Thinking about studying at the University of La Verne but still have questions about the international experience? Watch our conversation with student Boipelo Mabe.
1) How did you hear about IBS Americas?
I heard about IBS America through the Wits Business School MBA programme.
2) What motivated you to take a course abroad?
As part of the MBA curriculum at Wits Business School, students are encouraged to participate in a Global Study Tour that typically includes cultural immersion, and company visits in selected countries. I chose the IBS Americas course to complement this experience — it offered the added benefit of earning an international certificate while engaging with students from around the world in a classroom setting. It felt like the best of both worlds: academic enrichment and global exposure.
3) What is your academic background and what were your expectations regarding the international program?
I hold an undergraduate degree in Politics and International Relations, an Honours degree in Development Studies, and a Master of Business Administration. Along the way, I’ve also completed several short courses in entrepreneurship and business strategy. All of my studies have been based in South Africa, so I was eager to broaden my academic and cultural exposure through an international experience.
It has always been a personal ambition of mine to study abroad and gain a global perspective but without having to completely uproot my life. The IBS Americas program was the ideal opportunity in terms of both duration and depth. I was especially looking forward to learning alongside students from various countries, which added an enriching layer of global collaboration and exchange.
4) How did you choose the course and the university? What were the decisive factors in your choice?
As a marketing professional and brand strategist, I’ve always been intentional about sharpening my strategic thinking to complement my creative expertise. I’m passionate about solving complex business problems and building brands that create real impact, so I sought out a programme that would stretch my capabilities and expose me to global best practices.
The MBA Advanced Topics in Business Strategy programme at the University of La Verne stood out immediately. It was one of the specialised international courses offered through IBS Americas and admission was merit-based, which made it even more appealing. The curriculum, covering topics like environmental analysis, strategic implementation, and execution and control methods, aligned perfectly with my goal of deepening my strategic muscle in a practical and globally relevant way.
It was also important to me to gain insight into how business strategy is approached internationally. And on a personal level, I’ve always wanted to experience the USA, especially Los Angeles, a city that represents creativity, ambition, and possibility. As a dreamer and a doer, it felt like the right place to be.
5) What were the main challenges you faced being in another country, with a different language and colleagues from various nationalities?
To be honest, I didn’t face many challenges adjusting to life in Los Angeles. I often joked with friends and family that it felt a lot like Johannesburg — just with different road signs and American accents! The environment was surprisingly familiar, which made settling in quite easy.
What stood out, however, were the perceptions I had before arriving. Like many people, I had ideas shaped by movies and pop culture, but being on the ground was eye-opening. It was powerful to witness the real, lived experiences of both locals and immigrants — the hustle, the diversity, the contrast between dreams and reality. That insight gave me a deeper appreciation of the city’s complexity and resilience, far beyond the Hollywood version of LA.
6) How do you evaluate the quality of education, infrastructure, and resources offered by the university?
The quality of education and overall experience at the University of La Verne was excellent. The campus environment was warm and welcoming, with top-notch facilities that supported both learning and collaboration.
What truly stood out for me was the calibre of the lecturers. We had the privilege of being taught by Dr. Neville Marzwell – the former Manager for Advanced Concepts and Technology Innovation at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. With over 38 years of experience in defense and aerospace systems, his wealth of knowledge and global perspective brought our business strategy lessons to life in a way that was both insightful and inspiring.
7) What were the main learnings and skills you developed throughout the course?
One of the biggest takeaways was the ability to think on my feet and make quick, yet calculated decisions — a vital skill for any leader operating in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. The course really challenged my strategic thinking and pushed me to approach problems from multiple angles.
Beyond the classroom, the experience deepened my understanding of diversity and inclusion. Engaging with people from different cultures and backgrounds taught me how to show up authentically, while also embracing difference, both in perspective and lived experience.
8) What places did you have the opportunity to visit during your free time?
I made the most of my time in LA and got to tick off several bucket list experiences and even added a few unexpected gems along the way.
One of the highlights was a scenic boat cruise on the Port of LA, absolutely stunning. I also had an unforgettable day at Universal Studios; I felt like a kid again! I visited the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, took a picture at the Hollywood sign, and explored the magical Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
A stop at Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills gave me a taste of fabulosity, definitely planning to return on a bigger budget next time, haha! I also soaked up the sun at Santa Monica Beach and indulged in some local treats.
Beyond LA, I took a two-hour bus ride to San Diego for a day trip and ended one evening on a high with a vibrant Brazilian samba night out, it was such a fun and memorable experience.
9) How were your experiences in lectures and company visits?
Both the lectures and company visits were incredibly insightful and inspiring. We had the opportunity to visit global giants like IKEA — one of the world’s largest furniture retailers, known for its innovative, sustainable, and affordable design approach — and Simon Property Group, the owners of Ontario Mills, one of California’s top shopping and tourist destinations. These visits offered valuable insights into large-scale operations, customer experience, and retail innovation.
In the classroom, we were fortunate to learn from Dr. Neville Marzwell, a former NASA scientist with decades of experience in aerospace and innovation. His teaching style, combined with his extraordinary background, made each lecture engaging and deeply enriching.
10) Were you able to expand your networking during the course? Could you share a bit about that experience?
Absolutely! The course created a great environment for meaningful connections. I got to meet and bond with fellow South Africans from different provinces, many of whom I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise.
Beyond that, I formed genuine friendships with students from Brazil as well as others from South Korea and Nigeria (we still keep in touch on Instagram!). It truly felt like a place where the world comes together, a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and experiences. The global exposure was just as valuable as the academic learning.
11) How will this international experience impact your career?
This experience has expanded my perspective both professionally and personally. It gave me valuable international exposure and a clearer understanding of how markets and businesses operate beyond my home country and region.
It also offered a glimpse into what it could look and feel like to work in a different country, something that now feels far more attainable. Most importantly, it’s stretched my view of what’s possible for my career and has inspired me to think more boldly about my future opportunities on a global scale.
12) What advice would you give to students and professionals who wish to take a course abroad with IBS Americas?
Don’t think twice, just go for it! Studying abroad with IBS Americas was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s more than just earning a certificate; it’s about gaining global exposure, building meaningful relationships, and collecting memories that will stay with you for life.
You’ll grow in ways you didn’t expect — both personally and professionally — and walk away with a broader perspective that will help shape a brighter, bolder future.
