Demands of the modern workplace require graduates who are globally fluent, competitive, and aligned with an evolving global village.
This means universities and other institutions of higher learning must adapt and ensure that their graduates are fit for purpose.
As part of efforts to make its graduates globally competitive, the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) recently sent a cohort of humanities students to participate in the Hessian International Winter University (IWU) programme hosted by the Fulda University of Applied Sciences in Germany.
The programme blends academic teaching with intercultural exchange, offering students exposure to key social, cultural and linguistic topics while exposing them to the German higher education system and international academic standards.
Third-year Bachelor of Arts students Phumulani Zungu, Tshegofatso Charmain Chidi, Thabang Molimi and Tonie Tshianeo completed the three-week programme last month.
The initiative is part of UMP’s broader internationalisation strategy, which aims to expand student mobility, deepen global partnerships, and strengthen experiential learning.
Established just over a decade ago, UMP is one of South Africa’s youngest universities, with its two main campuses in Mbombela and Siyabuswa.
“Although we are a young university, we are unapologetically ambitious. Our vision is to be research-driven toward societal impact, and global partnerships such as this one strengthen our capacity to generate knowledge that addresses local, national, and global challenges.
“UMP is building a future-focused African university that contributes meaningfully to the global academy,” said UMP vice-chancellor Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa.
For 23-year-old Thabang Molimi from Numbi village near Hazyview, the experience goes beyond personal achievement and speaks to a more inclusive and changing narrative of South Africa’s higher education.
“This experience directly challenges the notion that only students from large or historically established institutions can achieve global excellence.
“Opportunity, when combined with preparation and determination, can produce world-class outcomes regardless of origin,” said Molimi, who is based at the Mbombela campus.
Reflecting on his German experience, Molimi said the human connections stood out the most.
International programmes like the Hessian International Winter University aim to provide participants with life-changing experiences.
For Tshegofatso Charmain Chidi (21), who hails from Mabopane, northwest of Pretoria, representing UMP abroad was a moment she will carry for the rest of her life.
She said the experience resonated deeply at home.
“I come from a humble family that has always valued education as a tool for change, even when resources were limited. This opportunity meant a great deal to them. It was a
moment of pride and hope for my family.” Chidi said.
She described representing South Africa as being one of the most meaningful moments.
“My most memorable experience is how other countries actually value South Africa and how they are interested in learning and knowing about our country,” she said.
As the chief academic officer and the person responsible for driving UMP’s vision, Meyiwa highlighted that many UMP students are first-generation university attendees for whom this experience will amplify their profiles as they seek to enter the job market.
He also noted that the university’s approach sought to create opportunities for students to experience global classrooms, build international networks, and return home equipped to drive innovation and development in their communities.
“Our participation in programmes such as the IWU reflects our vision to produce globally competent graduates who can engage with the world while remaining deeply grounded in African realities,” he said.
The students’ participation was made possible by sponsorship from Travel with Confidence founder and chief executive Percy Koji, a Fulda alumnus, as well as stipends from the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority.
