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14 Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad in College (from a Study Abroad Expert)

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One of the biggest decisions college students have to make is whether or not to study abroad.

Like any major life decision, there are both pros and cons of studying abroad. On one hand, studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to see the world and learn about new cultures.

On the other hand, studying abroad can be expensive. And, depending on your degree, it might be difficult to meet your requirements abroad.

I was lucky enough to study abroad four times while completing my undergraduate degree. You could say that I’m kind of an expert when it comes to studying abroad.

I studied intercultural communication in Dublin , explored Cuba’s healthcare system in Havana, assisted a non-profit organization with water sample testing in Ecuador , and learned about the pros and cons of China’s education system.

All four programs were very different, and each one provided me with valuable educational and professional experience. They also sparked my love for travel !

There were definitely advantages and disadvantages to studying abroad that I considered when planning my programs (and experienced while being overseas), but for me, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages.

To help you decide if studying abroad is right for you, I’ve put together this list of pros and cons of studying abroad.

These are all based on my personal experiences that I had during my four study abroad programs, and hopefully, they will help give you a realistic look at all of the studying abroad pros and cons!

Table of Contents

Pros of Studying Abroad

There are SO many advantages to studying abroad. Study abroad isn’t only beneficial during your time in college. It can pave the way for countless experiences throughout your life.

Here are some of the biggest pros of studying abroad!

1. You’ll be able to get out of your comfort zone.

The first time I left the United States was when I studied abroad for the first time in Dublin, Ireland .

I had only been on a plane three times before that trip, and while traveling internationally was always a dream of mine, it was never a possibility for me until I was able to study abroad.

Even though Ireland isn’t too different from the United States, traveling somewhere out of the country was definitely out of my comfort zone.

I was a first-generation college student who spent my entire pre-college life in a tiny town. None of my family (and few of my friends) had ever even considered traveling abroad, so I didn’t really know what to expect when I applied for the study abroad program.

Seven years later, I am SO glad I decided to fill out that application. That first big step of getting out of my comfort zone has opened me up to so many exciting opportunities throughout the years, from traveling independently to trying new foods.

Studying abroad is the perfect stepping stone to getting out of your comfort zone – in a big way. Once you make that big step, you’ll be prepped to take on so many wonderful opportunities in the future.

2. You’ll have the opportunity to travel and see new places.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of seeing the world.

Before studying abroad, I was able to explore quite a bit of my home country, but I always longed for more.

After spending two weeks in Ireland, seeing everything from the Book of Kells to the Cliffs of Moher, I was hooked. Since, I’ve had a craving for seeing the monuments, landmarks, historic artifacts, and natural beauties that I once dreamed of.

Thanks to studying abroad, I’ve been able to explore the Old Town of Havana, Cuba, haggle at markets in Ecuador, explore the charming city of Dublin, climb the Great Wall of China, and so much more.

I’m so grateful that studying abroad afforded me these opportunities. Also, thanks to getting out of my comfort zone, I’ve explored even more places independently, like London, Paris, and Tokyo.

If you spend a longer amount of time abroad, like a full semester, you’ll have even more time for traveling and exploring! Many of my friends who spent semesters abroad traveled to a new place every weekend.

There are also programs like Semester at Sea that visit around a dozen countries over the semester, allowing you to experience a host of different places and cultures.

3. Studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to learn a new language.

If language learning is of any interest to you, studying abroad is one of the best ways to brush up on your skills.

Most universities offer study abroad programs for different foreign languages. Some immersive programs are tailored for advanced speakers who have a good grasp of the language already, while others are great for beginners. So, no worries if you aren’t already fluent in another language!

None of my programs were language-focused, but I was able to expand on my novice Spanish skills in Cuba and Ecuador and pick up a bit of Mandarin in China.

Even if you don’t take language classes while abroad, you can definitely start the language learning process during your program.

4. You’ll be able to experience different cultures first-hand.

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie taking place in a different country and thought, “Wow, I’d love to experience this culture for myself!”

By studying abroad, you can!

If a certain country’s culture is appealing to you, why not consider studying abroad there? There is no better way to immerse yourself in a culture than by actually being there.

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in local holidays or ceremonies, experience local traditions, try new foods, meet locals, and learn more about what life is like in that country.

5. Studying abroad allows you to gain unique experience in your field of study.

For most of my study abroad programs, I chose them because they covered unique topics within my field of study.

As a public health major, I was able to learn more about one of the most unique healthcare systems in the world in Cuba and gain practical experience working with a public health-related non-profit in Ecuador.

Though not specifically public health-related, learning about Intercultural Communication in Ireland was helpful in many ways, from collaborating with colleagues from different countries and cultures than my own to understanding different methods for communicating between cultures.

Completing an internship abroad is another option, as is student teaching abroad. I even have friends in professional schools (Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, and Medical schools) who completed some of their required rotations abroad!

Most American universities have dedicated Study Abroad or International Education offices, with advisors who can help find a program that is specifically tailored towards your career interests. If you want to find a study abroad program that is in line with your future career goals, set up a meeting with your school’s office to explore possible programs.

6. Studying abroad is a great resume booster.

Similar to my last point, studying abroad is a great way to boost your resume and potential job prospects.

Every time I applied for a study abroad program or attended an informational session, there was one statement that was echoed: employers love when employees have studied abroad!

Study abroad experience shows that you are able to quickly adapt to new environments and situations, which is a highly sought-after quality in the professional world. Knowing a second language is another impressive skill that can be elevated when studying abroad.

Plus, gaining unique professional experience while abroad (like working on water testing or interning at an international marketing firm) is a huge resume booster that will set you apart from other applicants!

Studying abroad is also a great way to connect with professors and mentors. All of my study abroad programs were taught by professors from my university.

