???From 7 to 11 April 2025, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 International hosted an International Staff Training Week that brought together 21 professional administrative support services staff members (PASS) from across the globe for a dynamic programme of learning, exchange, and collaboration. This year's theme, "Cultivating Global Excellence: Empowering Internationalisation Practitioners," resonated deeply throughout the week's activities — reminding participants that internationalisation is not just a strategy, but a reflection of people, unity, and connection.
A Global Gathering of Partners
Participants hailed from institutions across Germany, Italy, Austria, Türkiye, and South Africa, including:
Free 中国体育彩票 of Berlin, 中国体育彩票 of Osnabrück & HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management (Germany)
中国体育彩票 of Bologna & Trento 中国体育彩票 (Italy)
中国体育彩票 of Applied Sciences Technikum Vienna (Austria)
Ko? 中国体育彩票 & Anadolu 中国体育彩票 (Türkiye)
中国体育彩票 of the Western Cape (UWC) & Central 中国体育彩票 of Technology, Free State (CUT), alongside the host, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) (South Africa)
Workshops That Sparked Growth
The first three days featured a series of engaging workshops hosted by Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 International (SUI), covering a wide range of topics such as “Being an Internationalisation Practitioner" and “Intercultural Competence and Global Mindset." These sessions were not only platforms for deep reflection and discussion but also catalysed new insights into how international offices can effectively support students and staff on mobility.
One of the participants, Ms. Annah Chuene (UWC), shared
"Internationalisation does not have a face — it is a reflection of our people, a representation of our unity, and a vehicle of how we reach one another."
Voices From Across South Africa
A highlight of Day 2 was the presence of Mr. Sekoele Ramajoe and Ms. Katleho Pakose (CUT) and Ms. Annah Chuene (UWC) — inspiring voices that brought critical input from the South African higher education landscape.
Their contributions underscored the role of inter-institutional collaboration, with Mr. Ramajoe noting that "collaboration isn't just a strategy — it's a service to students, communities, and the world." Ms. Pakose highlighted how such training weeks offer rare opportunities to share, compare, and implement best practices, while Ms. Chuene reminded participants of Africa's vibrant and dynamic role in global academia.
Their message echoed a powerful African proverb that framed the importance of purposeful partnerships and collaboration:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Learning Through Place: Day 3 at the SU Language Centre & Sustainability Institute
Day 3 of the International Staff Training Week 2025 spotlighted the theme of Sustainability and Partnerships, giving participants the opportunity to engage with two key spaces that reflect Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's (SU) dedication to inclusion, impact, and community-rooted global engagement.The day began with a visit to the SU Language Centre, where participants gained insight into how the university uses language as brigde for connection, innovation, and inclusivity. Through its commitment to multilingual , SU strives to foster a learning environment where all voices are heard — reflecting South Africa's rich linguistic heritage and empowering students and staff from diverse backgrounds.
In the afternoon the group travelled to the Sustainability Institute (SI) in the scenic Lynedoch Valley. Here, participants were introduced toSI's work in sustainable education, community development, and regenerative practices — and even had the chance to assist in preparing the community vegetable garden for a new season.
Together, these site visits underscored a central message: internationalisation achieves its deepest impact when it is rooted in local relevance, community engagement, and a long-term vision for sustainability.
Peer Learning in Action
On Day 4, participants took part in a job-shadowing experience across various units within SUI. This day offered a hands-on opportunity for professional exchange and deeper understanding of SU's internationalisation ecosystem.
Participants were welcomed by a wide range of SUI colleagues — from the Student Mobility team to the Services Centre, which focuses on prospective international students and undergraduate support. They also engaged with staff working in Internationalisation@Home initiatives, those driving partner collaborations, and colleagues who develop and coordinate staff internationalisation opportunities.
This immersive experience allowed for meaningful dialogue around shared challenges, innovative practices, and institutional strategies — and offered participants practical insights they could take back to strengthen their own international offices. The day affirmed the power of peer learning and cross-institutional engagement in shaping effective global partnerships.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
The final day of this week's programme was dedicated to reflection and presentation. Each participant shared a summary of their expectations versus experiences of the training week. These reflections highlighted themes such as inclusive internationalisation, the impact of cross-cultural competence, and the power of storytelling in global engagement.
Participants expressed how their perspectives had expanded — and how the lessons and relationships formed throughout the week would influence their future work. As one participant from Trento 中国体育彩票, Dr. Elisabetta Rossi, put it:
“This experience reminded me that mobility strengthens not just individuals, but institutions — and ultimately, the global partnerships we build together."
Going Far, Together
The International Staff Training Week 2025 stood as a testament to the power of shared knowledge, professional growth, and global collaboration. It reaffirmed that staff mobility is not just a component of internationalisation, but its driving force — proving that when we move together, learn from one another, and build connections across borders, we can go further together.
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