Thirteen students and one faculty member in the Shields School of Business traveled to Grand Cayman over fall break.
Randy Frye, Dean Emeritus of the SSOB, organized the trip and led the group on its journey. This was the first time that a Saint Francis group has visited the island for an educational expedition.
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands. It has a population of about 90,000.
The other two islands – Little Cayman and Cayman Brac – have a combined population of about 2,000.
The students had several opportunities to interact with island residents and learn about Grand Cayman’s history. They toured George Town, the island’s capital.
The group also visited the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI). The SFU students attended a finance class and collaborated with UCCI students on an assignment.
Maddie Lieb, a junior Marketing and Management double-major, enjoyed making new connections on the trip.
“The faculty and students were very nice, and they really made the visit a memorable experience,” she said.
Sadie Davison, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Business Administration, was surprised by the islands’ financial influence.
“I gained a better understanding of finance and the importance of it in the Cayman Islands,” she said.
The group also visited the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) and KPMG to learn about banking on the islands. KPMG is a global organization of independent, professional services companies that provide audit, tax and advisory services.
Lieb gained insight into the Cayman Islands’ role in global finance.
“I learned a lot about offshore financing and the impact the islands have on the rest of the world,” she said.
The students also visited the Cayman Turtle Centre. This conservation facility aims to protect different turtle populations by raising turtles and releasing them into their natural habitats.
“I didn’t realize that they were that protective over the wildlife,” Davison said.
The students appreciated the opportunity to explore a new place and meet new people.
“I would definitely go on this trip again in the future,” Lieb said.
