Stellenbosch University (SU) actively supports staff internationalisation as a core pillar of its institutional growth. Far from being a mere travel opportunity, international staff mobility is a strategic catalyst — it encourages staff to step onto the global stage, fosters institutional capacity, nurtures professional confidence, and brings world-class perspectives back to the local campus.

To understand the true value of this commitment, we look to the recent experiences of three SU staff members who attended the 14th Freie Universität Berlin (FUB) International Staff Training Week in Germany from 22 – 26 June 2026. Joining over 250 higher education professionals from more than 50 countries, their journeys illustrate how stepping out of a daily routine translates directly into meaningful local impact back home in Stellenbosch. 

Behind the "Tracks": Connecting Local Portfolios to Global Think-Tanks

Unlike traditional Staff Weeks, the FUB International Staff Week is organised into 11 specialised parallel tracks, where higher education professionals from around the world collaborate on shared challenges within their specific portfolios. SU was represented by three Professional Administrative Support Staff (PASS) members: Dr Kathryn Grammer, Senior Director of Campus Health Services, who participated in the Society track on universities' social impact and community engagement; Ms Dominique Meyer, Coordinator for Research Grants in the Division for Research Development, who joined the Research track focusing on international funded research partnerships, compliance, politics in research, and institutional security; and Ms Arlynn Fielies, Administrator for Housing for International Students and Visiting Academics at SU International, who took part in the track for Student Mobility, exploring innovative approaches to international student integration, support, and housing.

Cultivating Institutional Innovation: The Value of Shared Knowledge

The true return on supporting staff mobility is the immediate transfer of global expertise to the local context. When SU staff engage with international peers, they bring back fresh, well-established approaches that can be adapted to improve internal operations and elevate how we serve our communities.

Dr Grammer discovered how other global universities systematically align their community service with the formal academic project. 

"I attended the Society Track, which strongly aligns with our Rector's core message to ensure that we are an Institution that works in service to society across the academic project and our support environments," Dr Grammer explains. “We engaged with a robust theoretical framework built on challenge-based learning, student mentorship, and services-based learning. SU already does incredible work through our Law Clinics, Education’s teacher support, CASIT, and clinical placements in medicine and health sciences. We would benefit from a central repository of all Faculty programmes, courses, and projects which contribute to the “Third Mission” of sustainable societal development. It would document innovative collaborations that identify complex, real-world challenges, and tackle them through multidisciplinary partnerships among students, faculties, teachers, and diverse stakeholders in industry, state and communities. Students would be encouraged to enrol in these academic offerings, and SU can easily showcase the true depth of societal contributions to all stakeholders.” 

This strategic insight is already translating into direct local action. Campus Health Services has launched a partnership with Boland College to host medical receptionist interns at SU's campuses. 

"We are building a proof-of-concept model," says Dr Grammer. "Over 18 months of service-based learning and mentorship, we are helping young work-seekers gain vital experience in a tough job market, while simultaneously improving our own client services and relieving administrative pressures on our reception teams." 

Meanwhile, Dominique gained crucial insights into navigating institutional approaches to research support, governance, and compliance. She used this platform to spark immediate, high-value collaborations.

"I was able to connect our team at SU with counterparts at FUB who possess deep expertise in emerging areas like research security — an area of growing relevance for South African institutions,” Dominique notes. We initiated exciting discussions with a German alliance of research managers to explore capacity development initiatives. This partnership will allow us to strengthen research management expertise through professional exchanges between the Global North and South, while ensuring we can advocate for the unique realities faced by researchers in our context." 

Arlynn focused on the digital tools that can make Stellenbosch a more welcoming home for international visitors. She identified the GOIN App, a platform used by European universities to connect international students before they even leave their home countries. 

"Similar to our Matie Buddy Programme, this app allows students to build a support network based on shared interests before departure, making their cultural transition smoother," Fielies explains. "It is also an incredible marketing tool, allowing alumni to share real-world advice with prospective students. I am excited to explore how we can adapt these digital connection concepts to enhance our own international student experience at SU." 

Shifting Perspectives in a Complex Global Landscape

While technical tools are highly valuable, the deepest impact of staff internationalisation lies in the profound shift in professional and personal perspective. Immersing staff in a multicultural environment transforms how they perceive their daily roles, renewing their motivation and broadening their understanding of higher education.

Arlynn shares: “Hearing from colleagues in Ukraine and Palestine about the immense obstacles they face in facilitating international mobility highlighted the privileges that are often take for granted at home. These presentations made me appreciate that we can offer staff and student mobility relatively freely. It also showed me how we can strengthen “Internationalisation at Home” — ensuring that even students who cannot travel still benefit from global perspectives through virtual and localised collaborations.

Dr Grammer shared a similar sentiment regarding the shared challenges faced by universities worldwide, noting that the "polycrises" of mental health, inequity, and climate change affect campuses globally. 

"Despite our own contextual challenges of violence and inequality, seeing colleagues achieve massive community impact under occupied and unimaginably difficult circumstances in Lebanon and the West Bank was inspiring," Dr Grammer says. "It puts our work into perspective and enhances our agency to continue the hard but fulfilling work of authentic community engagement." 

Dominique reflects: "Learning about the varying political contexts that influence research institutions globally gave me a much deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our international colleagues," Dominique shares. "This broader perspective directly enhances my ability to advise and support SU researchers who are developing externally funded international partnerships, ensuring our collaborations remain strong, responsible, and sustainable." 

The Ripple Effect: A Word of Encouragement

Ultimately, the true value of participating in staff internationalisation initiatives lies in its ability to inspire others. The three participants returned to Stellenbosch with a unified message for their colleagues: the global stage is not just for academics; professional and support staff belong there too.

Dr Grammer, who only joined SU in February 2025 after decades in public health, encourages staff not to let self-doubt hold them back. 

"I was very new to higher education when the opportunity arose, but I found the courage to 'fly a kite' and submit a mobility proposal," she says. Even a support services environment can contribute to teaching and learning innovatively and responsively. Recognise the value of your work and connect it to the academic project that positively serves society." 

Dominique emphasises: "Participating in an international programme demonstrates that there is always more to learn, regardless of one’s level of experience," she notes. "It challenges your assumptions, changes how you approach your everyday responsibilities, and builds professional networks that continue to benefit both you and SU long after the week has ended." 

Arlynn agrees, pointing out: "This experience is invaluable for personal and professional development. It enhances your intercultural competence, communication, and adaptability, qualities that are increasingly important in higher education. For me, this experience reinforced the importance of continuous learning and innovation in my role." 

By continuing to prioritise and strengthen staff internationalisation, SU ensures that its workforce remains globally connected, highly skilled, and deeply motivated to grow locally with greater purpose and perspective. 

Looking Forward: A Shared Journey of Growth

By continuing to prioritise staff internationalisation, SU is doing far more than broadening individual horizons. It is weaving a global tapestry directly into the fabric of the institution. When PASS staff return with fresh insights, renewed energy, and a deeper understanding of shared global challenges, they bring the world back to Stellenbosch — this ongoing exchange ensures that the campus community remains vibrant, empathetic, and innovative. Ultimately supporting these journeys, brings SU’s institutional mission to life: to be "rooted in Africa, and global in reach."