MIF students recently had an opportunity to see another side of international finance outside of the classroom. During their recent study trip to South Africa, they were introduced to the economic challenges and possibilities in this part of the world.

In January 2012, MIF students spent time in an emerging global market: the city of Cape Town, South Africa. One of the main features of the city was its diversity, something the students noticed throughout their stay. During the trip, students also attended lectures on South Africa in a global context and had a chance to speak to South African entrepreneurs. They learned first-hand the challenges facing new South African businesses, for example in the fields of publishing, tourism and transportation. MIF students then visited a number of financial institutions based in Cape Town, including the FNB bank and the insurance and holding company Hollard.
To gain a better understanding of the contrasts found in contemporary South Africa, the group also visited various townships and the Siyaphambili orphanage.

The study trip - part of the Master in International Finance curriculum - introduced MIF students to the economic and cultural system of South Africa. Students gained insight into starting a business in this part of the world and they were exposed to a different mindset than what they might have been used to in their own countries. The trip was an exciting and informative experience for students to observe a new, emerging financial market with their own eyes.