I was able to make deeper connections than I would have in a traditional classroom, and those professors served as wonderful mentors for graduate school. They even wrote letters of recommendation when I applied for my Master’s program!

7. You’ll have the opportunity to make new friends from all over the world!

Making new friends is a huge pro of studying abroad. Thanks to my study abroad experiences, I’ve made a few lifelong friends from all over the world.

Many study abroad programs involve being essentially an exchange student at a foreign university, meaning that you’ll be taking classes alongside local students. This is a great way to meet new people, as there’s a decent chance that you won’t know anyone else there!

All of my programs were official university-sponsored programs, meaning that I went abroad with fellow students and faculty from my school. For most of the programs, I didn’t know any of the other students going, but I came home with a great group of friends.

I was also still able to meet locals – one of the girls I went abroad with is now married to a guy she met in Dublin!

There are so many opportunities to make connections and meet new people while studying abroad, whether those people are locals in the destination you’re studying or fellow students from your home school.

8. You’ll never run out of stories to tell your friends and family.

I am a self-admitted annoying study abroad girl.

I love sharing my stories from studying abroad with my friends, family, co-workers, and really anyone who will listen. That’s why I started this blog!

Studying abroad will give you SO MANY amazing stories to tell, from crazy travel mishaps to incredible experiences. I love telling people about my experience of nearly getting robbed in Ecuador just as much as I love telling them about how people were running a marathon on the Great Wall of China on the day of my visit (seriously, how much crazy does it take to run a marathon on the steep-AF Great Wall of China?!)

If you study abroad, you’ll come home with enough stories from your experience to write a memoir.

Cons of Studying Abroad

With any major decision in life, there will always be some disadvantages. Study abroad included – while the vast majority of experiences surrounding your study abroad journey will likely be positive, there are some downsides, too.

Here are a few of the cons of studying abroad.

1. Studying abroad can be expensive.

Not going to lie, there is definitely a financial burden that can come with studying abroad.

Typically, the fees for your study abroad program will vary depending on the length and type of the program.

Overall, semester-long programs tend to be more costly than short-term programs when you take into account all of the expenses associated with the program: tuition, required program fees, airfare, daily expenses, visas, etc.

However, many universities have agreements with partner schools that keep the tuition fees at the university abroad the same as what you’d be paying for tuition at your home school. With programs like these, your expenses for studying abroad might not be significantly more than staying home!

Sometimes, tuition at schools abroad is even less than at your home school. I could’ve spent an entire semester in Quito, Ecuador for half of what I paid in the USA.

In most cases, you can also apply any scholarships or financial aid that you receive to your study abroad program.

Short-term programs, while cheaper than semester-long ones, can often have a higher financial burden than semester-long programs.

My Dublin study abroad program was for two weeks over the summer, and I paid over $7000 after scholarships. I could have studied for a semester for cheaper because I would have been able to apply my regular scholarships and financial aid towards the tuition for the semester.

I don’t regret doing that program, but I do wish that I had done more research into financial aid and scholarships. There were fewer options available since it was a short-term program, but I likely could have knocked a few thousand dollars off the cost had I applied for more scholarships.

Speaking of scholarships, there are often study abroad scholarships offered by universities to specifically assist with study abroad costs. Check with your university’s study abroad office for more details!

Also, once you’re abroad, simply being a student can save you money on things like museum admission fees, restaurants, and more! Make sure to bring along your student ID and apply for an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) before you leave home!

2. Depending on your degree, it may be hard to fulfill degree requirements while studying abroad.

Some degrees, especially those in STEM, have a strict schedule of classes that must be taken at certain times in order to graduate on time.

Because of this, many students may feel that studying abroad isn’t an option for them, since it could make it harder to meet requirements in order to graduate on time.

If this sounds like the case for you, I highly recommend meeting with a study abroad advisor at your university as well as your academic advisor to go over possible study abroad options.

While a semester-long program might not work for you, summer or winter programs could be perfect! My university even had specific summer programs designed for majors with a strict course load, like Engineering and Nursing.

Another option is to look into taking your core classes abroad. Studying abroad early in your college career can allow you to knock these required classes out, and it is typically easy to find equivalents for those core classes.

Need an art class? What’s better than taking an art class in Florence, Italy ? Required to take an English class? Why not take English lit in London?

3. Adjusting to a new culture while taking classes can be difficult.

Culture shock is a real thing, and having to take classes while experiencing culture shock can be difficult.

It can manifest in many different ways, such as feeling overwhelmed, homesickness, or even depression.

It’s totally normal to feel culture shock when experiencing a culture that’s different from your own. When I first landed in Havana, Cuba, I was immediately overwhelmed. The sights, smells, and foods were so different than anything I had ever experienced before – and I was ready to go home soon after I arrived.

Things changed though. I slowly became acclimated and soon, the excitement of experiencing the unknown was way higher than the shock of experiencing such a different place. By the end of my time there, I didn’t want to leave!

If culture shock hits you while studying abroad, don’t stress. Here are a few ways to overcome culture shock:

• Give yourself time to adjust. It takes time to get used to a new culture, so don’t expect to feel comfortable right away. If you need to spend some time doing activities that are comfortable to you, like watching Netflix in bed, do it. But don’t do it for too long, because there is an amazing destination out there that’s ready to be explored.
• Learn about the culture before you go. This is especially important if you’re traveling somewhere that’s significantly different culturally from your home. Research some of the local customs so that you know what to expect when you arrive.
• Be open-minded. Don’t expect everything to be the same as it is at home. Be open to new experiences and you’ll find that studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow!

4. Language barriers can be tricky.

Planning on studying abroad in a country that speaks a language you don’t know?

Language barriers can be tricky when studying abroad. They can make everything harder, from big things like understanding what you’re learning in class to small things like ordering at a coffee shop.

