The BRICS Summer School 2023, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, spanned September 4 to 6 and was attended by ICEF’s master’s student Andrey Ilyin, who majors in Financial Economics and is a recipient of the RF Presidential Scholarship. Organised by the University of Johannesburg in collaboration with the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA), the Summer School provides a deeper understanding of the BRICS countries and their agenda, promoting also cultural awareness. In this interview Andrey shares his impressions of the Summer School, who he met there, and what struck him most about Africa.