Studying abroad is a dream come true for a CPUT student who enjoys ploughing back into the community. Two years ago first-year Business and Information Administration student Charlton Brandt listened to a presentation about the department’s international student exchange programme by his lecturer Mandie Richards and set a goal for himself to qualify for it.
His dedication and determination paid off as Charlton, now in his third year, is currently in Brussels, Belgium, where he is an international exchange student at Odisee University.
“I am excited and a bit nervous at the same time because I’m not sure how my stay there will pan out, but I anticipate a lot of good things,” he said before leaving our shores.
“I didn’t think the trip would materialise due to the student protests of recent years.”
He arrived at Odisee on 25 September and will stay until 20 December 2018.
He hopes that the experience will enhance his communication skills and knowledge: “It will open more opportunities for my career development and will improve how I approach my studies.”
While Charlton had been to Hong Kong and the Philippines in 2014 where he did humanitarian work as part of the NGO, Youth with a Mission, this is the first time he has travelled to Europe. “I want to interact with different cultures and lifestyles. I can’t wait for the opportunities awaiting me there.”
Besides being a tutor at CPUT he has always been involved in youth outreach and community development programmes in Mitchell’s Plain where he stays. Most of his outreach work has been done through the NGO but Charlton also uplifts the community as a result of his role as a Youth Pastor of the local Westridge Assemblies of God. Consequently, Charlton was the department’s PAY IT FORWARD champion in 2016 for volunteering selflessly.
After applying to be part of the programme in May, Charlton was selected after a round of rigorous panel interviews: “When I heard the good news I was a bit emotional and overwhelmed. As the HoD made the announcement, the goal I set two years ago was about to be realised.”
CPUT AMBASSADOR: Mandie Richards, a senior lecturer in the Business and Information Administration Department, says third-year student Charlton Brandt, who is an exchange student at Odisee University, exudes the spirit of community development.
Richards said that while Charlton sets his own personal goals he does not forget about others in his community. She said he is the embodiment of the philosophy which says do not just take from opportunities but also bring something to the fore.
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