Global Immersion: South Africa’s Ongoing Transformation

South Africa has transformed itself into an economic and political power, with membership in the G20 and BRICS, and a dynamically evolving business ecosystem. This forward-looking course will consider the opportunities created by South Africa’s multiple identities, the implications of its particular history, its current challenges, and its positionality between advanced and emerging markets. Through lectures, guest speakers, projects, and site visits, students will develop an intimate understanding of South Africa’s commercial environment and extract insights on creating impact in a range of economic landscapes. The course will delve into crucial issues that include South Africa’s ongoing post-apartheid transition, the role of natural resources in South Africa’s past and future, developments in the country’s burgeoning new-economy sectors, prospects for innovation and entrepreneurship, and the possibilities created by ever-greater integration with the African continent. The class will travel to Johannesburg and Cape Town during March 9–16, 2024. The 2023–2024 Global Immersion Program fee is $1,950 and provides students with double-occupancy lodging, ground transportation, and some meals; it excludes roundtrip international airfare. Attendance and regular participation in New York and in country are crucial to the learning experience; hence, attendance is mandatory. Students who miss the first class may be removed from the course. No program fee refunds will be given after the add/drop period. Please visit the Chazen Institute website for details on the Global Immersion Program.