Speak the Global Language of Business.
In a world of converging standards, public policy and ever-changing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities, a global perspective is no longer optional for the modern CPA. The University of San Diego MACC Study Abroad Program options immerse you in the worlds of international accounting, public policy or ESG reporting. Students gain a first-hand understanding of how transparency and ethics drive the global economy, preparing them to lead in an accounting firm.
Where in The World are our Students?
The study abroad MACC programs have multiple different courses available that have been held in different locations such as Costa Rica, Washington DC and Italy, Greece and Switzerland.
Previous courses that have been included are:
International Accounting
The international accounting course offers students an immersive opportunity to study key accounting concepts — including transfer pricing, international taxation, currency translation, and global financial reporting — directly within a European business context. Beyond the classroom, students visit accounting firms and international businesses throughout Europe, gaining firsthand insight into cross-border challenges and the practical application of course topics. These site visits, paired with exposure to European cultural norms and business practices, help students develop a broader global perspective and a more nuanced understanding of how accounting and culture intersect in the international marketplace.
Environmental Social Governance (ESG)
The ESG accounting course focuses on both mandatory and voluntary reporting frameworks, sustainability metrics, and emerging global standards. Students examine how organizations measure, disclose, and manage their environmental, social, and governance impacts, gaining practical insight into how ESG information influences decision-making, risk assessment, and long-term value creation. The experiential component of the program takes students to Costa Rica, where they visit accounting firms and international businesses to see ESG principles in action. Immersed in Costa Rica’s strong environmental ethos, students gain a richer global perspective on how ESG accounting operates across borders and how it can drive meaningful organizational change.
Public Policy
The public policy course allows students to deepen their understanding of how accounting rules are developed, enforced, and influenced by broader policy objectives, while examining topics such as regulatory oversight, audit quality, financial reporting standards, and the policymaking process. The experiential component takes students to Washington, D.C., where they visit agencies and organizations central to the accounting profession, including the SEC, PCAOB, FBI, IRS, CAQ, and major accounting firm offices. Alongside these academic experiences, students engage with the cultural and historical landscape of Washington, further enriching their understanding of how governance, policy, and accounting intersect in practice.
“Seeing students connect classroom theory to real-world practice during our visits to European firms is truly inspiring. This course offers a front-row seat to the realities of global business, where international accounting concepts come to life through different cultures, ideas, and practices. I love watching students discover how dynamic and meaningful this learning experience can be—it’s a transformation that simply can’t happen in a traditional classroom.”