UCT's International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) and the US Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) welcomed about 30 visiting students (above) from North American institutions at their collaboration launch event on 29 January.

As part of this collaboration initiative, the Chicago-based IES Abroad organization, which enrolls more than 5 000 students annually, will open its first centre on the continent at the university, with UCT's Naomi Claassen as centre director.

Visiting students will register for two courses at UCT and two IES Abroad courses.

Students were treated to a traditional South African braai at the event, and introduced to the committee of Rochester House, where the students will be accommodated.

As part of an integration initiative, the residence will work with the international students by assisting them to integrate into the local community.

Delivering the welcome address at the event, deputy vice-chancellor Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo said that the vibrancy of visiting students made them some of the university's best ambassadors.

"We take the vision of UCT as an international institution very seriously," he said. "We hope we learn from you as much as you learn from us.