During my week in Cape Town, South Africa, I had the chance to experience a part of the world that was so different from anything I had imagined. As a business student, I always thought about how business works in other countries but seeing it firsthand in South Africa opened my eyes in a whole new way. I learned about the challenges local businesses face, like power outages and high unemployment, and it made me realize how important it is for companies to find creative ways to make a difference. It made me want to focus my career on helping businesses overcome obstacles like these, especially in emerging markets.

Personally, my time abroad was an eye-opening experience. One of the highlights was hiking up Lion’s Head Mountain. The hike was tough, but when we reached the top and watched the sunset, it was all worth it. Seeing the city and ocean from up high made me appreciate the beauty of the place, and it really made me reflect on how much there is to explore in the world. The whole program made me feel like I could take on new challenges with more confidence, and it helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.

One thing I definitely didn’t expect was how modern and forward-looking Cape Town is. Before I went, I thought South Africa would be a place mostly defined by its past, especially the history of apartheid. While that history is important, I was surprised to see how much Cape Town is thriving today. The city is filled with energy and growth, and businesses are finding innovative ways to move forward. It showed me that South Africa isn’t just about overcoming its challenges; it’s about building something new and exciting.

Name: Trent Mailloux
Status: Junior
Major: Finance
Hometown: Brighton, Michigan
Program: South Africa: Global Business in the Rainbow Nation