SU International contributes in various ways to ensuring a transformative student experience and promoting comprehensive internationalisation at Stellenbosch University. One example is the programme entitled “In conversation with globalisation" — a collaboration with the University of Stuttgart (Germany), St. Xavier's College (India) and the University of Bergamo (Italy).

The programme has been running for almost two decades and is traditionally a blended-learning course with both an online and a mobility component. Due to the pandemic, the physical mobility component could not take place for the past two cycles. Nevertheless, active engagement and fruitful interactions continued through online seminars and work.

The most recent edition kicked off in October 2021, when students started the conversation on politics, the economy, arts and the pandemic — all within the context of globalisation. Seminars were again presented by course coordinator Dr Wolfgang Holtkamp from the University of Stuttgart, although voices from each of the participating countries were also added, with guest lecturers featuring in the various sessions. Students participated through short presentations, and assessment included both written and more creative assignments.

At the end of February 2022, the course culminated in a virtual project week focusing on the global pandemic learning curve. The week's programme included participation in the annual Stuttgart Meets Mumbai festival, as well as seminars by Prof Flavio Porta (Bergamo), Ms Ankita Gujar (St. Xavier's) and Dr Chet Fransch (Stellenbosch). The project week ended on a high note with presentation day (see screenshot), where the student groups presented their views on what societies had learnt at various pandemic moments. This included a focus on previous pandemics, the beginning of the current pandemic, the present situation, as well as possible future pandemics. The day concluded with a talk on what nations could possibly focus on in the aftermath of the pandemic.

At a time when physical engagement was restricted, the programme still managed to link scholars from around the globe and explore a relevant topic that allowed all participants to share their lived experiences.

 Image: Screenshot of one of the sessions.

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