Are There Career Benefits by Studying Abroad?

Study abroad programs provide unmatched experiences on a personal and professional level. Not only does traveling abroad benefit one’s own life, but it also develops a deeper understanding of unique cultures, languages, perspectives, and ways of life. These experiences help you develop traits like resourcefulness, adaptability, resilience, and empathy which can give you an edge in any job market.

Career Benefits of Studying Abroad

During a study abroad program, students are introduced to different cultural and spiritual traditions, which opens up the possibility for them to navigate their own personal belief systems from a new perspective. Multicultural experiences broaden your understanding and perspective, and experience with diverse cultures can improve a person’s ability to work with colleagues, clients, and partners from different backgrounds. These experiences can foster greater inclusivity and an ability to work in diverse teams and help develop soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and empathy.

Traveling to the unfamiliar helps students develop a global mindset on social, environmental, cultural, and political issues which is valuable in today’s interconnected world. It allows them to understand international markets, cultures, and business practices better. Global citizens are often more engaged in their local community, have an open mind, are empathetic, and enjoy ongoing education. In the workplace that can translate to offering insight and being open to new ideas and solutions. For those studying in a country where a different language is spoken, they can gain or improve language proficiency, which can be a valuable asset in many careers.

When you travel abroad as a student, it might be your first time leaving home which forces an individual to be able to handle situations without their traditional support system. Overcoming challenges and adapting to a new environment can boost confidence, which can be beneficial in interviews and other professional settings. Navigating the challenges that come with living and studying in a different country can improve adaptability and problem-solving abilities, increase one’s ability to deal with stress and conflict, and foster independence and self-reliance, traits that employers often appreciate.

How to Include Studying Abroad on Your Resume

Including your study abroad experience on your resume can make you stand out to potential employers, showcasing a variety of skills and qualities. Always tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, and include your study abroad in a way that differentiates you from other candidates. Demonstrate your confidence and adaptability, cultural awareness, including language skills, highlight your problem-solving and decision-making skills and your new-found independence and self-reliance. Speak to your global perspective, teamwork in diverse settings, and any specialized knowledge or skills you acquired during your time abroad. 

Incorporating your study abroad experience on your resume requires presenting it in a way that effectively communicates its relevance to potential employers. The most common resume format is the reverse-chronological work history which begins with your current job and ends with your first. There’s also the functional format that can be organized by skills and experiences relevant to the job you’re applying to rather than your work history; you can also use a combination of the two.

Here are a few different ways to include your study abroad experience on your resume:

Education Section: If you’re a recent graduate or still in school, your ‘Education’ section will be towards the top of your resume. Here, you can list your study abroad institution just like you would your home institution. Include the name of the program, its city and country, and the dates you attended. Also mention any specific courses or areas of focus, especially if they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for.

• Experience Section: If you had internships, part-time jobs, or any other work-related experiences while studying abroad, list them under your ‘Experience’ section. Mention your role, the organization’s name, city, country, and the dates you worked.
• Skills Section: If you acquired or improved a language skill for example during your time abroad, list it under your ‘Skills’ section. Mention any other skills you enhanced, like cross-cultural communication or adaptability.
• Summary or Objective Section: If your study abroad experience was particularly influential or aligns closely with your career goals, you might mention it in your resume’s summary or objective. This is especially useful if the job you’re applying for values international experience.

While the study abroad experience itself can be valuable, it’s essential to effectively communicate how this experience makes you a valuable candidate for the position. Tailor your resume content based on the job and the industry, and highlight the skills and experiences that would be most relevant to a potential employer.

Discover one of our educational programs located in communities throughout the world, including Taiwan, Nepal, Colorado, Bolivia, Senegal, and beyond. If you’d like to learn more, please give us a call at 800.982.9203 or contact us.