Crossing Borders: An Autoethnographic Journey from Umlazi to Washington, D.C. through Participation in a University’s International Exchange Programme

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-521-8_28How to use a DOI?

Keywords

autoethnography; crossing geographic and cultural borders; higher institutions; internationalisation; partnerships

Abstract

This autoethnographic account explores my participation in the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) programme through Mangosuthu University of Technology’s (MUT) International Partnership Programme. It reflects on the academic, cultural, and personal experiences that shaped my understanding of internationalisation, global citizenship, and intercultural dialogue within the context of higher education. Through the lens of autoethnography, I critically examine the process of crossing geographic and cultural borders, and how these encounters fostered intellectual growth, challenged my assumptions, and expanded my worldview. The narrative draws from my personal journals, reflective writings, and documented experiences across the U.S., offering insights into the value of cross-cultural academic exchange. The SUSI programme served as both a platform for learning and a space for dialogue, where themes such as democracy, civic engagement, leadership, and inclusion were explored through lectures, community service, and experiential learning. My experience illuminated the power of such programmes to bridge cultural divides, build lasting academic networks, and promote mutual understanding. This paper argues that international partnerships and exchange programmes are essential in preparing scholars and professionals to engage meaningfully with global challenges. They enhance institutional capacity, broaden academic perspectives, and cultivate adaptable, culturally aware graduates. By situating my personal narrative within broader socio-political and educational contexts, this study contributes to discussions on the impact of internationalisation in higher education, particularly for institutions and individuals from the Global South. Ultimately, it affirms the transformative potential of international engagement in shaping inclusive, globally competent mindsets.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Zolile Celiwe Sinenhlanhla Xulu
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/12/29
TI  - Crossing Borders: An Autoethnographic Journey from Umlazi to Washington, D.C. through Participation in a University’s International Exchange Programme
BT  - Proceedings of The Focus Conference (TFC 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 486
EP  - 517
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-521-8_28
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-521-8_28
ID  - Xulu2025
ER  -