Why Study Abroad?

As societies across the world grow even more interconnected, having the skills to adapt and work across cultures is essential. Studying abroad will help you gain those necessary skills and help you to become a globally-adept citizen.  Many students view their study abroad as a truly life-changing experience affecting them for years after.

See the world and develop a new worldview

Studying and living in a different culture will help you see the world from a different perspective. Gain an appreciation of global diversity and return with an understanding of the world viewed through a wider lens. This change in worldview can also have an effect on your home and host communities by giving you the opportunity to share experiences and points of view while gaining a global network of support.

Experience personal growth and explore your heritage 

Study abroad in a location where your family has roots!  Learn about your heritage and explore your own identity. Our identities are changing and study abroad can challenge your perceptions of their narrative, history and self. Students report that studying abroad changed their view of not only the world around them, but themselves as well. They grew more independent and self-reliant through challenging themselves to get out of their comfort zone.

Improve your marketability for employment and grad school

In our globalized world, international experiences are becoming essential qualifications for careers in many sectors as well as admission to graduate school. Study abroad creates globally-minded students and employees. Employers value applicants who have have studied abroad and can succeed in today's diverse workplaces.   

Skills acquired during study abroad are essential for management and leadership careers, according to a 2020 NAFSA report.  Global skills, communication, problem solving, are "necessary in many industries and occupations" and college graduates are commonly missing "global skills...for success in the global economy."  

Also, a new report by IIE details how highly international experience is valued in the workplace.

• More than 70% of study abroad alumni said their overseas experience significantly developed their intercultural skills, flexibility and adaptability, self-awareness, curiosity, confidence, communication and problem-solving skills.
• 95% of study abroad alumni found employment or were enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduating.
• 80% of employers actively sought graduates who had studied abroad.
• 72% of employers agreed that knowing a second language adds to the appeal of a candidate.