Casbeth Ngobeni during his stay in the US while visiting the University of Seattle. Images: SuppliedA University of the Western Cape (UWC) student was selected as one of only four young South Africans to participate in a transformative programme: the Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI). SUSI is an intensive six-week academic programme for foreign students, designed to foster global understanding of American society, culture, and values. Participants engaged in seminars, lectures and study tours among others in a programme funded by the US Department of State.
Nineteen-year-old Casbeth Ngobeni joined peers from the University of the Free State and Sefako Makgatho University of Health Sciences in an intensive academic residency at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Ngobeni, who calls Soweto home, is in his final year of a Bachelor of Administration degree. He described the experience as highly competitive and extremely demanding, but academically enriching and personally inspiring.
He said: “I would highly recommend the SUSI programme to other students. It offers not only academic field experience, but also leadership training and networking opportunities with American professionals. These benefits are essential for both personal development and career growth and connects you with peers from Angola, Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It provided me with insights into different standards of living and diverse cultures.
“To me, SUSI is an eye-opening experience that broadens perspectives and equips students with skills for future leadership.
“I first learned about exchange programmes at a Department of Higher Education and Training workshop. When I discovered SUSI on the US Embassy in South Africa website, I knew I had to apply. Being accepted was humbling and inspiring.”
He said life in Seattle was structured yet dynamic. “Days began with student-led meetings, followed by workshops and classes with Professor Ryan Burt. Afternoons were spent preparing presentations based on your country of origin, attending site visits, or volunteering in community projects.”
Ngobeni said adjusting to jet lag was a challenge at first, but the rhythm of learning and discovery soon took over. “One of the most impactful experiences was volunteering at Food Lifeline, where I helped package pasta for food banks,” he said.
“It showed me how collective effort can fight hunger. Mobilising people toward a shared goal empowers communities to improve their own lives.” The cultural immersion was equally eye-opening. From site visits to simple acts of kindness such as Americans baking biscuits to show appreciation, he saw how interconnected communities are in the US
“Volunteerism is deeply embedded in their society and there is a lesson to learn from it,” said Ngobeni.
The programme also sparked critical reflections on social issues. “Learning about food insecurity in the US showed me surprising parallels with South Africa. Even professionals struggle to afford food. It made me think about how laws differ by state and how citizens adapt to those differences,” he said.
Equally enriching was the exchange with fellow South African participants. “Two were law students, one a nursing student. Their breadth of knowledge beyond their fields impressed me and it made me realise how capable and insightful university students truly are.”
