The study abroad tour will include extensive industry and academic oriented visits in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. The program will provide an opportunity for participants to interact with business faculty at various leading South African institutions (University of Cape Town, University of Western Cape, Stellenbosch University, University of the Witwatersrand), financial and business leaders, labor leaders, and medium and small scale South African entrepreneurs. In addition, there will be numerous site visits to a diversity of business enterprises from large shipping ports, mines, and modern factories to wine producers and microenterprises in urban townships. Special attention will be given to the post-apartheid commitment to Black Empowerment and to South Africa's growing economic involvement and influence throughout Africa.

The conference will focus on the theme entitled "From the Silk Road to Global Networks."