The best way you can prepare for language barriers is to do a bit of language learning before leaving home. You don’t have to be fluent (or anywhere close), but learning a few key phrases can make a world of a difference.

For starters, learning basic greetings (like hello and goodbye), how to ask “Do you speak English?”, how to order at a restaurant, and how to ask where the bathroom is makes for a good start.

I also recommend learning food words, like words for different meats and vegetables. Being able to know what you’re ordering when looking at a foreign menu makes a huge difference! It’s also really helpful if you have any food allergies so that you can alert the waitstaff before ordering.

5. Homesickness happens.

People love to say that it won’t happen to them. Me included – I swore up and down that I wouldn’t get homesick while studying abroad. They were all short term programs. Surely I could handle being away for a couple of weeks, right?

Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

Homesickness can manifest in a lot of ways. Sometimes you might miss people, like your family, friends, or your dog. Other times, you might miss comforts from home, like your bed. And sometimes, you miss random things like your favorite Mexican restaurant.

If you find yourself feeling homesick, make a list of things that make you feel at home. This could be things like your favorite foods, movies, or activities. Try to find local equivalents so you can still enjoy these things while you’re away.

When I was missing Mexican food in Ecuador, I went to a Mexican restaurant in Quito. It wasn’t as good as my favorite spot back home, but eating some of the similar flavors was comforting.

And if you find yourself missing your family or your bestie, carve out some time to Facetime them and show them what you’re up to. Trust me, your mom would LOVE it if you Facetimed her with a view of the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben!

6. If you study abroad, you might feel like you’re missing out on traditional college experiences.

When I asked some of my friends why they didn’t study abroad, there was an answer that was common among all of them.

They were afraid that they’d miss out on common US college experiences like going to football and basketball games or attending frat parties.

Sure, if you’re spending a full semester abroad, you might miss out on some of these things for a semester.

But, if you just spend one semester abroad, you’ll still have around 7 more to get all of those traditional college experiences in!

Plus, what sounds more fun – attending a frat party back home or bar hopping in Europe? I think you know the answer!

Overall Study Abroad Pros and Cons

As you can see, there are both pros and cons to studying abroad. However, even for the disadvantages, there are work-arounds and ways to manage.

Studying abroad was the best thing I could have ever done, and I’m a firm believer that any college student who has the ability should do it.

Thanks to studying abroad, I’ve become a much more confident and culturally competent student, traveler, and now, a working professional.

Making the decision to study abroad is a big one, but it can pay off big time in the future.

Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to study abroad and expand your horizons as a college student!

Want to read more about studying abroad? Check out these posts:

• Study Abroad in Florence, Italy
• The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Croatia

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After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

Study Abroad or Intern Abroad: Your Guide to Deciding

An international experience is a unique way to shape your future. The options seem endless. You can study abroad for a summer , spend a semester studying a language abroad, or intern abroad with an international company in your career field.  

So… how do you choose between a study abroad or intern abroad program?  

Let’s take a closer look at study abroad and intern abroad options – and help you decide which one is right for you: 

  1. your overall travel experience  , 📚 study abroad:   .

You’re traveling and earning academic credit. Sweet deal, right? Depending on your course choices, you can earn elective or major credit. You can explore a variety of special topics that take on new meaning in your program location. 

So… why not complete your core science requirement by taking an Environmental Science course in the Galápagos Islands over winter break, for example?  

Plus, most AIFS Abroad programs offer excursions to further explore your destination and its culture or history. Let’s say you’re studying abroad in Barcelona . On the weekends you might visit Montserrat and Sitges, or travel up to the Salvador Dalí museum in Figueres.  

💼 Internship Abroad:   

When you intern abroad, you have the option to earn credit or intern for the experience only. With an international internship, you can immerse yourself in the country’s culture in a different way.   

Take the travel concept and apply it to the professional world: What does business look like in Germany ? How does fashion work in Milan ?  

By interning alongside locals in another country, you can pick up on the nuances of the people and culture. And you’ll still have time to travel independently! 

2. Your Personal Growth  

American novelist James Baldwin wrote, “I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself.”  

That’s what it means to travel. You’ll see yourself and your own way of life in a new light.  

For most students, studying abroad will be the furthest away they have ever lived from home. Being so far away can present new challenges. Through overcoming these obstacles, you’ll develop a clearer understanding of who you are and your capacity for growth. Your experience abroad can also ignite new passions or open your eyes to other fields of study and career paths. In fact, it’s not uncommon for students to pursue a new minor or major when they return to their home university after studying abroad. 

Gain an authentic understanding of your professional abilities through an international internship in your career field. You’ll work with people from a range of backgrounds.  

You might have a supervisor from one country, two colleagues from another country, and clients from even more countries.  

Learning how to present knowledge in a way that a variety of people can understand will help you take a more holistic approach to your chosen profession. 

3. Your Language and Communication Skills  

Don’t panic! Many AIFS study abroad programs don’t require you to take a language course abroad or know a language besides English. But, if you’re working on a French minor or you want to honor your Italian heritage, there are ways to incorporate language learning into your experience.  

When you study abroad, you can usually incorporate language acquisition into your coursework. You might take an intensive language course before your semester begins in Spain , or you might fine-tune your advanced abilities in a Spanish for Medical Professionals course in Costa Rica .  

But remember – you can practice your language skills outside of the classroom, too!  

Try shopping or ordering coffee in the local language. You can even choose to live with a local host family for a powerfully immersive experience.  

Specific businesses or industries may prefer you to have intermediate to advanced language skills. However, there’s no need to be fluent in a foreign language to intern abroad. We offer English-friendly internship options in locations across the world.  

That being said, you’ll be interacting with locals during your internship abroad, so having some level of proficiency can be helpful. We may even be able to give your language learning a boost by enrolling you in a language course. 

