When Alejandro Hurtado from Colombia decided to spend a semester abroad, he knew he wanted something different. Rather than choosing a destination in Europe or the United States of America, he looked for a place that would challenge him, take him out of his comfort zone, and allow him to bring a piece of Colombia to a new corner of the world. That decision led him to Stellenbosch University (SU) — making him the first Colombian student to study at SU on a semester exchange.

A leap into the unknown

“When I was choosing where to go for my semester abroad, I didn’t want to take the ‘safe’ route,” Alejandro explains. “In places like Europe or the US, I would probably meet many other Colombians or Latino students. That would be great, but I knew it might keep me in my comfort zone. I wanted a place where I could challenge myself, explore a completely new environment, and share a bit of Colombia with people who may not often meet South Americans.”

Encouraged by friends who had previously visited South for vacation, Alejandro chose Stellenbosch when he saw it among his university’s partner options. “My friends couldn’t stop talking about South Africa and Cape Town — they said it was a place I had to visit. Their enthusiasm stuck with me, and now that I’m here, I can say they were absolutely right!”

Discovering diversity at SU

Alejandro’s first impression of SU was one of surprise and excitement. “During the Welcome and Orientation week, I couldn’t believe how many international students were there. But the biggest surprise came when I realised that I was the only student from Latin America!” he laughs. “That’s when I knew I had chosen the right place — I was exactly where I wanted to be: out of my comfort zone, creating a new adventure.”

At his home university, Universidad de los Andes (UniAndes), Alejandro studies Industrial Engineering, but at SU he decided to broaden his academic experience. “I’m taking courses that combine culture, history, and science — including Marine Sciences, which I chose because of South Africa’s incredible natural environment,” he says, glancing at the oak trees and squirrels that populate Stellenbosch’s campus. “I’m also really enjoying the Global Education Programmes (GEP) modules — they’ve helped me understand and integrate into South Africa’s diverse culture.”

A partnership paving new paths

Alejandro’s semester at SU marks more than just a personal milestone — it also celebrates the new partnership between Stellenbosch University and Universidad de los Andes, which opens the door for future student exchanges and academic collaboration between South Africa and Colombia.

“This experience is an example of how new partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for global learning,” Alejandro reflects. “I hope that more students from UniAndes will come to SU, and that South African students will also get to experience my country. There’s so much to learn from one another.”

The partnership between SU and UniAndes represents a growing effort to strengthen academic links between SU and Latin America — fostering mutual understanding, shared research, and mobility between the Global South’s leading universities.

Growth, independence, and perspective

For Alejandro, studying abroad has been as much a personal journey as an academic one. “Back home, I’m never completely on my own — I’m always surrounded by family or friends. Here, I’ve learned to take care of myself, manage my finances, and plan my schedule. It’s been a huge lesson in independence, and I think that’s one of the most valuable parts of studying abroad.”

Representing Colombia in South Africa is a role he takes to heart. “I feel a big responsibility to represent my country and to change some of the misconceptions people might have about us,” he says. “Even small things, like correcting people when they say ColUmbia instead of ColOmbia, make a difference.” He smiles before quoting, “As Spiderman says, ‘with great power comes great responsibility.’ I know I have the power to shape people’s perceptions, and I take that seriously.”

Connecting two worlds

Through his studies, Alejandro has discovered unexpected similarities between Colombia and South Africa. “Both countries are culturally rich and diverse, but they also share challenges like inequality and social division,” he reflects. “That connection helps me relate to the South African context and also offer a new perspective to other international students — especially those from Europe who may be experiencing these realities for the first time.”

As he continues his semester at Stellenbosch University, Alejandro’s journey stands as a story of courage, growth, and cross-cultural connection — a reminder that international education is not just about studying abroad, but about building bridges between worlds.