ms Carol Newman who is the International Education Officer mentioned that part of studying abroad is to learn different cultures, languages, etc. “An opportunity for local students to do this is by interacting with international students at DUT, and to participate in public lecturers given by international guest lectures,” she said. 

 She went on to pair the students who spoke different languages to teach each other their own languages. There were some students who spoke French, Shona, Xhosa, and isiZulu. This was a fun experience as the students got an opportunity to learn new languages. 

International Student Relations Officer, Ms Philiswa Mncube touched base on internationalisation at home, intercultural diversity, and intercultural competence. Ms Mncube gave the students a task which was more of a dialogue where they had to reflect on the differences between perception and perspective and which comes first. She went on to ask the students to give perceptions and perspectives they had about other students.  

 The students became more involved in the dialogue and they urged other students to step out of their comfort zones and learn about other cultures. Ms Newman thanked the students for availing themselves for the workshop and encouraged them to always be open minded about learning other people’s cultures and languages. 

Pictured: IEP staff members with the DUT international and local students.

 Sibahle Ngcobo