Each semester, the SU Language Centre partners with the International Office’s Global Education Programme to offer three flagship language courses to visiting international students.
During the first semester of 2025, around 30 international students attended language courses at the Language Centre. They learnt the basics of Afrikaans or isiXhosa — and gained more than just language skills. They’re heading home with new perspectives, meaningful connections and a deeper appreciation of local culture.
A joyful Afrikaans journey
From February to May 2025, the Beginner Afrikaans Level 1 course was once again in full swing. Running over the semester with four hours of class per week, the course gave students a solid start in the language. But according to lecturer Vernita Beukes, it’s the students’ feedback that really tells the story. Here’s what some of them had to say:
- “I always tried my hardest when it came to this class because of how you taught it. You made me want to learn and be engaged in everything the class had to offer. I would 100% recommend this class to others. I have learned a lot from this class and not just language.”
- “It has been an absolute pleasure taking your class. You are a wonderful professor and my personal favourite thus far. Thank you for teaching so passionately. You will be missed.”
- “I definitely made progress from when I started the course in February. Really appreciated the lecturer’s industrious positive nature and ability to help students learn the language when they felt uncomfortable not knowing all the answers. Good experience overall!”
An experience of Afrikaans tailored to Dutch-speaking students
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Afrikaans language and culture course for Dutch-speaking students – a milestone worth celebrating!
Although the first semester saw a much smaller group due to fewer international students visiting SU, neither lecturer Helga Sykstus nor her students let that dampen the experience. In fact, the smaller group created space for more focused discussions, meaningful interactions, and a more personal experience of Afrikaans language and culture.
Here’s what some of the students had to say:
- “Thank you so much for all the fun and valuable lessons you gave us! I’m really glad I got to take this course, and especially that you decided to go ahead with it even though there were only five sign-ups. Everything that you, the guest speakers, the films, and the excursions showed us and let us experience made my time here in Stellenbosch extra special. I’m taking all those experiences and stories back to the Netherlands with me. Thank you for all the effort you put into the lessons and for the delicious, typically South African snacks — and as the cherry on top, the braai at your home was truly the perfect ending! I hope you continue doing this for a long time and that many more people get to enjoy your classes.”
- “I want to thank you, Helga, for all the insights you gave us about the Afrikaans language, culture and identity. Moreover, in this course you not only showed how the Afrikaans language and culture came into being and developed into what it is today, but you also included the broader context of South Africa as a whole. You taught us that the complexity of this country is immense, but that this is exactly what makes South Africa so special. Thank you for all the interesting lessons and excursions!”
Discovering isiXhosa language and culture
During the first semester, students in the isiXhosa Language and Culture course were introduced not only to basic communication skills, but also to the spirit of isiXhosa culture – through language, music, customs, and meaningful conversation. The smaller class created a comfortable space where students could ask questions, practise speaking, and explore everyday expressions used in the Western Cape. The course gave them practical tools to connect with isiXhosa-speaking communities and to better understand South Africa’s cultural landscape.
Here’s what a few students had to say:
- “The isiXhosa language course was very helpful to me as it gave me an understanding of the language basics and cultural aspects that are prevalent in the Western Cape. I learned to communicate in crucial situations, say basic phrases, and ask questions.”
- “I really enjoyed the class atmosphere. Learning isiXhosa was a highlight of my stay in South Africa!”
- “This course gave me confidence to greet and talk to locals. I appreciated the kind and patient way the class was taught – it made learning a new language fun.”
Our three semester courses will again be offered from July to October 2025. If you are interested to register or would like more information, please contact the course coordinators:
- Beginner Afrikaans Level 1: vernita@sun.ac.za
- Afrikaanse taal- en kultuurkursus vir Nederlandsprekendes: hbuys@sun.ac.za
- isiXhosa language and culture: bdlutu@sun.ac.za
– by Helga Sykstus, Vernita Beukes & Bongiwe Dlutu
This post is also available in: English
