Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of the International Office at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, delivered key insights into the role of intercultural competence when supporting international scholars and students. Emphasizing that university staff act as ambassadors for South Africa, Dr Jooste warned that any negative attitude has no place in higher education or the global arena. She urged institutions to treat international visitors with warmth, hospitality, and diplomatic care, pointing out that an institution’s reputation directly impacts its survival and success during crises such as global conflicts or emergency evacuations.
Using interactive exercises like the UNESCO Story Circles to build empathy and break down cultural barriers, Dr Jooste challenged delegates to carefully manage their public messaging. “Our reputation precedes us,” Jooste noted, advising universities to selectively highlight key institutional strengths to build visibility at global conferences and webinars.
The workshop also tackled risk management, student safety, and operational due diligence. Delegates discussed practical mechanisms for handling high-risk activities, such as requiring visiting researchers to sign safety acknowledgments prior to undertaking potentially dangerous field research.
The workshop concluded with a unified call for institutions to take proactive ownership of their global agendas, empower their staff through continuous learning, and build sustainable, ethical networks that elevate South African higher education on the world stage.