Even if you intern abroad in a predominately English-speaking country, you’ll gain a practical understanding of cross-cultural communication by working side-by-side with locals. You’ll expand your horizons and make your resume stand out by developing these vital communication skills. 

4. Your Connections  

The friendships formed while abroad are something special. The shared experience makes for powerful memories in a short period of time.  

Whether your study abroad experience is three weeks or three months, you can meet people on your program and potentially create some local friendships, too. AIFS Abroad program includes a range of local social events, plus opportunities for you to bond with fellow international students.  

Worried about studying abroad without your friends? When you go abroad with a study abroad provider like AIFS, most of the other people on your program likely feel the same way. You’ll be coming from colleges and universities across the United States. Most of you have probably never met anyone else in your program, and now you’re living and learning together outside of your comfort zones.  

The bottom line? Making friends while studying abroad is a total walk in the park. (Speaking of which, checking out the local park in your host city is a simple way to connect with other students on your program!) 

Bonus Tip: Traveling together on weekends is also a great way to forge friendships and stay safe while abroad. 

As an intern abroad your network grows to include other interns on the same program and colleagues at your new office.  

Your new colleagues can offer insight into the local culture, the business, and their own backgrounds. Many of your fellow interns will be having their first professional experience in their career field and will be just as motivated as you.  

Bonus Tip: Commiserate over a tough week at a local pub or café, share the similarities and differences in your internships, and plan a weekend away together to take a break. 

5. Your Perspective  

Your coursework abroad may challenge your perspective. For example:  

Imagine a history course, taught in Rome , by an Italian professor. You’ll boost your understanding of Roman history by taking this class in the city itself.  

You’ve probably taken a history class that covered Roman History in high school, or at your home university. How was the teaching style different? Did you develop a better grasp of the context of historical events after visiting ancient Roman ruins with the guidance of local experts? 

This is one small way your perspective will start to grow. The people you meet and the experiences you have while abroad will open your eyes to cultural nuances and further your perspective as a global citizen. 

 💼 Internship Abroad:   

With an international internship, you can strengthen your global perspective in a professional setting. As you learn about your host company’s culture and products, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of day-to-day life in your program location. 

One way to consider the potential impact on your perspective? Focus on your industry .  

Let’s say at home you’ve been fortunate to have an internship in the very same field. Now you’re interning abroad, and in a position to compare and contrast the two experiences. What’s different? What is the same? Taking the time to make these observations is one way to expand your global perspective in an internship setting. 

6. Your Independence  

Traveling presents new challenges. Supercharge your independence through experiences like navigating transportation in a new city and possibly navigating a new grading system or teaching style. Whether you choose a short or long-term study abroad program, your confidence in yourself (and your abilities!) will soar. You’ll be in a better position to succeed when you return home knowing that you can find the perfect study spot in your host city on your own. 

Interning abroad will challenge you to be more independent personally and professionally. Not only are you traveling and living overseas, but you’re also gaining real-world experience and responsibilities within your career field.  

7. Your Future Interviews? Piece of Cake!  

You may have noticed that all of these topics we’ve been talking about would sound great in an interview. It’s true! These are the sorts of things an employer or a graduate school admissions counselor would love to hear. 

Navigating a new country (and possibly language), experiencing a different culture, and meeting people from all over the world can contribute to your open-mindedness, and overall understanding of the world around you.  

During your study abroad experience you are likely developing what we call “soft skills,” which are different from “hard” or technical skills. Soft skills that skyrocket during an international experience can include communication, critical thinking, time management, empathy, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.  

After studying abroad, you can really illustrate these soft skills during an interview. You’ll be able to describe a specific time where you exhibited these skills while traveling, in a class abroad, or while living in your accommodations. 

The valuable hands-on experience you gain through an international internship can help pave the way for your dream career. As an intern, you’re picking up soft skills like thinking critically and communicating effectively as well as hard, technical skills within your career field. 

In a competitive job market, practical experience is an essential addition to classroom learning. We customize your internship on your strengths and goals so you can get the most out of your experience abroad. 

You’ll also benefit from our personalized career development resources, including access to the StrengthsFinder® assessment, resume and interview preparation. 

And before your program is over, you’ll receive coaching on crafting the perfect way to add your internship to your resume. 

Still having trouble deciding? 

If you’re craving the best of both worlds, AIFS Abroad offers Study Abroad + Internship Programs in a variety of career fields in exciting locations around the world. Take courses, earn academic credit and get one step closer to your dream career through a part-time international internship. 

The good news is, whether you choose to study abroad or intern abroad, you’re making an important step for your future.   

Living overseas will challenge you in a variety of ways. The experience will introduce you to new people and perspectives and the ability to see yourself as a global citizen.

AIFS Abroad

AIFS Abroad is a program of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) .  Since 1964, AIFS has been the leading provider of cultural exchange and educational opportunities for more than 1.5 million people. Learn more about AIFS Abroad study abroad and international internship programs worldwide.

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How Study Abroad Can Benefit College Students

Doing some coursework outside the U.S. can help students learn power skills and may provide an employment edge.

College Study Abroad Benefits

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Students can develop various personal, interpersonal and cognitive skills by studying abroad, studies indicate, including adaptability, self-awareness, tolerance for ambiguity, teamwork, leadership, work ethic, and problem-solving and intercultural skills.

International education opportunities expose college students to foreign cultures, language immersion and interaction with diverse communities around the world, which can lead to increased self-awareness, improved critical thinking and even work opportunities, experts say.

Due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of U.S. college students studying abroad plummeted nearly 96% from the all-time high of 347,099 in 2018-2019 to 14,549 in 2020-2021, according to the 2022 "Open Doors U.S. Study Abroad" annual survey by the Institute of International Education, a not-for-profit global organization founded in 1919.

