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Vetter Dean’s Fellows Global Immersion Elective: South Africa 2026

The 2026 program is worth 2 credit hours (MBA 870-003).

Program highlights may include:

  • 3 days in Cape Town
  • Cape Peninsula tour (Chapman’s Peak, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, Simons Town, and penguins at Boulders Beach)
  • Table Mountain
  • Township tour
  • 2 days in Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch)
  • wine tastings and business discussions
  • 2 days at Kariega Game Reserve for safari (stay includes all meals, game drives, guided walks, coffee, tea, and more)
  • Research and conservation meetings are planned during our stay at Kariega

Learning objectives include:

  • cultivate key personal capacities, including openness, respectfulness, resilience, and flexibility;
  • strengthen essential leadership competencies such as collaboration, adaptability, and empathy;
  • analyze contemporary business challenges in South Africa and evaluate how local firms and multinational corporations are addressing them.
  • compare and contrast social norms, and business behaviors in South Africa with those in the United States and apply this understanding to cross-cultural business contexts;
  • recognize and articulate the cultural and societal distinctions in South Africa, and how these influence business practices.

When: Tentative dates: March 3 – 10, 2026

Students are required to attend the following classes in-person. Please take note of these dates. If you participate in Exchange or DBI, you must be back in time to attend the below.

  • Nov (TBC) kick-off meeting (introducing visa requirements, travel questions, etc)
  • Feb 5, 5-7pm
  • Feb 12, 5-7pm
  • Feb 19, 5-7pm
  • March 26 (return meeting), 5-7pm

Cost: This experience is heavily funded by the Vetter’s. While most costs are included and covered, you are still responsible for some expenses. Included: twin/shared room, most meals during program, scheduled activities, ground transportation. See below for what is included in terms of flight.

Flight: You will receive a flight stipend to book your own airfare. The amount of this stipend is $1,500. Please do not book any flights until you receive specific information about the program. We encourage everyone to purchase changeable, refundable airfare. We also encourage CFAR insurance (Cancel For Any Reason).

Accommodations: Accommodations are included at the following hotels and lodges.

Cape Town Waterfront: Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel

Stellenbosch: Oude Werf Hotel

Kariega Private Game Reserve (Main Lodge)

What would NOT be included?
As mentioned above, you will be expected to cover some costs on your own:

  • Any costs related to your flight above the provided stipend
  • Loss of personal property
  • Souvenirs or personal spending
  • Other incidentals (laundry, international phone plan, internet, etc.)
  • Optional activities or extensions
  • Any visa fees on arrival
  • Any medical vaccinations

How to register: This is an opt-in program. You will receive a commitment form. If you would like to participate, you must complete the form by mid October. Access the form here (coming soon). You will be registered by the MBA Registrar for MBA 870-005, mod 3, in mid November.

Questions? Email Kaitlyn Murphy, Associate Director, MBA Global Programs: kmurphy@unc.edu

A note on visas: Visas and Entry Documents for MBA Global Programs

 

Faculty Lead: Jesse Davis, bio
Associate Professor of Finance and Associate Dean of the Full-Time MBA Program