During LSU’s spring break in April 2017, 21 Master of Accountancy students attended the fourth annual study abroad excursion to Nicaragua. The trip was led by Assistant Department Chair and Senior Instructor Laura Wiley as part of a course focusing on developing economies. The excursion is facilitated in Nicaragua by Go Abroad Nicaragua, a company that customizes educational experiences for universities. Students study Nicaragua’s history, geography, economy, and current business climate in preparation for the trip. During the nine-day stay in Nicaragua, the students visited the cities of Managua, Granada, and Matagalpa. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the U.S. Embassy in Managua. The U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua, Laura F. Dogu, spoke to the group on the embassy’s role in economic development, educational programs, and services to both U.S. and Nicaraguan citizens. “The visit to the embassy was fantastic,” said Wiley. “Ambassador Dogu explained how our embassies do much more than provide services to U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Embassies engage with the host communities and help with economic development, especially in countries that have developing economies.” Another highlight was seeing the active Masaya volcano, located outside of Managua in Nicaragua’s largest national park. Nicaragua is a “land of volcanoes,” much different from the geography of Louisiana. Visiting the park during the evening made it easier for the group to see the lava flowing through the Masaya caldera. Students met with a board member of the American Chamber of Commerce and heard a presentation on tourism from a professor at the American College in Managua. Agriculture is a key industry for Nicaragua, so the group visited Macer Café to learn about coffee bean growth and production. The group also visited La Fabrica, a co-sharing business space, to hear about innovation and entrepreneurship. During their free time, the students had an opportunity to visit the Pacific Ocean, swim in Lake Nicaragua, zip line at the base of Mombacho volcano, and stroll through the historical city of Granada, admiring its Spanish colonial architecture and history.

This was what our students had to say…

“I am so happy that the LSU MAcc program gives students the opportunity to participate in a study abroad experience like the Nicaragua trip. Not only were we able to network with some of the local businesses, but we were also given a chance to visit the U.S. Embassy and speak with the ambassador herself. Some of the highlights of the trip include swimming in Laguna de Apoyo, ziplining through the treetops of the Mombacho Volcano, seeing molten lava flowing at the active Masaya volcano, and going on a boat tour of Lake Nicaragua.” — Libby Bourgeois

 “The trip to Nicaragua provided a multitude of opportunities, which included being able to gain a perspective of the country’s inner-workings, experience its culture, and network with citizens from all different backgrounds as well. A short-term program, such as the trip to Nicaragua, is perfect for someone who is looking to study abroad but isn’t looking for an extended trip!” — Alex Drury