The most recent data is still inconclusive, but the institute reports that 96% of responding college administrators in a different recent survey predict that their international programs will grow or stabilize in 2023-2024. Along those lines, conversations about the many benefits of studying abroad are echoing across U.S. campuses once again, experts say.

“We live and work in a globalized world. We are so interconnected, whether virtually or through physical contact,” says Lindsay Calvert, director of the Center for Access and Equity at IIE. “And it is ever more important for students to have these experiences, so they are able to work with and among different cultures.”

What Students Can Gain From Studying Abroad

Nick Gozik, dean of global education at Elon University in North Carolina, is emphatic about the utility of study abroad.

“It is difficult to imagine that a college graduate will not need the skills gained through study abroad and other global experiences,” he wrote in an email. “Whether it is a doctor who treats patients originating from other countries, a teacher with students from underrepresented backgrounds, or a scientist working in a multinational, it is increasingly necessary for graduates to be able to navigate difference and work with people from other cultures and backgrounds.” 

Cognitive and Relational Skills

In an IIE research study involving 4,500 college alumni who studied abroad between the 1999-2000 and 2016-2017 academic years, about 90% of respondents said their overseas experience cultivated these qualities in them. The benefits generally increased with the length of the study period, from a short term of a few weeks to one semester to a year.

Asked if their study abroad contributed to a job offer at some point, 67.5% of respondents who participated in a full academic year of the experience said yes, compared to 53.4% of those who studied overseas for roughly a semester and 42.5% of those who did so for fewer than eight weeks.

Professional Development

Students in study abroad programs often mix their desire for an adventure with foreign language acquisition, academic pursuits, short-term work opportunities such as internships, career building or a combination.

Sera Park, who is earning an art history degree at Temple University in Pennsylvania, went to the university’s Rome campus in spring 2021, during the pandemic.

“It was my dream to study in Italy,” she says. “My mom is an artist and I grew up around that but didn’t know what I wanted to do with my degree.”

Park worked as an intern on an art preservation project with a local art conservator recommended by her professor.

“As I continued my internship,” she says, “I realized this field (art conservation) was what I wanted to pursue in my future.”

Upon learning that studying chemistry was essential to becoming an art conservator, Park decided to add a chemistry minor to her degree. She plans to go to graduate school to complete her training as a conservator. Knowledge of chemistry is required in some graduate art programs in the U.S.

Study abroad also exposed Park to many opportunities for travel, she says. “As I was traveling, it helped me appreciate cultural heritage and art more, and why it is important to preserve it.”

How Study Abroad Can Enhance Job Prospects 

Among the most tangible ways that students are leveraging their study abroad experiences is in their job searches. Experts and students say that when searching for employment straight out of college and lacking significant employment history, one’s broader life experiences may count more.

Having been in a foreign environment gives job applicants a broader scope for a narrative about how their background and experiences have built their character, experts say.

Moriah Baxevane-Connell, who studied at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom for six months during college, says she highlighted her time abroad in her job resume .

“Looking for my first job out of college, study abroad helped me show that I had the curiosity and the willingness to explore new things and that I was open-minded,” she says.

So, when an interviewer asked, “Can you thrive in this new environment?” she was prepared with a response: “I said, ’Yeah sure, absolutely. I flew 4,000 miles away from everyone that I know and spent six months and I had a great time.’”

Baxevane-Connell worked for a tech firm in the U.S. for several years before going back to the U.K. to earn an MBA at the University of Oxford . She now works as a strategy and operations manager for Google in London.

The pandemic taught additional lessons about the value of studying abroad, says Samantha Brandauer, associate provost and executive director of the Center for Global Study and Engagement at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. Those lessons include “your ability to understand and tolerate ambiguity that comes from cross-cultural experiences and to sit with the ‘I don’t know,’” she says. “That is a valuable skill in your working environment, your ability to sit with the unknown that often comes with significant cross-cultural experiences.”

At Dickinson, about 65% of the 2,200 students study abroad at some point during their time at the college, Brandauer says.

Employers may have more favorable views of young job seekers with international experience, some research suggests. QS Global Employer Survey Report found in 2016 that six out of 10 employers around the world give extra credit for job applicants with study abroad on their resumes, and more than 80% said they actively seek graduates with overseas study experiences. 

What Deters Students From Studying Abroad 

Multiple factors deter U.S. students from studying abroad, such as financial concerns, fear of missing out on something at home, health challenges and being far away from family and friends, experts say.

“It is the combination of the expenses and just not knowing what it is,” says Baxevane-Connell. “And the fear that, 'I really need to finish my degree in four years, so I can get a job and start paying back my loan and so I can start living my life.'”

Female students are more likely to study abroad than male students, says Brandauer. “For decades, it has been 60-40” in favor of women, she says, and that's been the national trend.

Brandauer suspects that male students have "a harder time finding their social niche on a college campus, and once they identify with a group, then it is hard to leave that group,” she says. “There is a lot of comfort being male on campus.”

Students who are historically underrepresented in U.S. colleges, such as students with disabilities and some racial minorities, tend to also be underrepresented in study abroad participation, according to the 2023 IIE study. That study report also notes that many colleges have been making efforts to improve the access and experience for underrepresented students by offering scholarships, boosting advising and providing special information sessions.

In the 2020-2021 academic year, according to data from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Black students were 13.1% of U.S. postsecondary enrollment but just 4.1% of U.S. students studying abroad, while Hispanic and Latino students were 20.3% of postsecondary enrollment and only 12.3% of U.S. students who studied overseas. At the same time, White, Asian/Pacific Islander and multiracial students were proportionally overrepresented.

