​Learning a new language is much like travelling to a distant land: Every word unlocks a world of new possibilities, and every sentence builds bridges to exploring a new culture. This was also the experience of 16 students from Côte d'Ivoire who attended the four-week Intensive English Programme (IEP) presented by the Stellenbosch University (SU) Language Centre in June and July.

The students, all from the School of Business Administration at the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INPHB) in Yamoussoukro, are the second cohort from Côte d'Ivoire to learn English at SU. “Last year, we hosted 22 INPHB students for the IEP," says Norma Derby, programme manager for African Partnerships in SU International's Centre for Collaboration in Africa. “Subsequently, the INPHB contacted us through the Côte d'Ivoire embassy in Pretoria to host another group this year."

The IEP offers English language courses to international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The programme aims to develop students' reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, as well as relevant grammar and vocabulary. Excursions and workshops throughout the programme offer students the opportunity to practise their English outside the classroom, while exploring the sights and sounds in and around Stellenbosch.

Glowing feedback

The programme seems to deliver the desired results, judging by feedback such as that from Mohamed Fadel Junior Binate, a final-year student completing his master's in Business Administration at INPHB. “I have noticed an improvement in my English since coming to Stellenbosch," he says. “In my country, we learn English throughout primary and secondary school, but we cannot practise the language because no one there speaks English. This programme gives us the opportunity to improve our English through classes, tests, and outings where we are encouraged to practise our English skills in real-life situations."

He knows only too well the value of improving his English language skills. “As a business student, it is important to know English, especially in the international domain where English is the language that everyone speaks, and all contracts and agreements are in English," Mohamed explains. “My goal is to open a consulting business, so improving my English through the IEP will help me make that goal a reality."

Mohamed is also looking forward to use his improved English skills to expand his cultural knowledge. “Learning a new language can help you connect to people who are different from you, and gives you the chance to learn about new cultures and new places. I have seen this during my time here in South Africa, where knowing English has helped me learn more about this amazing country by having conversations with local people."

Skills on show

At the closing function for the programme on 12 July, each student delivered a presentation on their time at SU with the aim of illustrating how their English language skills had improved. Guests at the event included the director of INPHB's Business Studies and Management Faculty, Dr Moustapha Traore, and Mr Diomandé Gondo Serge Siaba, minister and counsellor, representing the ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire.

Siaba was pleased with the students' progress during their short time at SU. “We are very satisfied with what we have seen so far," he said. “The results of the first group of students that came out of SU were outstanding, and we have no doubt that the project will still deliver many more cohorts."  

Strengthening regional ties to boot

Aside from opening up possibilities for students, SU's IEP offering is also strengthening South-South relations. As Dr Traore explains, his institution made a strategic choice to send INPHB students to SU to learn English instead of a university in the global North. “Our vision is to promote South-South cooperation. Our choice fell on South Africa, as a country of excellence, and SU was our preferred institution."  

The partnership between SU and INPHB seems set to grow going forward. “Our main vision is to go beyond language learning and extend this to broader collaboration between our faculty and SU's Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences through student exchanges," Dr Traore says. “We would also like to create research exchange programmes between academics of the two institutions."

Nurturing 30-year-old friendship

This year marks three decades of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Côte d'Ivoire. To celebrate the relationship built between the two nations, a South Africa–Côte d'Ivoire week will be hosted in Abidjan from 7 to 11 October. According to Siaba, a South African government and industry delegation led by deputy president Paul Mashatile is scheduled to attend. Delegates from both countries will showcase what they have to offer in the areas of mining, agriculture, tourism, culture and education. 

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