UKZN Student Immerses Herself in French Culture

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Miss Solam Nande Gcobo spent four months at the Université de Tours in France as part of the Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarship.

The 22-year-old is completing her BA Honours in International Relations (majoring in French) at UKZN. While the medium of instruction for her main course was English, her background in French allowed her to tackle her French classes with aplomb. ‘I picked up the lingo without any hassles as I was already majoring in French at UKZN,’ she said.

Gcobo’s fondest memory of her time abroad is meeting new people and cultures. ‘I was fortunate enough to be part of and experience the amazing culture,’ she said.

Her plans for the future include getting more qualifications under her belt, becoming an expert in international relations and starting a company that includes a stable of private political analysts.

Born in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, Gcobo said her close family ties contributed to her academic success and drive. ‘I was raised in a very warm home with my mom, grandmother, and siblings. Growing up, I loved staying indoors and marking some homework activities for my mother, Miss Nosithembele Colleen Gcobo, a primary school teacher.’

She had these words of advice for fellow UKZN students: ‘Life is all about change and evolving as a person. Your comfort zone can only take you that far. Don’t be afraid to change and evolve.’

Gcobo is preparing for her next trip to France as part of her honours programme. One thing’s for sure, she is going places!

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Photograph: Supplied