Stellenbosch University (SU) celebrated its collaboration with partner universities from around the world hosting the 14^th annual Stellenbosch International Academic Networks (SIAN) meeting. Participants from 27 institutions, representing 14 countries, attended the meeting hosted by the Postgraduate & International Office (PGIO) from 5-9 April 2016.

Welcoming guests to SU, Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said the meeting helped strengthen ties ― crucial for international collaboration in joint research and student mobility. He highlighted SU's internationalisation efforts telling delegates that the institution attracts students and staff from across the world.  "The international students that we accommodate here at Stellenbosch University comes from 117 different countries. Last year, approximately 15% of our students were international. This was double the national average."

Prof de Villiers underlined SU's role in the international arena, telling delegates that SU is a leading academic institution, ranked among the best. According to him this position will be further strengthened with the appointment of a Vice-Rector for Strategic Initiatives and Internationalisation in the next few months. 

In a week focussing on internationalisation, SIAN delegates also held discussions on how to align qualifications to encourage mobility. Giving an African focus to the weeklong activities, SIAN participants took part in a workshop focussing on the 2014 Addis Convention– the Revised Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and Other Academic Qualifications in Higher Education in African States.

Mr Joe Samuels, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), gave background to the convention, its potential role in internationalisation and how South Africa has aligned itself with the principles of the convention. He told delegates that structures are in place to encourage cross-border collaborations, linkages between countries on the continent and critical exchange of ideas.

Mr André Muller, Assistant Director: Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (SU) gave a thought-provoking presentation on the Harmonisation and Tuning project which he has been involved in which seeks to bring expertise together around specific disciplines in an effort to harmonise understanding of expectations and competencies attached to qualifications in Africa. The challenges to collaborative efforts and the warnings to be careful with "one-size-fits-all" approaches was further reinforced by Mr Christopher Muller, Coordinator: Africa Academic Networks at the PGIO, in his presentation on the practical experience of mobility of staff and students via African projects.

​Speakers from Australia and Sweden provided perspectives in turn from their countries, referring to the Bologna process and sharing their experience of efforts to align within Europe and from outside. The lessons that emerged from the day's proceedings come down to allowing for differences and being willing to adjust practices with due consideration for contexts. Additionally, delegates from Japan and the Czech Republic shared country updates in respect of their higher education structures as well as providing more information about their own institutions.

There was also an opportunity for students to get involved in the SIAN meeting. SU students engaged with representatives from our international partners at an International Student Mobility Fair – getting information about partner institutions and study opportunities abroad. Many students also attend the popular International Food Evening, which forms part of SIAN celebrations.

Attending the 2016 SIAN meeting were, from left: Dorothy Stevens, Deputy Director: PGIO; Joe Samuels, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA);  André Muller, Assistant Director: Academic Planning and Quality Assurance; and  Robert Kotzé, Senior Director: PGIO.

Photo: Hennie Rudman

Click here for photos from the event.