22/06/2023
The Master in Finance at IE University offers students the chance to travel to Ghana as part of their studies, to enrich their personal development and enhance their international experience. We spoke to two students to get their personal accounts of their trip to the African country.
At IE University, students can take their learning outside of the classroom and into the real world through hands-on practical projects. These extracurricular activities are as important to their professional and personal development as their program is, and one opportunity that Master in Finance students have is to visit Ghana, a growing financial hub.
In collaboration with local financial NGOs, the trip gives students the tools to help these NGOs flourish and succeed in different areas of the Ghanaian financial landscape. Master in Finance students are given the opportunity to put their learnings into practice while driving positive social impact.
Recently, Master in Finance students collaborated with Manna Projects, a microfinance NGO that focuses on offering microloans to female entrepreneurs in Ghana. Students played a key role in transforming Manna Projects’ business and financial frameworks, contributing to the ultimate goal of expanding their outreach and streamlining their processes.
We spoke to Master in Finance students Oliver Haller and Tobias Van Henten to hear about their experiences in the exciting African country. Tobias was first drawn to IE University thanks to its reputation and its location in Madrid.
The chance to visit Ghana as part of his program was an international experience unique to IE University that would really make his profile stand out.
Oliver highlighted that: “The benefits I gained from the trip were not limited to personal growth alone; they have also contributed significantly to my professional development. Exploring the diverse cultures and customs of Ghana has taught me valuable lessons that I plan to apply in my career, and has shaped my mindset on day-to-day life.”
Thanks to the impactful nature of the trip, Tobias shared that it was a totally different experience from being a tourist, and one he will never forget.
While the trip to Ghana formed part of their final project, Tobias didn’t only see it that way. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to help people and to visit a financial hub that he otherwise would not have had the chance to visit.
What’s more, the networking aspect of the trip should not be underestimated. Tobias noted the connections he made with other students on the trip: “I have made new friends and become closer with the people I was already friends with. Being together for eight days really bonds people.” Oliver shared a similar idea as the group is “thrown into a diverse and new environment and is experiencing it for the first time together.”
The trip’s cultural immersion was also an important part of the trip, allowing students to integrate with the local community.
Tobias shared that: “Personally, it was the first time that I visited another country to do some charity work, which was an amazing experience. I think that everyone that has the chance to participate in it should do so, because it really opens your eyes to how tough so many people have it in other parts of the world.”
The trip did also come with some challenges. Oliver pointed out that: “Some parts of the trip can be challenging, such as the long and bumpy car rides and hot days outdoors. However, if you can handle it, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. The benefits are plentiful: you’ll have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a new culture, observe a microfinance institution in a high-risk market, and witness some of Ghana’s breathtaking wildlife and scenery.”
Looking back on their time in Ghana, both Oliver and Tobias wholeheartedly recommend the experience. Tobias highlighted that it was “a great experience, an amazing trip, great fun, it looks good on your résumé, and it allows you to help those who need it.”
The Master in Finance trip to Ghana reflects both IE University’s and the program’s commitment to broadening students’ horizons. Learning opportunities are everywhere and this hands-on international experience will add value to every participant’s professional profile.
Unlike other institutions that focus heavily on theoretical coursework, IE University prioritizes interactive learning experiences that encourage students to think critically and collaboratively. So, if you’re someone who prefers to learn through lively classroom debates rather than hours of solitary reading, IE University is the ideal choice for you. —Oliver Haller, Master in Finance student