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How To Study or Work Abroad No Matter Who You Are or What you Do

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by Natalie Jesionka on the themuse.com

Have you ever thought about studying or working abroad but shrugged it off because you didn’t think it would be doable or relevant for your career?

If so, you’re not alone. Recently,  the White House invited more than 100 travel bloggers  to discuss how to reinvigorate America’s commitment to study abroad programs and get more American students out in the world. The State Department cited that less than 10% of university students in America study abroad. And for the rest of us, the numbers aren’t much better—fewer than 50% of Americans even have a valid passport.

There are a number of reasons why—students may be busy trying to fulfill classes required for graduation (which aren’t always offered in study abroad programs) or find that the programs offered are prohibitively expensive. And professionals  rarely think about pursuing a program abroad , assuming that since they’re no longer students, no opportunities are available.

But it’s in all of our best interests to start reframing the way we think about study abroad. These programs are about more than spending a semester sipping sangria in Spain—they’re about developing important skills, networks, and professional experiences that can add value to your future. And they’re not limited to students.

Whether you’re still in school or a seasoned professional, here’s how you can find an opportunity that is right for your career and make the most of the experience for your future.

Find a Program That’s Relevant to Your Career

We often think of international travel as worlds away from our studies or professional lives. But in reality, there are plenty of opportunities that are applicable to your career path and incredibly relevant back home.

A great example of this is Colleen Germain, who studied in Italy for a year. “I went to the best language school, had expert professors, and got invaluable exposure to my field of decorative arts design,” she says. “I became fluent in Italian and affirmed my passion for art and design. I now work at One Kings Lane, and my experience in Italy was integral in informing my perspective for what I do today.”

Going abroad can help you develop new perspectives and ideas, discover new passions, and even gain skills that help you stand out among other professionals or job candidates. The key is finding an opportunity that is highly relevant to your current or future career path.

For Students

Research programs that provide both academic credit and strong professional experiences, such as internships or hands-on project management, that will be applicable on your resume no matter what. Make sure to also  talk to the program coordinators or people who have gone through the program  before you commit to make sure it will provide opportunities that will help you move forward in your chosen career.

For Professionals

Whatever area you’d like to advance in, there are a number of short-term professional programs (think one to three months) that can help you build your experience and add to your resume.

You can look for programs sponsored by think tanks, universities, nonprofits, or governments. You should look for an international program that will align with your career goals but also give you the freedom to develop your responsibilities and gain a better understanding of how your field operates in a new culture. These types of opportunities can help you expand your responsibilities and open the door to new roles in the future.

Find an Experience That Challenges You

One of the big criticisms of study abroad programs—or the reason they may seem like fun trip versus a career-boosting experience—is that they often keep Americans in their comfort zone, with minimal  exposure to local communities . In other words, they simply bring the American experience to a new place.

“The key issue is that young Americans come home and are hardly changed. They have hardly developed new interests, new insights, and new life-long passions and curiosities,” says Aniket Shah, UN Advisor and author of  Learning from the World: New Ideas to Develop America .

But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, the best study abroad experiences do the exact opposite. You just need to research and find opportunities that will truly encourage you to grow and expand your worldview.

When you are searching for an experience abroad, consider what you want to get out of it and what sets it apart from other programs. Does it offer service-learning opportunities or allow you to live with local families? Will you be able to take on an internship or gain practical experience in the field?

Try to find a program that will help you master something new—something that you wouldn’t be able to learn or experience within the U.S.

A work placement abroad  can give you a chance to step out of your comfort zone at work, prove that you can master working in a new environment, and gain new skills you wouldn’t be able to build back home, such as fluency in a language or working with staff in a completely different culture.

So, whether you look into international placements with your current company or external programs, make sure that any opportunity you pursue will help you do just that. Will the experience help you take on bigger regional markets, expand your client base, or grow your network in a short amount of time? Understand how the program could enhance your career trajectory in the long term.

Get Innovative to Pay for It

One of the biggest challenges that limits students and professionals from going abroad is that it can be prohibitively expensive. For university students, tuition isn’t the only worry—you also have to account for housing, living expenses, side trips, books, and more. And depending on the local currency, conversion rates can significantly add to the bill. And for those who are already working, taking time off without pay can quickly put a dent in your budget.

But there are ways to go abroad without breaking the bank. Plus, showing that you raised funding, received grants and fellowships, or bootstrapped your way to international experience can actually help you land a promotion or snag a new role.

Check with the office at your university that  handles scholarships and fellowships  to see what funding options are available. Or, look for external funding opportunities through organizations or web resources such as  ProFellow ,  Idealist ,  World Learning , or specific programs like the  Critical Language Scholarship ,  Boren Fellowship , and  Fulbright Fellowship programs .

Talk to HR about what would be realistic as far as taking time off for a professional opportunity abroad,  consider taking a sabbatical , or see how a program abroad might overlap with already-planned business travel for your company.

And don’t be afraid to pitch a new idea for your role (like a month abroad to meet with foreign clients)! Just make sure you can clearly illustrate how it will benefit the company in the long run.

Know How to Market it on Your Resume and in Interviews

When hiring managers review your resume or talk with you during an interview in the future, a mention of studying abroad may conjure up the reviewer’s own stereotypes—which could be positive or negative (for example, a hiring manager may think studying abroad is more about partying hard than hard work).

However, these experiences are highly subjective, and it’s important to emphasize what makes your experience different. Don’t leave it up to the hiring manager to interpret your experience abroad. Know  how to highlight key international experiences  and relate them directly to the position you’re applying for.

Think about the skills you acquired by being in the position of a student and any outside projects you worked on that could be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For example, say you were working on a public health program and you served as the coordinator of fellow students. That’s a key experience that you can frame to display your leadership, initiative, and management skills—all things that you can bring to the position.

