My Initial Impression of the EMP (European Microfinance Programme)
One month has passed since the onset of this one year programme in Brussels.
Over all, I'm pleased. The classes are held in the evenings (6pm - 9pm). This is to accomodate the overwhelming majority of students who work. (I am an exception.) Primarily, the classes are lecture-style. All are conducted in English, eventhough the language outside of class is predominantly French. Class size ranges from 20 to 35 people on any given evening. Attendance has been decidedly mixed.
Currently, Monday is "Rural Development" led by Marijke D'Haese from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. I have little to say on this course at this juncture. (We have had only two lectures.) Dr. D'Haese's presentation relies heavily on class discussion and class presentation of research papers. It appears to me that the papers don't always relate directly to "Rural Development," but it is an engaging style.
"Microfinance from Conception to Management" is Professor Marc Labie's course on Tuesday evenings. In a word, excellent! Mr. Labie is an engaging speaker, supports his presentation with interesting anecdotal evidence, and encourages class participation. 3 hours -- a long time to spend in a classroom -- whizzes by in a flash.
Dr. Ariane Chapelle is responsible for "Monetary Policy & Regulatory Framework" on Wednesday evenings. This is the most technical of the courses. Students without an economics background are, might I say, challenged by some of the concepts. I find the subject matter most stimulating. Currency risk is a fascinating topic. Doubtlessly, Dr. Chapelle is a master in this domain.
For those that are interested, you can read more about the professor's backgrounds here.
Over all, I'm pleased. The classes are held in the evenings (6pm - 9pm). This is to accomodate the overwhelming majority of students who work. (I am an exception.) Primarily, the classes are lecture-style. All are conducted in English, eventhough the language outside of class is predominantly French. Class size ranges from 20 to 35 people on any given evening. Attendance has been decidedly mixed.
Currently, Monday is "Rural Development" led by Marijke D'Haese from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. I have little to say on this course at this juncture. (We have had only two lectures.) Dr. D'Haese's presentation relies heavily on class discussion and class presentation of research papers. It appears to me that the papers don't always relate directly to "Rural Development," but it is an engaging style.
"Microfinance from Conception to Management" is Professor Marc Labie's course on Tuesday evenings. In a word, excellent! Mr. Labie is an engaging speaker, supports his presentation with interesting anecdotal evidence, and encourages class participation. 3 hours -- a long time to spend in a classroom -- whizzes by in a flash.
Dr. Ariane Chapelle is responsible for "Monetary Policy & Regulatory Framework" on Wednesday evenings. This is the most technical of the courses. Students without an economics background are, might I say, challenged by some of the concepts. I find the subject matter most stimulating. Currency risk is a fascinating topic. Doubtlessly, Dr. Chapelle is a master in this domain.
For those that are interested, you can read more about the professor's backgrounds here.
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