Faculty Advisor: Professor, Department of Economics, Tulane

Research Practicum Introduction

Foreign aid in developing countries is a controversial economic and political topic. For some nations, aid has brought significant growth and reductions in poverty; in others, aid has brought insignificant growth and magnified existing inequalities.

This program will introduce students to the arguments in favor and against foreign aid as a tool to increase development. Through close analysis and discussion of case studies, articles, and documents, students will learn the ins and outs of foreign aid and its impact on development. We will explore how the policies of countries and institutions at the heart of global financial power are challenged and ultimately shaped by the complex experiences and needs of the developing world.

By the end of the program, each student will complete a paper that analyzes a real-life example of foreign aid that has proven to be successful in achieving its objectives.

Project Topics

• What are the justifications for foreign aid?

• What are the targets of foreign aid?

• The arguments for and against foreign aid

• What developed nations gain by administering aid to developing countries

• The principal challenges of foreign aid in the future

Program Detail

• Cohort Size: 3-5 students

• Workload: Around 4-5 hours per week (including class time and homework time)

• Target Students: 9-12th grade students interested in Economics, Finance, Political Science, and International Relations.