​​A performance by the Stellenbosch University Choir is all it took to convince Sarah Schoolmann to study at Stellenbosch. The German student came across the choir on the internet and, enchanted by the melodic voices, decided that Stellenbosch University (SU) was the best place for a study-abroad experience. Sarah is one of about 400 international students who will start the second semester as Matie students.

The students, from countries such as France, China, Germany, Belgium, Mexico, Switzerland, Australia and the USA, are the second intake of international students who will enrol for short-term and full-degree programmes at SU this year. They were welcomed to the University at the Welcome and Orientation event hosted by SU International.

Sarah, a third-year student at the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven, will spend a semester at SU attending statistics and business administration courses. SU's award-winning choir not only gave Sarah a glimpse of life at Stellenbosch but also of what the University is about. “I got to know the University because of the choir. I have seen it on YouTube and it really impressed me. I then researched the University's curriculum and saw it offers a broad range of courses. I heard it is one of the best universities in South Africa." Sarah is hopeful to share a stage with the Stellenbosch University Choir. “I would love to partake but I know they are practising very hard and for long hours."

Also attending SU International's week-long orientation programme for international students, hosted from 16 to 22 July, are Yang Shu Fang from Zhejiang Normal University (ZNU) in China. Yang Shu is part of a group of 17 students who will benefit from a partnership agreement between SU and ZNU. Excited to “experience a different environment and culture", Yang Shu says that there is much to look forward to. “I heard the University offers a good research environment."

Addressing the new Matie students on the first day of the Welcome and Orientation programme, Robert Kotzé, Senior Director of SU International, assured the students that they are at one of the best institutions on the continent. He told them that their presence enhances SU's international profile and urged them to become part of the community, taking part in campus activities and reaching out to surrounding communities.

“This is a special year for us as we commemorate 100 years of being a university. The next six months, we will celebrate our commitment to being a university in Africa for Africa. We want to contribute to the development of higher education in Africa," he told the students.

• Part of the week-long international Welcome and Orientation programme includes a welcome dinner, campus tours and a visit to Cape Town.