Controlling Stereotype and Prejudice on internationalisation at a Rural-based University

Prejudice such as chauvinism, bigotry, tribalism, stereotype and illusion are deterring elements of social exclusions at the University of Venda. These are key conduits that deter mutual appreciation, intercultural competencies, social cohesion and unity in diversity amongst the students. The understanding is seeing as a social vehicle for influencing mutual appreciation and internationalization especially amongst students at the higher learning institutions. This study examined the perception of students about ‘Buddy programme’ and its potentials towards the control of prejudices and the ascertainment of intercultural competences. A mixed design was used in which data was collected from 200 participants using close-ended and open-ended questionnaires. Atlas-ti version 8 through network analyses. It was revealed that because Buddy Programme is an event that attracts students of diverse cultural background and qualification at the institution, it is the most appropriate educator. It was suggested that the programme should be organised on monthly bases instead of semesters. It should be expanded to incorporate all the students. Sociocultural activities of all the countries represented at the University should be showcased and key organizers of every event should cut across countries and diverse cultural groups for maximum variation. Against this premise, it is proposed that a framework should be designed for the anti-prejudice activities through ‘Buddy Programme.’