Education Required

I am not naive enough to believe that business in the developed world will easily translate to business in the developing world.

And no, reading all the Microfinance articles on in the Internet will not suffice.

I want to do this project right; and "right" means solid training in advance.

What are my options? I could immediately immerse myself in a research project. I could look for some volunteer opportunities, to gain experience in the field, or . . .

Better yet, I could get accepted by the European Microfinance School (EMP). The program is one year in duration, debuted last year, and looks most promising. Mr. Gabriel Merli, the Academic Coordinator, has convinced me that the EMP will provide me with a solid theoretical grounding in Microfinance. Moreover, part of the program is a mandatory field Internship. PERFECT!

I sent my application on 9 May 2006 for the session that commences in September, 2006 in Brussels. (The deadline to apply is 31 May 2006.) Mr. Merli advises that I will learn in June if my application has been successful.

In the meantime, I will cross my fingers and continue with my Spanish classes here in Costa Rica.