Over the summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Emerging Markets Course in South Africa, along with seven other IPED students and an Economics graduate student. The intensive three-week course took place on the beautiful campus of the University of Pretoria in Hatfield, South Africa. During this time, we focused on the BRICS economies as we studied and analyzed relevant topics such as macroeconomic performance, foreign exchange rates, and emerging stock markets.
One of the best parts of the program was how hands-on it was. After learning about a topic in our lectures, we immediately got to put our research and analytical skills into practice through group work. After analyzing the specific economic flows of a country, we presented our findings to the class and compared our work with the other groups focusing on a different BRICS country. These discussions gave us all a deeper understanding of how these emerging economies operate.
What really made this course stand out were the incredible site visits organized after class. We had the unique opportunity to meet and hear from some of South Africa’s influential government officials and business leaders. Among these were the South African Reserve Bank, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, BRICS, the Standard Bank, the Public Investment Corporation, and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa. Each visit gave us insights into the respective views on the country’s significant challenges, how these should be addressed, and the unique growth opportunities. The Q&A sessions at the end of each visit were some of the most engaging moments, with all of us eager to ask questions and hear diverse perspectives on the country’s biggest issues.
Beyond the academic side, we also had many opportunities to explore South Africa’s rich culture and complex history. One of our most impactful experiences was visiting the Apartheid Museum, which gave us a glimpse into the country’s painful past and progress. We also spent time in Soweto Township, where we visited the Kliptown Youth Program, a wonderful organization making a real difference in its community. These experiences helped us connect what we were learning about South Africa’s economy with the lived experiences of its people, giving us a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities the country faces.
Of course, it wasn’t all work, as we made the most of our weekends! We flew out to Cape Town for a quick getaway. Although our weather conditions were rather “extreme,” we saw penguins, enjoyed the excellent company of alumni, and sipped on delicious South African wine. We also celebrated the 16th anniversary of the program with a gala where alumni from previous years came back to share stories. At the same time, awards were handed out, highlighting the strong sense of community this program has built over the years. We even had a “boot camp” to bond, unwind, and relax our minds after long days of learning. My personal favorite was the safari at Kruger Park. Seeing the Big 5 up close – leopards excluded – was an experience I’ll never forget. And, if that wasn’t enough, I got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk side by side with 3 cheetahs!
The Emerging Markets Course was an unforgettable experience, blending academic rigor and real-world application. Beyond the classroom, we had the chance to connect with local leaders, explore South Africa’s rich culture, and bond with fellow students from diverse backgrounds. This program is perfect for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of global markets while experiencing a new country firsthand. It is challenging, eye-opening, and unforgettable!
