To expand their global knowledge, a group of accounting graduate students, faculty and staff traveled to Austria and Germany for 11 days, gaining a global perspective on their future careers.
June 24, 2024
By TCU Neeley School of Business
Leading the way in business requires a cultural understanding and global outlook. One way to acquire those skills is through the TCU Neeley study abroad program. In January, a group of 37 students in the Master of Accounting (MAc) program experienced Austria and Germany.
When preparing for the 11-day study abroad trip, the students conducted pre-trip assignments. They researched and presented on topics of interest, and studied the sites and venues they would visit. The class discussion evaluated details of the country’s economy, culture and history, said Connie Lamirand MBA ’18, assistant director for the MAc program.
The accounting students began in Vienna, Austria, where they learned about the expansion of finance technology (FinTech) and trends in payment, as well as managing supply chain and logistics in central Europe. They weathered the international excitement of the FC Bayern Munich futbol game in freezing temperatures during the farmer’s strike, which affected travel all over the country.
They also participated in a tour of the Fortress Hohensalzburg castle in Salzburg, a cooking class where they made schnitzel, and a tour of a BMW factory in Munich.
“My favorite part about study abroad was getting to experience a new culture by hearing from accounting professionals who work outside of the United States and attending events such as cooking classes and sports games,” said Calvin Sykes ’23 (MAc ’24), who graduated from the program in May.
In addition to Lamirand, Neeley faculty who traveled with the students included George Drymiotes, Renee Olvera and Mark Wills. They supported the MAc students as they engaged with business leaders who introduced them to unique insights on agriculture, government and the impact of history on current experiences.
“The students met business professionals in cooperative workspaces not dissimilar to what we see in the U.S. We took in the Christmas Tree Farm turned event venue – a strategic move required for survival of a generational family business. We heard from experts in ESG and in beer, and the fascinating history behind both,” said Lamirand.
Carolyn Altshuler ’23 (MAc ’24) described this study abroad trip as an “unforgettable experience because it blended cultural exploration with professional growth as we talked with business leaders and gained valuable insights into accounting on a global platform.”
Lamirand said an added bonus is the connections the students build with their classmates. “To share the experience with fellow students who become such a permanent link in their Horned Frog network – well, that is just part of what makes the MAc at TCU special.”
