Representatives of partner and other institutions from Belgium, Zimbabwe, Sweden, France, The Netherlands, Scotland, Kenya, Uganda, USA and a large number from Germany participated in the Postgraduate & International Office (PGIO) 8th annual Stellenbosch Family Meeting (SFM) from the 24th – 30th of March 2010. This gathering was the largest thus far in terms of the number of delegates that attended.

The PGIO hosts the SFM annually in an effort to showcase Stellenbosch University (SU) to its partners by granting them the opportunity to experience what SU has on offer. “During the SFM our partners see our facilities, hear about the excellent research being done here as well as visit Stellenbosch’s surrounding areas. This is very important as it allows them the opportunity to experience what a first class institution SU is” says Lidia Du Plessis, Coordinator of the event.

The programme aimed to share with the 42 guests the new developments that have taken place over the past year. In this respect, the additional responsibility that the PGIO has assumed for postgraduate students since January 2010 was explained. The more formal part of the programme saw the delegates at STIAS where they were offered deeper insight into South Africa, Stellenbosch and the university. Amongst others, Dr Christoff Pauw, the Coordinator of South-South Networks at the Division of Research Development, spoke about SU’s Africa connections, Ms Monica du Toit, Manager of the Office for Institutional HIV Co-ordination gave an introduction to SU’s HIV programme and Prof. Julian Smith, Vice Rector of Community Interaction and Personnel, shared information about the Soccer Academy and its work. Du Plessis says that this aspect of the programme gave the attendees, “not only a better understanding of the university and its culture but also insight into our social responsibility programmes and the service learning programmes which many international students are engaged in on and around campus. ”

On the Thursday evening of the SFM, delegates attended the PGIO’s International Food Evening in the Neelsie’s Sanlam Hall where they were treated to mouth-watering delights from every corner of the globe. Currently enrolled international students from the partner universities that were represented at the SFM were also given the opportunity to meet with these representatives to share their experiences at SU thus far. As per usual the weekend activities of the SFM were a hit and thoroughly enjoyed by the delegates.  “The excursions are a highlight of the SFM since they allow our visitors to see Stellenbosch and its surrounding areas in context and they thus get a real feel for the experience their students will have here,” says Du Plessis.

Monday the 29th of March, the final full day of the programme, flipped the coin and gave the visitors the opportunity to showcase their institutions at the PGIO International Student Mobility Fair which was held in the Neelsie. Here the partner representatives each had a table and gave information to Stellenbosch students about exchange opportunities at their universities. The programme ended with a farewell dinner where delegates had a final opportunity to appreciate Stellenbosch’s beauty and enjoy its unique culture.

Other highlights of the 2010 SFM were the campus, town and Kayamandi tours, football Friday when delegates dressed in their chosen team’s kit and the opportunity for SU’s international partners to experience first hand how South Africa and Stellenbosch are gearing up for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

In conclusion, SFM 2010 was a successful culmination of many months of planning by the PGIO. We trust that our partners and visitors have departed with a realisation of the value and unique experience that this institution could impart to future students who may wish to study here as well as insight into the important research and work that is being done at SU with the potential to lead to future collaboration.

The Family Meeting is more than just another event on our calendar: it’s an opportunity for us, to spend some time with our extended international family and to grow and maintain the relationship between us.

click here for SFM 2009