When I first stepped onto the Stellenbosch University campus as an international student from Zimbabwe in 2021, the vineyards and oak-lined streets felt both enchanting and overwhelming. I had left behind the familiar rhythms of home - family gatherings, known faces, and the comforting certainty of belonging. Yet, within weeks, the International Office at SU became my second home, a place where “moving from home to another home” wasn’t just a phrase but a lived reality.

From the moment I walked into the welcoming reception space of the Krotoa Building at Stellenbosch University International (SUI), I sensed something different. The air carried warmth rather than formality. Smiles greeted me not as a number on a student list, but as a new member of a larger family. The staff treated every international student with genuine hospitality that went beyond duty. Whether it was a simple “How are you settling in, Moses?” or a cup of coffee and pizzas shared during sessions we had as students, Matie Buddies, SUI drivers or the Amani Founding Team, these small acts stitched together a safety net of care.

One of the highlights of my journey was the cultural competence lessons facilitated by Angelo Jephtha, Coordinator for International Student Life and Success. Angelo’s sessions were transformative. Through interactive workshops and reflective discussions, he guided us in navigating the nuances of South African campus life while honouring our own cultural identities. We explored concepts like intercultural intelligence, active listening across differences, and building meaningful connections in diverse spaces. His approach wasn’t theoretical; it was deeply practical and rooted in empathy. I learned not only how to adapt but how to contribute my own Zimbabwean perspectives to the rich tapestry of Stellenbosch University’s global community. Those lessons equipped me with tools that extended far beyond the classroom - they shaped how I engaged with classmates, lecturers, and even local communities during my studies in Theology and later Sustainable Development.

The support didn’t stop at cultural competency sessions. Every responsible office went above and beyond to make me feel at home. The Immigration Support Office stood out as a pillar of reliability. They assisted with every visa-related matter, from renewals to complex documentation, and even organised transport to VFS Global for biometrics and submissions. No query felt too small; their patience turned what could have been stressful bureaucratic hurdles into manageable steps.

The Finance team was equally compassionate. They patiently explained fee structures, payment options, and scholarship opportunities, always ensuring I understood my financial responsibilities without feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

What made the International Office truly special was the atmosphere across all spaces-from reception to every individual desk. Staff members felt like older siblings and caring parents. They didn’t merely advise; they listened, mentored, and celebrated small victories with us. I was never just “an international student” ticking boxes. Instead, I was embraced as part of the International Family at Stellenbosch University. This sense of belonging turned administrative processes into opportunities for connection. 

As I progressed through my BA in Theology and into my MPhil in Sustainable Development at the Centre for Sustainability Transitions, this “second home” remained a constant anchor. During challenging moments-homesickness, academic pressure, or navigating a new country-the knowledge that I could walk into the International Office and find ready support made all the difference.

SUI exemplifies what true global education should be: not just academic excellence, but the creation of a nurturing environment where students from every corner of the world can thrive. The hospitality, the cultural lessons from Angelo Jephtha, the seamless assistance from immigration and finance teams, and the familial warmth across every office collectively transformed my transition from leaving home into finding a new one.

Again, when I grabbed an opportunity to work part time as a driver at SUI, I found myself welcoming other students and the most precious fact is that the long driving hours often turned into informal chats about life, studies, and dreams for the future with visiting delegations, students and co-drivers a.k.a Clutch Masters/Mashofe supported by one amazing leader, Chloë Appollis.

Today, as I reflect on my journey, I carry deep gratitude. Stellenbosch didn’t just educate me — it welcomed me, shaped me, and reminded me that home can be found in the kindness of others. From one home to another, my story at SU continues, rooted in Africa yet reaching globally.