Students take the Euro trail of financial markets

Thirty-five Accounting and Finance students have returned from an experience of a lifetime, after undertaking the International Studies Program, visiting international financial organisations in Europe.

The Program gives students a practical understanding and appreciation of global financial markets.

The students were accompanied by Associate Professor Carolyn Windsor and Roger Love from the Department of Accounting and Finance, as they travelled to financial institutions in Rome, Zurich, Brussels, Paris and London. These included visits to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation, Banca di Roma (part of the Capitalia Banking Group - one of Europe's largest banks), UBS Bank, European Commission, OECD, Alstom, National Australia Bank, European Operations and London Metals Exchange.

According to Lecturer and Coordinator Roger Love, "The benefits of visiting the leading international capital markets including, European banks, European based MNCs and influential European institutions were particularly pertinent in light of recent financial market turmoil. At UBS, Zurich students had the opportunity to discuss the US$13.7 billion write down in securities affected by the sub-prime mortgages crisis emanating in the US."

The group was also able to discuss the financial ramifications of EU's emissions policy to reduce European emissions by 20% by 2020 with an officer directly involved in the drafting of the policy in response to global climate change.

The International Study program is scheduled annually; more information is available at
http://www.buseco.monash.edu.au/aaf/study/isp/