Warm welcome for international students

They did it Gangnam Style on the first day of orientation for international students at UCT - and all those present loved it.

Organised by the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO), the day saw students from across Africa and beyond given a warm, and at times, rousing welcome to the continent's leading university.

Performed by a group of orientation leaders, trained by IAPO, it was fitting indeed that the biggest international hit of 2012 should set the stage for proceedings.

Follow my lead: Semester Study Abroad students drumming it up on middle campus, part of their orientation this week.

Carol Ojwang, Manager: International Full Degree Students, told the gathering there were over 400 new international students at UCT this year, while at any given time the total number of international students exceeds 4 500.

"You have chosen a good institution, which has a lot to offer you, and I hope you take full advantage," she said to the assembled newcomers.

Ojwang pointed out that IAPO promoted internationalisation at UCT and served on a number of committees across campus in its quest to ensure the needs of international students were taken care of.

Keenan Hendrickse, Students' Representative Council (SRC) vice-president (external) told the students the SRC had five key focus areas: equal access, transformation and inclusivity; communications and dialogue; policy development; activism and advocacy; and service and support.

SRC sports and recreation co-ordinator, Darren Brookbanks, presented an entertaining video on the myriad sports available at UCT, and the morning's programme ended with an informative campus tour. Needless to say, students were not advised to go Gangnam on Jammie Steps.