What is the International Accounting Study Abroad?

One of the main benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity of working closely with BYU professors. As a result of small class sizes and student/professor interaction, you will get to know your professors well. Furthermore, each course features learning experiences designed to actively involve you with the people, history, arts, attitudes, and traditions of your host country.

An important part of your study abroad educational experience will include site visits with people, boards, and companies directly involved with international accounting. Additionally, we will visit many cultural sites including theaters, monuments, cathedrals, and castles. Your experience will be enhanced by studying about the places before and discussing them after your visits.

The timing of this study abroad program coincides with 2012 Spring Term. The program is designed so that coursework can be completed by the time you begin your internships in June. However, you have until the last day of Spring Term to complete all of the course requirements.

This program is designed specifically for accounting students who have finished their first year in the MAcc; however, interested students who will have finished the Jr. Core accounting curriculum by the program start date may also apply. As part of the curriculum, students will complete a certificate program in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This certificate program will give you a solid foundation in IFRS. The experience you will gain through the coursework and the actual time abroad is part of the School of Accountancy's (SOA) mission of preparing students for global careers.

France, Belgium, and England

Paris, France, Brussels, Belgium, and London, England and will be your campus for two great weeks during May 2012. Students will spend the first three weeks of Spring Term at BYU focusing on completing coursework for BUS M 430 (International Business) and ACC 545 (International Accounting). We will travel first to Paris and experience the culture and sights of this dynamic international city. From Paris we will take the train to Brussels, Belgium where the European Union has its headquarters and where we will learn about the IFRS adoption process in the European Union and challenges facing global businesses. Our final and longest stop will be in London where we will meet with the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), accounting firms, and other experts in IFRS and the global convergence process. In addition to business trips, we plan to visit historical sites and the vibrant London theater district.

Academic Program Details

• Students will meet with and be able to discuss international accounting practices with executives from leading companies and international accounting bodies in London.
• Students will learn about the challenges of transitioning to IFRS in the European Union through visits with accounting professionals in Brussels, Belgium.
• Students will learn about the standard setting process from those that work on standards.
• Students will attend an IASB meeting listening to members discuss and debate standards.
• Students will be able to see, experience, and understand the subtle differences in international accounting standards.
• Finally, students will experience cultural and historical sites in London, Brussels, and Paris, some of the most dynamic and influential cities in the world.

Course Requirements

• Participants in the International Accounting Study abroad program will earn six course credit hours through enrollment in two of the following courses:
  • ACC 545: International Accounting (3 credit hours)
  • BUS M 430: Introduction to International Business (3 credit hours)
• This program also fulfills course and foreign experience requirements for the Global Management Certificate offered by the Marriott School.
• Students will study at BYU from 26 April–11 May
• Business and cultural activities will be held daily during the trip.
• Because of the demanding travel schedule, excellent physical health is required. The group will walk—and if late for the train (tube) run—approximately 7 miles a day.

Preparation for Study Abroad

• All students who are accepted into the program are expected to register for a one credit, pre-departure preparation class during the second block of Winter semester 2012.
• Part-time BYU student and non-BYU student will need to pay an additional tuition fee of approximately $250

Where do Students Live?

Students will stay in hotels or hostels. All housing and travel will be arranged by BYU International Study Programs.

What Funding Sources are Available?

• Regular BYU tuition scholarships, Pell grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to Business Study Abroad Programs.
• Students who submit the financial aid section of the International Study Programs (ISP) application and who have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid Office, will be considered for a study abroad scholarship awarded through the Kennedy Center.
• School of Accountancy scholarships for $1,000
• Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may assist: kennedy.byu.edu/student/scholarships.php .

Application Process

• Complete the online application at gmc.byu.edu/ studyabroad
• Application deadline is 30 November 2011.
• Applicants will be interviewed by the faculty directors once the application is complete.
• Only students who are accounting majors may apply.
• International Studies Program reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or to make any adjustments to the preliminary cost estimates due to conditions beyond its control.

How Much Does This Study Abroad Cost?

Students need to pay the $25 ISP application fee. After acceptance into the program, students will be expected to the estimated $3,300-$3,500 program fee. BYU requires each student leaving campus to get HTH Worldwide health insurance, however this fee is included in the program fee. Tuition, travel after arriving in Europe, group tours, accommodations, medical insurance, and approximately one-third of all meals are included in the program fee.

Students will be responsible for their airfare to and from London, the remaining meals, and any other educational and personal expenses incurred during the program.

Choose your adventure.