BEN NEL ON 21 YEARS OF INTERNATIONALISATION

How long have you been with SU International?

I started as Stellenbosch resident director of the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) in 1998, which means I have served SU International for a full 21 years. I joined a small group of dedicated staff at the then International Office, where I later became a permanent staff member and was exposed to the greater Stellenbosch campus community. Back then, I had more than a decade’s experience in higher education in South Africa and abroad, but I knew very little about internationalisation, so it was a steep learning curve. The topic of internationalisation was also not particularly well known or openly discussed at the time, so it took some effort to inform students and staff of the benefits of internationalisation, let alone explain concepts such as global citizenship, global learning and internationalisation at home. Yet I can honestly say the experience has enriched my life and perception of culture and people tremendously. 

Over the years, you have worked with people from across the globe, giving you a glimpse into different cultures. What impact has this had on your outlook on life and work?    

It has certainly taught me not to be tempted into stereotyping people, cultures or even nations, as it only puts strain on relationships and future development. I have also learned that intercultural communication is not possible without a fair amount of cultural intelligence, which is something that we, as South Africans, still need to work on. Learning across cultures does not come naturally. Ultimately, internationalisation is about partnerships, and partnerships are about people.

Any event(s) that stood out for you, and why?

A definite highlight was my first group of AIFS students, and their fascination with the birth of the new South African nation and with Nelson Mandela. Another one was joining in the celebration of 25 years of internationalisation at SU last year. A lowlight was perhaps when the Wilcocks building burned down and we had to operate from the “dungeon” below Admin A!

What did you enjoy most about your job and working in an international office?

Constant change! I enjoyed moving with the times and meeting new challenges. I also had the opportunity to work with some of the best in the business, including in my immediate team.

What does internationalisation or, more specifically, global education mean to you?

In the words of Prof Jane Knight, internationalisation is “the process of integrating an international, intercultural or global dimension into the purpose, functions or delivery of post-secondary education”. Of course, integrating the key concept of global learning with the university experience will be the next important step.

What are some of the interesting trends that you have observed over the years? And what do you expect to see going forward?

Back when I started here, internationalisation was driven mostly by mobility. The focus was on getting the maximum number of students in and out, in most instances by studying abroad for a semester. As the years went by, the focus shifted to internationalisation for those students who could not afford to go abroad, whether for a full semester or at all. And so, new options have been, and continue to be, developed and added to the menu, such as attending a summer school abroad and developing our own winter programme with both foreign and local participants. We have had to be creative and think of opportunities to include the majority of students who stay behind, giving them an internationalisation experience at home. We have also had to address social impact, taking stock of where we stand as a university within our own community, on our continent and in the rest of the world. That’s why we have developed a strategy to involve as many international students as possible in the community. Another trend has been partnership development and a stronger focus on research and staff mobility. Going forward, I expect increased momentum for efforts to ensure that students have a transformative experience in line with SU’s core strategic themes; that we truly equip them to live, work and thrive in a globalised world. This will require a deliberate shift away from “traditional” institutional internationalisation towards global learning. There’s still a long way to go, but we are making inroads.

What are your future plans?

I am a trained artist with many years’ experience in making and exhibiting art. I’ll now be completing the circle by returning to art making and reconnecting with fellow artists and galleries. I would like to be involved with training in some way or another, as interaction with others is essential. Who knows, maybe I’ll host some creative workshops? I know I’ll also spend lots of time chilling with my grandchildren and working in my garden.

Any message to colleagues and others you have worked with over the years?

I’ll save it for when I say my personal goodbyes, as my appreciation for the team is difficult to express in words. What we achieved and established is a direct result of personal relationships, taking ownership, being consistent, working with integrity and going far beyond our job descriptions. Thank you, it’s been a privilege; I have learned so much from our interactions.