As technology continues to shrink the world and international markets become increasingly interconnected, studying abroad is now more important than ever. If you’re considering a study abroad graduate school program, here are eight ways it can benefit your education and career.
1. Improve your language skills.
By studying abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your language skills. Studying in a traditional language class or via apps are useful but have limited utility. Any polyglot will tell you immersion is the preferred method of learning a new language. Just as any other field of endeavor, there is no substitute for real world experience. It’s likely you’ll learn the language faster because you’re practicing it regularly. You’ll also be able to pick up conversational language you wouldn’t study in class, enabling you to speak like a local.
Developing your language skills can have a positive impact on your career, as well. Fluency in a second language is often helpful (if not required) when working at organizations with a multinational or global presence. If you’re interested in breaking into the world of international business for instance, having strong foreign language skills and experience that demonstrates those skills can help your resumé stand out to potential employers.
Many careers in international relations and diplomacy also rely heavily on foreign language skills. Although there are no specific language requirements to become a foreign service officer, proficiency and experience with a foreign language is a key component of a candidate’s competitiveness during the selection to become a diplomat, or secure a position with a global entity such as the World Health organization or the United Nations.
2. Experience a different style of teaching.
Each country has its own unique style of teaching. Studying abroad can help you expand your academic horizon and develop the capacity to adapt to various educational settings.
Adapting to different styles of teaching can also help you adjust to different management styles, making you more versatile in the workplace.
- Impress employers.
Studying abroad can help launch your career and make you more competitive in the workforce. It gives you the opportunity to show future and current employers that you have the open mind, resourcefulness, and drive needed to adapt to a different environment.
Many employers are looking for graduates who have international experience. Employers consider study abroad experience to be important, and hiring professionals look for transferable skills that are typically gained from the experience, such as flexibility to new challenges.
Jocelyn Laster, a corporate recruiter with over 20 years experience states “Students who study abroad offer more to the workplace than those who don’t, “They offer a fuller package than students who have been limited to classroom theory, students with study abroad backgrounds have had the opportunity to apply concepts in their studies to real jobs and experiences across various cultures.”
In addition, many companies miss out on international business opportunities due to lack of personnel with international experience. Studying abroad can be a powerful resumé booster that shows employers that you have the skills they need to achieve their business goals.
4. Enhance your network.
Studying abroad helps you build invaluable relationships with people from all over the world. You broaden your international connections while having the opportunity to meet people that could turn into life-long friends. Some connections can even lead to career opportunities, including internships, job offers, and business partners.
The university where you study will often have a large community of students from local regions and abroad, giving you the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. The wider your network, the greater the likelihood you’ll be connected to exciting career and social opportunities.
5. Learn about new cultures and perspectives.
Your experience with a different culture allows you to expand your worldview. By studying abroad, you’ll learn about new perspectives and develop cross-cultural awareness.
For example, you may work with people from other countries in your next job. By studying abroad, you’ll be more comfortable with people from different backgrounds, value their unique experiences, and establish a stronger relationship with them.
Oftentimes, our cultural background has a huge impact on how we react to different situations. Gaining a variety of perspectives can help you look at experiences in an entirely new way. By studying abroad, you’ll meet people with different upbringings, helping you widen your horizons and broaden your mind.
In addition, the best way to experience another culture is to immerse yourself in it, and the ideal way to do that is by living in another country.
6. See the world.
Studying abroad allows you to see the world and travel to places you would not have imagined.. During your time away from your studies, you can go sightseeing in your new city. You’ll learn the region more intimately than if you were just visiting for a shorter period of time.
When studying abroad, you can also visit neighboring regions and countries, as you’re not limited to one place. For example, if you’re studying in London, you can visit Paris or explore the Scottish countryside by train. With international budget airlines and travel deals, exploring the world is becoming increasingly more affordable.
Your newfound connections will expose you to areas that a tourist otherwise wouldn’t experience.
7. Discover career opportunities abroad.
Studying in a new country exposes you to increased career opportunities, depending on your field of study. If you’re interested in finance, for example, consider studying in a region such as London or New York—two cities well known for business. If you’re interested in tech, then look into Seattle or San Francisco..
Oftentimes, organizations hiring international employees want to see evidence that candidates can thrive in a global environment. Studying abroad, especially in an area where you are interested in working, gives you the chance to showcase key skills and relevant experience on your resumé, like cross-cultural communication and an understanding of international policy.
To find out more, please visit https://profemorgan.com/ and download the free ebook “5 Essential Steps to Study Abroad.”