Going abroad during your career can be really interesting to many interviewers and can help you compete in global markets—you just need to emphasize the professional growth that you experienced on your trip.

For example, if during your time abroad you got to meet with political or business leaders, be prepared to talk about specific situations or meetings that will help you in your new position. Also, be sure to emphasize why the international experience has made you a more valuable professional, whether  you now understand client culture better , have mastered program management in a new setting, or have a stronger international network.

Studying or working abroad is a great way to gain experience and grow your skills while immersing yourself in a new culture. When you are looking for an international program, think about how it will benefit you in the long term and how you can make your program work for you—so you come back with strong experiences that are marketable to a wide range of employers.

Going abroad doesn’t have to be out of reach; knowing where to look for opportunities and how to relate them to your career can help you  get you out in the world  a lot sooner than you think.

Photo of  passport courtesy of Shutterstock .

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Where to Study Abroad: Top 10 Destinations for U.S. Students

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The country you choose to study abroad in will determine the language you’re immersed in, the university experience you’ll have — and the cost of your study abroad program .

The world is your oyster, but 73% of the nearly 189,000 U.S. students who studied abroad in 2021-22 opted for programs in Europe, according to a November 2023 report published by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education. About 10.3% of study abroad students went to Latin America or the Caribbean, 5.3% did a program in the Middle East or Africa and 4.7% studied in Asia, the report found.

Looking for inspiration? Consider the 10 most popular study abroad destinations for U.S. college students, along with their average costs.

From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, Italy has a rich history. Today, it’s the fifth-most visited country in the world. Cities like Florence, Bologna, Milan and Rome are popular destinations for U.S. students.

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: 30,610.

Average semester program cost: $17,238.

Currency: Euro (€).

» MORE: Can college abroad actually save you money?

2. United Kingdom

If you want to skip the foreign language aspect of study abroad, consider the U.K. It’s home to top universities like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics and Political Science and The University of Edinburgh.

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: 27,503.

Average semester program cost: $18,041.

Currency: Pound sterling (£).

Whether you choose Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or another city, Spain offers immersive study abroad opportunities that can help you boost your language skills. Generally, it also offers a lower cost of living and warm weather.

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: 25,348.

Average semester program cost: $14,338

» MORE: How to pay for study abroad

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Outside of Paris, French cities like Lyon, Strasbourg and Lille host thousands of American students each year. Depending on your program, you might study alongside other U.S. or international students, or you could integrate directly into a French university.

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: 14,397.

Average semester program cost: $12,758.

Programs are typically taught in German, but there are also English-language options. You’ll encounter diverse international perspectives if you study in Germany: With 83 million residents, it has the largest population of any European Union state — and 13% come from other countries.

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: 7,644.

Average semester program cost: Not available.

Ireland is another option if you want to study in English. Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, hosts major universities like Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. Students may also study abroad in smaller cities like Cork and Galway.

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: 7,031.

Average semester program cost: $13,952.

Currency: The Republic of Ireland uses the euro (€); Northern Ireland, where you may likely visit, uses the pound sterling (£).

7. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has plenty to offer. More than 25% of the country is protected national park land, and the capital city, San José, is home to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations University of Peace. Studying abroad in Costa Rica is also a great way to improve your Spanish.

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: 4,751.

Average semester program cost: $8,080.

Currency: Colon (₡); U.S. Dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica.

» MORE: Is studying abroad worth it?

If you’re intrigued by ancient history, consider studying abroad in Athens, the capital of Greece and its largest city. University courses are often taught in English, but you can still immerse yourself in the local culture and language.

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: 4,484.

Most study abroad programs in Denmark are taught in English, so you won’t need to worry about a language barrier. The capital of Copenhagen is a frequent destination, particularly for students who choose third-party study abroad programs. Watch out for a high cost of living, though.

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: 4,393.

Currency: Danish krone (kr).

10. South Korea

Korea contains about 200 four-year universities. Yonsei University, a major institution based in Seoul, is popular with exchange students. Most courses are taught in Korean, but students also have English-language options.

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: 4,304.

Average semester program cost: $9,684.

Currency: Won (₩).

No. of U.S. study abroad students, 2021-22: Open Doors 2023 Report on International Educational Exchange , U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education, Nov. 2023.

Average semester cost : GoAbroad.com , 2018.

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Independent education abroad programs are those in which students are not enrolled at Ohio State, but rather participate through another university—either the university offering the program or the accredited institution facilitating it. Before you choose to study abroad independently, consider all Ohio State approved study abroad programs .

Learn the differences between studying abroad through Ohio State and studying abroad independently. Participation on an independent education abroad experience is very different from studying abroad with Ohio State. You will not be registered at Ohio State during the term(s) in which you are abroad, but will instead take a “leave of absence.” This means you will not pay Ohio State tuition, will have limited or no access to Ohio State financial aid and may receive transfer (K) credit on your Ohio State transcript.

*Students participating in non-OIA travel that is supported by the university are required to enroll in the supplemental insurance .

Determine if an independent education abroad experience is the best academic and financial fit for you. The use of transfer (K) credit toward major/minor requirements varies widely. Consult your academic advisor to determine if/how this type of credit will apply toward your degree requirements before making a financial commitment to the program. Be sure to consider potential program costs and funding sources.

