Four young adults from Brazil were awarded the opportunity to participate in a two-week study abroad program with the University of Cape Town’s English Language Centre.
The Student Hub program, initiated by IE Intercâmbio and developed in partnership with Gerando Falcões, a non-profit entity focusing on education for underprivileged communities, selected the most committed students to undertake the ‘General English and Language Excursion’ program.
“This is a unique opportunity for students and a chance for us to contribute to form future leaders capable of changing the reality of the community where they live,” said César Sá, business partner at IE Intercâmbio and one of the founders of Student Hub.
Johannes Kraus, business development consultant, UCT English Language Centre, said the institution was “delighted to welcome the IE Intercâmbio students through such a rewarding program”.
According to Sá, this cohort of students is the first of many groups to be sponsored by the program which is funded by donations.
Cape Town was chosen as the location for the first edition of the program since Brazilians are not required to apply for a visa.
The students were also able to practice their English language skills on excursions such as a visit to the Nelson Mandela exhibition and an African music workshop. Such activities combined with the university’s environment made for an “unforgettable experience” for the students, according to Sá.
Gustavo, a student who participated in the program said that “it was a fantastic experience that included much more than only learning English”.
Meanwhile, another participating student, Rayza, who travelled on a plane for the first time to attend, said that “it was amazing to get to know the South African culture and study with different people,”
“Everything was wonderful” Rayza added.
