Students in Samford University’s Brock School of Business' Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) program recently returned from an immersive study abroad experience in London, where they explored the global insurance industry while gaining firsthand insight into British culture, business and government.
Led by Rusty Yerkes, chair of the Department of Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis and the Thomas J. Adams Sr./AutoTec Professor of Risk Management and Insurance, the International Insurance Markets course transformed one of the world's leading financial centers into a living classroom.
The group was based at Samford's Daniel House in South Kensington, the university-owned study center that serves as a hub for international programs. After arriving in London, students began the experience with a walking tour of Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and the South Kensington neighborhood, followed by a team-building event that helped students connect before diving into the academic portion of the trip.
"Our course is unique because London is our classroom," Yerkes said. "While finance and insurance are the focus, the broader goal is for students to learn about the UK's business environment, government, history, culture and people. Those experiences help create a deeper understanding of the global marketplace."
One of the program's highlights was a visit to the UK Parliament, where students met with Baroness Elizabeth Berridge of the House of Lords and gained firsthand insight into the country's governmental system. Discussions on religious freedom and current political issues provided a unique perspective on how public policy influences business and society around the world.
The experience also connected students with Samford alumni living abroad during a networking event in London, creating opportunities to build professional relationships while learning from graduates working internationally.
Throughout the course, students met with professionals from leading organizations across London's insurance market, including Bowring Marsh, LocktonRe and Price Forbes. They explored topics ranging from commercial insurance and reinsurance to the evolving risks facing businesses today. A visit to Lloyd's of London offered students a closer look at one of the world's most influential insurance marketplaces.
"London remains one of the most important centers of the global insurance industry," Yerkes said. "The concentration of carriers, brokers, syndicates and other market participants gives students unparalleled exposure to the people and organizations shaping insurance markets around the world."
Students explored related areas of finance through visits with PGIM, the asset management arm of Prudential, and GrowthLending, where Samford alumnus Keith Kirkland '88 hosted a discussion on private debt lending and differences between United Kingdom lending structures and those in the United States. A working lunch with Sas Conradie of Tearfund broadened students' understanding of how organizations address global challenges and economic development.
The course offered opportunities to examine industries beyond insurance. At Chelsea Football Club, students gained a behind-the-scenes look at the business operations of one of the world's most recognized sports organizations, including a stadium tour and discussion of the commercial side of professional football.
Throughout the program, students balanced academic learning with cultural experiences that deepened their understanding of life in the United Kingdom. Students attended a West End performance of The Devil Wears Prada, visited Oxford for punting and a university tour, explored the coastal communities of Brighton, Eastbourne and Beachy Head and spent time in Richmond, home to the popular television series Ted Lasso. The group also visited the Warner Bros. Studio TourLondon to experience the making of the Harry Potter films.
Several students used free weekends to travel independently throughout Europe, visiting destinations such as Scotland, Belgium and the Netherlands.
By combining classroom concepts with direct access to industry leaders and international experiences, the program reinforced the value of global learning for future risk management and insurance professionals.
"The students' eyes were opened not only to fascinating insurance markets but also to the history, architecture, government and culture that make the United Kingdom unique," Yerkes said. "These experiences help students develop the perspective and adaptability they will need as future business leaders."
Since its founding, the Risk Management and Insurance program at Brock School of Business has excelled, equipping students with the technical knowledge, global perspective and real-world experience needed to lead in a rapidly evolving industry. Visit Samford Global to explore Samford’s distinguished academic programs abroad.
