Students in the Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) program in Samford University’s Brock School of Business recently returned from an unforgettable study abroad course, International Insurance Markets, in London and Paris.
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 course gave students direct access to global industry leaders and immersive, on-the-ground learning in one of the world’s largest financial capitals.
The group stayed at Samford’s Daniel House in South Kensington, a university-owned residence dedicated to its international programs. Since acquiring the property in 1983, the Daniel House has been a central hub for immersive global education, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. Students began their experience by exploring the neighborhood and visiting nearby Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, gaining a glimpse of the area’s cultural richness.
Throughout their time in London, students met with professionals at Marsh McLennan, PGIM, Growth Lending, LocktonRe and Cool Co. Ltd. They explored topics ranging from casualty claims and structured insurance products to private equity, commercial lending and financial risk hedging. A visit to Lloyd’s of London, one of the world’s most iconic insurance institutions, offered a closer look at how the global market manages large and complex risk.
“London is a unique global nerve center for insurance markets, in large part due to Lloyd’s of London,” Yerkes said. “Lloyd’s is a marketplace where insurance is placed in a syndicated fashion, providing a home for large and unusual risk exposures that cannot otherwise find a home in standard markets or with a single carrier. All major global carriers and brokers– retail, wholesale, primary and reinsurance – have a presence here, creating a dense ecosystem of top-tier professionals."
Throughout the week, students engaged in a mix of cultural and professional experiences. They toured Chelsea FC’s stadium and press facilities for a behind-the-scenes look at the business of football, attended a Samford alumni networking event in Chelsea and took a day trip to Cambridge for visits to historic colleges and museums, along with "punting," a classic boat ride along the River Cam.
Mallory Sorrell, a senior marketing major, said the experience changed how she views her future career. “From learning about international insurance firsthand to connecting with professionals across the industry, this program gave me a new perspective,” Sorrell said. “It allowed me to step into the shoes of someone working in this space and experience the field outside of a classroom. I’m so thankful for the work Dr. Yerkes and Brock School of Business put into making our time in London meaningful and impactful.”
To conclude the program, the group traveled to Paris, where students met with executives at SCOR, AxaXL and Allianz, three of the world’s largest insurance and reinsurance firms. Discussions focused on topics like retrocession strategies, global risk trends and commercial insurance product lines. The trip concluded with a visit to the Palace of Versailles and time to explore some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks.
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. Rusty Yerkes will lead this program abroad again in 2026.To explore Samford’s distinguished academic programs abroad, visit Samford Global for more details.
Give: Risk Management and Insurance Excellence Fund
