How the Durban University of Technology supports foreign students through orientation
Durban University of Technology offers a specialised orientation programme designed to help international students adapt to their new academic environment during their six-month study programme.
Image: Thenjiwe Qwabe
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a special orientation programme for international students from its partner universities at the DUT campus in Durban on February 3.
The event took place simultaneously with the orientation of DUT’s first-year students. While the content is similar, the international student orientation is specifically tailored to accommodate foreign students.
Participants come from different countries, including Germany, France, and China, and the programme is designed to address their needs.
Through informative sessions, students are introduced to various resources available to them, including campus clinics, sports facilities, protection services, well-being support programmes, and other initiatives that help students adjust to their new academic environment.
They also have opportunities to make connections and familiarise themselves with the range of support systems at DUT, ensuring they feel welcomed and prepared for their six-month study programme.
Dr Lavern Samuels, Director of International Education and Partnership, says they treat all students the same way and help international students as much as they help local ones to get to campus, as they are not familiar with the environment.
“The challenge of finding the campus is one that even local students who come from other provinces could find. So we give a very clear set of directions on how to get here, and we assist them on an ongoing basis,” explained the director.
He also said, “Those who come by air, we actually give them different transport options. It's the same with those who come by road; we give them different options. We also, in cases of students not being able to find their way, Carol Newman from my office normally helps students on an individual basis as well.”
An international student from Germany, Wahab Kayondo from Food Science & Technology, explained how he learned about the programme that exchanges students from international universities with DUT.
“Last year, in 2024, we received some students from here, from Durban, for a university-based pathfinder for the University of Applied Sciences. And then, we had to show them how the process is, and then they also shared the information about how they do their stuff here.”
He further explained how they ended up in DUT, “eventually, four months later, we got a program that they will be sending students to Durban from Germany, and we had to apply. And we got selected.”
Kayondo further explained the difficulty they faced in finding where they were directed to go on campus, as the campus was very big:
“The initial challenge was the large campus; we arrived at gate one and had to find Block D as international exchange students, using only a campus map. Once we found the building, we had to climb seven flights of stairs, which was good exercise. We met the admin, who was cooperative and showed us everything before we waited for the other students.”
Nisa Akyol also showed excitement in being part of the DUT exchange student programme:
“I am really excited because I’ve never been abroad, so I was excited and looked forward to it. I also wanted to come to the hot weather and meet new people as well, and to see what it is like to study here at DUT.”
Similarly, during the orientation for South African students, participants were introduced to campus facilities and support programmes available to assist them throughout their studies.
The Vice-Chancellor of DUT, Professor Thandwa Zizwe Mthembu, welcomed the students and offered guidance on student life, saying, “I encourage you to make friends, explore beyond your comfort zones, try new ideas, and engage with people who may be different from you. Be open-minded, curious, and respectful because it is through these interactions that you will grow not only academically, but socially and as global citizens, too.”
He further emphasised the importance of values, adding, “Above all, as you engage with others and learn more, please do not waver on our values and principles and the good ones you come with from your homes and communities.”
IOL