?Published in May to commemorate Workers' Day, our annual #dayinthelife series spotlights our staff at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU). This year, we highlight professional administrative support services staff who make a tangible difference in students' lives.
Based at SU International, Angelo McKerry opens doors to life-changing opportunities and helps shape the next generation of globally competent graduates. McKerry, who is the coordinator of Outgoing Student Mobility, tells us more about his role at the 肆客足球.
What does your role at SU entail?
My main responsibility is to support students in accessing valuable international exchange experiences. I manage the entire mobility process, from promoting available opportunities and handling applications and selections, to maintaining communication with students and our global partner institutions.
A central part of my role is helping students choose exchange destinations that match their academic goals, personal interests and future aspirations. I collaborate closely with academic departments and faculties to ensure that each exchange is academically relevant and credit-bearing. I also work regularly with international offices at partner universities to foster strong institutional ties and ensure smooth nomination and admission processes.
However, my support doesn't stop once our students leave South Africa. I remain available for any assistance throughout their exchange.
What does a typical day at work look like?
No two days are the same in my office. A typical day might begin with answering emails, attending meetings, and having one-on-one consultations and in-person presentations at faculties with students who are considering an exchange. These conversations are often the first step in transforming a student's interest into a concrete, achievable plan.
Throughout the day, I also review and process applications, liaise with partner universities to coordinate student placements, and update programme information and mobility guidelines to reflect new partnerships and other, relevant changes. Additionally, I collaborate with colleagues across the 肆客足球 to align mobility processes with broader institutional goals for internationalisation.
Planning and delivering pre-departure orientations and information sessions is another core aspect of my work, as well as facilitating re-entry sessions for returning students. The latter sessions give them a space to reflect on their experiences, share feedback, and explore how to leverage their international exposure in future academic or professional opportunities.
Each day is a blend of student-facing engagement, strategic coordination and continuous improvement – all driven by the goal of enabling meaningful global experiences for SU students.
How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job?
I have worked in higher education since 2013, and my academic background in psychology and education has provided a foundation for my role in student mobility. Psychology has deepened my understanding of student development, motivation, and the emotional challenges that can accompany studying abroad, such as culture shock, homesickness and identity shifts. This insight allows me to provide empathetic, student-centred support that goes beyond the logistical aspects of exchange.
My studies equipped me with skills in advising, curriculum understanding and inclusive learning, which are essential when guiding students through academic planning and credit recognition in an international context. It also helped me understand how different education systems operate, and how to bridge gaps for students transitioning between them.
What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU?
One of the most rewarding facets of my role is to be part of a student's transformative journey. It's a privilege to witness their growth from the early stages of nervous excitement and uncertainty to the confident, globally minded individuals they become upon returning. It is incredibly fulfilling to support students to take that leap out of their comfort zones, navigate unfamiliar environments, and immerse themselves in different cultures. You can see the shift in their perspectives about the world, but particularly also about themselves, and it's an honour to play even a small role in that personal and academic evolution.
What makes it even more meaningful is that this work doesn't happen in isolation. SU has a strong and sincere commitment to internationalisation as part of its broader vision for inclusive and transformative education. Being part of that mission, alongside passionate and collaborative colleagues who share a genuine belief in the value of global engagement, creates a deeply motivating and supportive work environment. Together, we're not just coordinating logistics; we're opening doors to life-changing opportunities and helping to shape the next generation of globally competent, socially conscious graduates.
Tell us something about yourself that few people would expect.
I grew up in the small town of Matatiele and attended King Edward High School. One line from my school testimonial has stayed with me over the years: “Angelo has always been a quiet and unassuming learner." At the time, I didn't realise how much that sentence would come to reflect my journey – one of quietly growing, learning and evolving into someone who finds deep joy in exploring the world and connecting with people from all walks of life.
I come from a close-knit family, where values such as connection, humility and curiosity were part of daily life. Those early lessons – listening deeply, staying grounded, and being open to new experiences – continue to shape how I engage with the world, both personally and professionally.
As I grew older, that quiet curiosity blossomed into a love for travel and cultural exchange. I was drawn to spaces where people meet across divides, where stories are shared, and where learning extends far beyond the classroom. That is what led me to international education, not just as a career, but as a calling.
I speak English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa, and each of these languages has allowed me to connect meaningfully with people from diverse backgrounds. After nearly 16 years in Cape Town, this vibrant, layered city has become home. Its energy, complexity and ability to hold both beauty and struggle have shaped me in ways I'm still discovering.
PHOTO & VIDEO: Ubaid Abrahams
?
