Helpful Hints

Many Accounting majors are afraid to step outside of the School of Accountancy and experience what there is to offer abroad in other countries. Some feel that they will fall behind certain concepts and not be able to catch up once returning from studying abroad. This shouldn’t be the case at all! Students need to understand that learning about the different cultures around the world is an opportunity that many don’t have. Don’t worry about how you will perform once you return; you’ve gotten this far, there’s no way you would allow yourself to fail now.

When you do decide to make the choice to study abroad, I have accumulated a few suggestions to help you along the way:

• Most importantly, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! You might say that you plan to study abroad, but actually work towards making it happen.
• Student Visas. I learned by mistake that you should begin to obtain your visa(s) four months in advance. Certain countries require that you obtain a visa if you’re planning to be in the country for more than 90 days. Most visas require notarizations and certifications relating to items such as your criminal record, immunizations, proof that you are not HIV +, amongst others.
• Recruiting. I was hesitant about studying abroad because I will miss the regular recruiting season for the accounting firms. What I didn’t realize is that a person is much more valuable to the firm after having studied abroad in another country. Let the firms that you are interested in know months before your departure and you’ll be surprised that maybe they’ll recruit you early.
• Financial aid is definitely available for people to study abroad. The experiences you will have abroad are well worth the money.
• Choosing a program. Students don’t necessarily have to go through a program through SDSU. Although more expensive, there are independent programs such as ISA (International Studies Abroad) that offer amazing experiences.
• Make sure to get your immunizations so that you don’t get sick.
• If you’re already planning to study abroad, don’t pack much because you can buy almost everything you need in the other country.
• Don’t worry too much about the units taken at the other country’s institution transferring. Try to get approval for the equivalent at SDSU. Some times the grade won’t transfer, but the units will. Even if the units won’t transfer, you can still use them to count toward the 150 hour requirement for your CPA license.
• Feel free to ask Heather Edney or myself about any other questions you may have.

Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity, don’t miss out!