SOUTH AFRICA
Emory University
EMBA
Program overview
9
Days
7
Academic Engagements
53
Students on program
Emory University EMBA students traveled to South Africa to visit various types of international businesses, including a nonprofit and an incubation hub. In addition to business visits, the EMBA students got to experience the full breadth of what South Africa has to offer at the Apartheid Museum, a wildlife reserve, and much more. The program began with cultural immersion at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, where students learned about the country’s struggles and what is being done to work toward a better future. They also visited downtown Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela’s home, and the town of Soweto.
“These experiences rooted us in the country’s history and prepared the students for understanding the business challenges and opportunities within the region.”
Jaclyn Conner, Associate Dean EMBA at Goizueta Business School
During their time in Soweto, once the heart of the Freedom Struggle, students had the incredible opportunity to visit Chez Alina. This local restaurant helps support the community and its workers. The owner, Alina, welcomed the group into her restaurant and home for some good food, music, and even dancing, providing an opportunity to see how culture and business are intertwined.
Among the trip’s most powerful visits was to the nonprofit Kliptown Youth Program. The program provides opportunities for young people to learn, play, and rise out of poverty. “Learning about the business model for supporting youth in Soweto truly inspired the students to do more, give more, and contribute more in their businesses, while being mindful of corporate social responsibilities,” said Jaclyn Conner, the Associate Dean EMBA at Goizueta Business School.
Students expanded their business perspectives further at the Riversands Incubation Hub. The hub provides business advisory services, masterclasses, and growth programming for small businesses across South Africa. Juliet Mattheus, Head of Ecosystem, gave students an inside look at the business model, operations, and strategy.
As the program drew to an end, the group took an all-day trip to Pilanesberg National Park outside of Johannesburg. Following an open-air drive to see wildlife in their natural habitat, students heard from Andrew Jackson, manager of the Black Rhino Reserve Wildlife Trust. The trust helps conserve the national park, regulate rhino poaching, and raise awareness about the endangered black rhino.
In reflecting upon the trip as a whole, Jaclyn said: “The global business trip to Johannesburg truly transformed the lives of our students. I’m confident that they walked away from the experience as better business leaders.”
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