?For many international students arriving at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), the first warm smile they encounter belongs to Ms Kalon Damons, Coordinator for Student Mobility at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 International. In her role, she coordinates the academic and administrative processes for incoming semester exchange students from partner universities, serving as their primary point of contact before, during, and after their stay, and facilitating collaboration with partner institutions to ensure that every mobility experience is smooth and enriching.
What Kalon enjoys most, however, is not the paperwork or logistics, but the human journey that unfolds. “Being part of the international students' journey from arrival to departure — watching them form friendships, explore South Africa, and adapt to a new academic and cultural environment — is incredibly rewarding. I feel privileged to play a small part in shaping such a formative chapter in their lives."
Kalon understands that first impressions matter. Meeting students as they arrive, she greets them with warmth, patience, and genuine interest in their stories. “Those initial moments," she says, “set the tone for the semester. If students leave feeling supported and reassured, they are more likely to approach the rest of their exchange with confidence and openness."
She recalls one student who arrived shy and hesitant, relying on a translation app to ask questions. “By mid-semester, he was laughing with peers in the waiting area and helping newcomers with translations. By the end, he described the International Office as a second home. This is a reminder that growth happens not only in classrooms but in every supportive interaction."
Her days are filled with both practical problem-solving and personal connections. On the academic side, she supports students with module registration, timetable clashes, and administrative queries that often feel overwhelming to newcomers navigating a foreign system. On the personal side, her office door is always open for students who need to talk — whether about adjusting to local culture, navigating homesickness, or simply finding the right resources on campus. “Often, students just need someone to listen without judgment," she says. “Sometimes even a simple 'How are you really doing?' can make a world of difference."
“Inclusive internationalisation is at the heart of my work. It means making sure that every student feels they belong — not just as visitors, but as valued members of the university community," she explains. Much of her work involves bridging gaps between local and international students, connecting them with resources, and creating spaces for cultural exchange through orientations, campus events, and everyday conversations.
Working so closely with international students has also shaped her own perspective. “Students have shown me that SU is not only a place of academic excellence, but also a gateway to experiencing South Africa's cultural richness. Their fresh eyes have taught me to appreciate the beauty and diversity of my own environment, while reaffirming that I thrive in a role that combines human connection with cultural exchange.
As a woman in international higher education, Kalon believes her empathetic and relational approach helps students feel safe to open up and share their experiences. “In bridging worlds, empathy is as important as information," she reflects. She also believes women bring distinctive strengths to this field: empathy, collaboration, and the ability to foster inclusive environments. “Women often lead with a balance of strength and compassion," she adds. “That combination can make cultural exchange both transformative and deeply personal."
For many students, Kalon is more than just an administrator. She is a guide, a listener, and a constant source of reassurance — someone who helps them turn a foreign university into a second home. And in doing so, she is not only coordinating exchanges, but actively bridging worlds.
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