By: Kendall Jones
Laura and Spencer graduated college ready to enter the work force. Within a month, Laura landed the job of her dreams. Six months later, Spencer is still looking for work. What gave Laura such an advantage? Laura spent a semester studying abroad before she graduated. 
According to the research-oriented University of California Merced, 97% of students who attended a study abroad were employed within a year of graduation compared to less than half who didn’t.[i] Why is this the case? Study abroad programs offer the unique opportunity to build workplace skills without taking time away from school.
As a college student, I relate to those who immediately question how something so expensive could be a good thing. Students often don’t consider study abroad programs because of the lofty price tag. However, most students can receive thousands of dollars to help pay off college expenses, including a study abroad. Figure 1 (right) may be surprising, but students seeking financial aid truly have endless resources available to them.[ii] As you can see, lots of scholarships are available, and Pell Grants are just sitting around waiting to be used.
As students put in the time to apply for aid, they will be able to look beyond the price tag of a study abroad. Taking advantage of financial aid will increase their personal investment. Learning the specific benefits of study abroad programs will prove their investment will pay off. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies are searching for candidates who show problem-solving skills, efficient communication, and previous work experience.[iii] These are hard to practice in a classroom. Study abroad programs provide a chance to work on each of these essential skills before graduation. As such, these programs turn students into top hires through (1) experiential learning, (2) team building, and (3) company networking.
Experiential Learning
Studying abroad provides hands-on work experience which generates better understanding of a student’s field of study. Experiential learning caters to the top two methods of learning: kinesthetic and visual.[iv] Through real-world application, students can better internalize the things they learn in a way that works best for them. International study melds research and field experience together to create the ideal learning situation for undergraduates.
Study abroad programs allow students to be participants in primary research which introduces them to their future career roles. The goal of research projects is to further study in a specific field and give students a chance to work with current problems. These projects help build a student’s problem-solving skills. Students can see the effects of their ideas from brainstorming to final data analysis. Their research will give future employees a feel for what being a part of a company is like.
Studying abroad includes either internships or workshops that put the theories taught in class to practice. This conveys to their future employer that they understand the role they are applying for through hands-on experience. Directors of international study and business, Samantha Brandauer and Susanne Hovmand, emphasized that business leaders value the experience gained while studying abroad.[v] Therefore, study abroad programs provide valuable work experience for a student’s resume while keeping the focus on their education.
Team Building
Study abroad programs further introduce students to the work environment by allowing them to work with a group. Students learn how to be a valuable team member through constant practice on a study abroad. As highlighted in Figure 2, the ability to work in a team is the second most desired trait employers look for in potential job candidates. Therefore, study abroad programs are providing students with the most valuable skills needed in the workplace. Traveling and learning as a group helps students build the communication and leadership skills needed to be a valuable team member.
Figure 2
Studying abroad provides countless situations where group decisions must be made, giving students opportunities to refine their communication skills. These situations can range from where to eat for lunch to what idea works best to solve a field problem. Communication is an essential part of working as a team member. As seen in Figure 2 (above), effective communication skills are ranked in the top five sought out qualities in employee candidates. Constantly practicing this skill will build up students’ ability to communicate their thoughts and listen to the people around them.
Improving the ability to communicate also builds the foundations of being a great leader. Study abroad programs often include opportunities to lead a team in making decisions. Having a leadership position allows students to practice their listening skills and build a positive relationship with their group. This will directly translate into the workplace. Team leadership skills will increase one’s chances of both getting the job and a promotion in the future.
Company Networking
Study abroad programs provide an excellent opportunity to expand a student’s network which increases their chance of getting their dream job. According to LinkedIn, the world’s largest networking website, 85% of job openings are filled by referrals from within the company.[vi] This tells us that the key to a successful job application is knowing current company employees. As Gale Port, internationally known entrepreneur and author, says, “Your network is your net worth.”[vii] Students are therefore made better hires as they get to know people. Studying abroad provides such an expanded network through international connections and student relations.
The international nature of study abroad programs provides students with the opportunity to build work connections. Groups often visit large corporations and meet business leaders in their field of study. Industry author and student counseling specialist Tamar Shulsinger noted that study abroad networking is a launchpad for future internships, job offers, and business ventures.[viii] The people they meet can become their reference on an application or their partner in a future business project. An international connection on their resume will greatly boost their chances of hiring success.
Study abroad programs also introduce students to future business leaders, enriching their network even further. The students that travel and study with them come from diverse backgrounds and career interests. They can learn from each other and build lasting friendships that can continue into the workplace. A recent study conducted by Kjersti Longva, a Department of International Business member, shows that such social networks provide the platform to become an established business leader. This is accomplished through gaining new ideas, resources, and support from your peers.[ix] A student’s study abroad group will therefore become one of their greatest resources as a newcomer in the workplace. The connections they make in the span of their study abroad have the potential to jumpstart their career.
Conclusion
Study abroad programs turn students into top hires through increased work experience, improved communication skills, and expanded network support. Each enhance the student’s understanding of and excitement for their future career. International study is a must for all college students hoping to step into the workplace right after graduation. Students will come home from their experience with a greater understanding of the field, the people around them, and the future they want for themselves. Taking the first step is easy. Set aside time this week to contact your academic advisor to find out what study abroad programs your school has to offer. Bon voyage!
Notes
[i] University of California Merced. n.d. Study Abroad. Accessed March 1, 2022. https://studyabroad.ucmerced.edu/study-abroad-statistics/statistics-study-abroad#resources.
[ii] Hanson, Melanie. 2021. How People Pay for College [2022]: Financing Statistics. October 20. Accessed March 1, 2022. https://educationdata.org/how-do-people-pay-for-college#:~:text=76.7%25%20of%20full%2Dtime%20undergraduates,receive%20one%20from%20their%20college.
[iii] NACE. 2020. Key Attributes Employers Want to See on Student’s Resumes. January 13. Accessed March 1, 2022. https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/candidate-selection/key-attributes-employers-want-to-see-on-students-resumes/.
[iv] Kharb, Poonam, Prajna Paramita Samanta, Manisha Jindal, and Vishram Singh. 2013. “The Learning Styles and the Preferred Teaching—Learning Strategies of First Year Medical Students.” Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research 1089–1092.
[v] Brandauer, Samantha Charlotte, and Susanne Hovmand. 2013. “Preparing business students for the global workplace through study abroad: A case study of the Danish Institute for Study Abroad.” Journal of International Education in Business 107-121.
[vi] Adler, Lou. 2016. New Survey Reveals 85% of All Jobs are Filled Via Networking. February 29. Accessed March 1, 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-survey-reveals-85-all-jobs-filled-via-networking-lou-adler.
[vii] Gale, Porter. 2013. Your Network Is Your Net Worth: Unlock the Hidden Power. New York: Atria Books.
[viii] Shulsinger, Tamar. 2017. 8 Unexpected Benefits to Studying Abroad as a Graduate Student. October 31. Accessed March 1, 2022. https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/study-abroad-benefits/.
[ix] Longva, Kjersti Kjos. 2021. “Student venture creation: developing social networks within entrepreneurial ecosystems in the transition from student to entrepreneur.” International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research 1264-1284.
