Accounting students study in the City of Lights

December 2, 2025

Enhancing problem-solving skills

As seen in the fall 2025 Ivy magazine.

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that allows students to expand their global perspectives, immerse themselves in new cultures, and grow personally and academically. By stepping outside their comfort zones, students gain valuable life skills such as independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Study abroad programs offer unique opportunities to build international networks, learn new languages, and support long-term career development.

Chris Moon and Brad Trinkle, associate teaching professors of accounting, created a study abroad program at the beginning of the fall 2023 semester. The program offers two classes: Corporate Taxation and Generative AI in Business Decisions. While this study abroad trip is aimed at master of accounting students and upper-level accounting students, it is open to anyone who would like to take either or both of those classes.

“Studying abroad in France really shifted how I think about learning.”

— Nathan Donlon, senior, accounting

“Our program combines academics with several activities and business visits. It’s important for students to broaden their perspectives,” Moon said. “Traveling abroad allows students to step into a life and culture that is unlike their own. It enhances their problem-solving skills and teaches students to learn how to adapt to unfamiliar environments.”

These are essential life skills you cannot learn in a classroom.

“Students were constantly presented with new situations that required them to think on their feet,” Moon said. “Whether it was navigating a transit system or waiting longer than expected for a meal, they learned how to adjust and appreciate different ways of life.”

Through these challenges, students gained meaningful insight.

“While long wait times in restaurants could be frustrating, students quickly realized how the French appreciate and value personal time and move at a much slower pace,” Moon said. “They are not just visiting Paris but living there fully immersed in the culture.”

Another common challenge was the language barrier.

“Thank goodness for Google Translate, which saved us all from time to time,” Moon joked. “I like to tell people to get comfortable being uncomfortable. In the United States, their day-to-day life is mostly comfortable. Being in a different country pushes you to be resourceful and open-minded. These experiences build resilience and the ability to adapt — qualities that will serve students well into their future careers.”

Nathan Donlon

Hometown: Cottage Grove, Minnesota

“Studying abroad in France really shifted how I think about learning. Being in a different culture pushed me to think more critically and independently. The French culture really values open discussion and debate, which encouraged me to speak up more and feel confident challenging ideas. Living and studying in France pushed me way outside my comfort zone, and I became more independent, confident, and adaptable because of it. It also sparked a bigger interest in global perspectives, and that’s now something I think about in both my studies and future career plans. Since I traveled with my professors and classmates from Ivy, the classroom experience itself felt pretty similar to what I’m used to, but being in a new environment added something special. We were able to connect what we were learning in class with the history, culture, and places we were experiencing, which made everything feel more real and meaningful. It was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve ever had.

The most meaningful part of the experience was definitely the connections I made. Sharing meals, exploring new cities, and talking about everything from childhood memories to everyday life brought us really close. I walked away from the trip with some lifelong friends, and those relationships are what I’ll remember most.”
Kendall Kenis

Hometown: Albert Lea, Minnesota

“Studying abroad in France didn’t just expose me to a new culture; it helped me grow as a person. It gave me the confidence to be independent, stay curious, form new friendships, and step way outside my comfort zone. I loved how much I gained from simply being open, engaged, and my willingness to ask questions. Studying in Paris gave me the chance to meet professionals and hear firsthand about how accounting and finance work in the global marketplace. We had hands-on experiences and conversations that offered different perspectives. Those real-world insights stuck with me and will absolutely shape how I approach my future courses. One of the most impactful places for me was the Louvre museum. Being there surrounded by so much history and beauty made everything we were learning feel authentic. It reminded me of why I wanted to study abroad in the first place – to go beyond the classroom and actually experience the world! It was one of those moments that made me appreciate how much there is to learn outside of school.

From my fellow Ivy students, professors, to the professionals we met in the offices and the locals who welcomed us, everyone added something special to the experience. They made the trip not just educational, but personal and unforgettable!”