Should you determine that an independent education abroad experience is appropriate for you, carefully evaluate your options. Considering the following features:

• Does the program offer a comprehensive website?  You should be able to access a thorough program overview, host city/country information, staff contacts, current information on travel dates and costs, application submission instructions, course descriptions and alumni feedback.
• Does the program offer pre-departure services?  These may include responsive and accessible staff, advising services, visa assistance (if applicable) and comprehensive orientation materials.
• Does the program offer in-country services?  These may include on-site staff to provide airport pick-up (or assistance) and housing placement, as well as 24/7 emergency and day-to-day support.
• Does the program adhere to best practices in the field of education abroad?  Look for programs affiliated with NAFSA Association of International Educators and/or the Forum on Education Abroad. Some web resources that may help you identify an appropriate program include the  NAFSA International Education Marketplace ,  StudyAbroad.com  and  GoAbroad.com .
• Is the program offered through at third party provider or will you be working directly with a foreign institution to enroll as a student?  Students often utilize a third party provider that facilitates the process for you, but if you are not, you will be responsible for understanding the admissions and enrollment requirements at the institution.
• Does the program provide you with an official academic transcript issued by the degree-granting institution’s registrar (or similar designee)?  The Ohio State Transfer Credit Center will not evaluate transcripts or completion certificates issued by a third party provider or an academic department at the host institution. Students must submit official transcripts issued by the degree-granting institution’s registrar (or similar designee). Upon their return to Ohio State. Failure to provide the appropriate documentation may result in no transfer credit being awarded for your independent education abroad experience.

Before applying you must:

• Consult with the Ohio State  Transfer Credit Center  to determine if a) the institution is recognized by that country’s Ministry of Education or other recognition body and b) determine credit type (GENERAL or SPECIAL) and credit conversion to U.S. semester hours. Pay close attention to the  instructions provided by the Transfer Credit  Center to ensure transfer credit is awarded for your program abroad.
• Work with your academic advisor to determine if the courses you wish to take will are applicable to your degree plan at Ohio State.

When applying, you will likely need: 

• Official Ohio State transcript (you may order your transcript online via the  Office of the Registrar )
• Disciplinary Clearance Form (the  Office of Student Conduct  must complete this form)
• Education Abroad Advisor Form (contact  Jenny Kraft  to complete this form)
• Course Selection Form (If an advisor's signature is required, please see your academic advisor)

While you await your admission decision:

• Apply for your passport
• Research visa requirements (if applicable)
• Research the applicability of federal financial aid toward your program via the  consortium agreement process

Ohio State Travel Policies and Independent Study Abroad Travel Registration

All Ohio State students pursuing independent education abroad that are related to their Ohio State academic or co-curricular objectives (regardless of if the program is Ohio State approved or non-Ohio State approved) are required to adhere to the policies and guidelines set forth by the University’s  International Travel Policy Committee .

• Be sure to check the status of your prospective host country with the list of Ohio State  Risk Designated Countries . If your host country is currently listed as a Risk Designate Country, you must submit a  petition  to the International Travel Policy Committee.
• Students traveling to international locations for academic or co-curricular purposes are required to enroll in the university's supplemental travel insurance. Visit  supplemental travel insurance  for detailed steps on how to register for the supplemental insurance online.

Once you have been accepted to your program, be sure to complete the online individual travel registration (contact Jenny Kraft for access) and the independent pre-departure checklist.

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Studying Abroad

Students may spend a semester or a gap year abroad. If you are planning to study abroad, follow these steps to ensure you stay safe and healthy during your travel.

Before You Go

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Take recommended medicines as directed. If your doctor prescribes medicine for you, take the medicine as directed before, during, and after travel. Counterfeit drugs are common in some countries, so only take medicine that you bring from home and make sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Learn more about traveling abroad with medicine .

If you identify as LGBTQ+, familiarize yourself with the laws and cultural attitudes in your host country. Look up health care providers in your host country that have experience working with the LGBTQ community. For more information on local laws, visit the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy webpages on your host country.

Plan for the unexpected. It is important to plan for unexpected events as much as possible. Doing so can help you get quality health care or avoid being stranded at a destination. A few steps you can take to plan for unexpected events are to  get travel insurance ,    learn where to get health care during travel ,  pack a travel health kit ,  and  enroll in the Department of State’s STEP .

Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask ,  insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

For more information on how to prepare before your trip, visit CDC’s Before You Travel webpage.

During Your Trip

Watch for changes in your mental health.  Travel and adapting to a new culture and lifestyle in another country can be stressful and bring on new mental health issues or make existing ones worse if not treated.

Follow security and safety guidelines . When you are in your host country, follow local laws and your educational institution’s study abroad code of conduct to stay safe during your trip. Check out these additional tips to stay safe during your travel:

• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp but leave your actual passport in a safe or other secure place.
• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate with you.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry to avoid risk of theft or loss.
• Do not travel alone at night. Avoid dark alleys. Travel with a companion, if possible.
• Use a reputable travel guide or tourism company if you plan any adventure travel such as surfing.
• Do not misuse alcohol or other drugs to avoid health consequences and being a target for crime.
• Use condoms during vaginal, oral, or anal sex to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections .

Choose safe transportation. Always wear a seat belt, and children should ride in car seats. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among healthy travelers. Be alert when crossing the street, especially in countries where people drive on the left side of the road. Find out other steps you can take to stay safe on the roads.

Choose safe food and drink. Contaminated food or drinks can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases and disrupt your travel. Travelers to low or middle income destinations are especially at risk. Generally, foods served hot are usually safe to eat as well as dry and packaged foods. Bottled, canned, and hot drinks are usually safe to drink. Learn more about how to choose safer  food and drinks  to prevent getting sick.

If you feel sick or get injured during your trip, seek health care immediately. For more information, visit Getting Health Care During Travel .

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel. 

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel .

Even if you aren’t sick and spent 6 months or more abroad you may want to consider seeing a doctor for a check-up after you return. A medical visit after travel is particularly recommended for long-term travelers.

More Information

• Study Abroad & Other International Student Travel in CDC Yellow Book
• Long-Term Travelers & Expatriates

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Independent Study Abroad

Independent academic travel.

Complete the Independent Study Abroad registration if you are a UNM degree-seeking student and the following conditions apply to you:

• You will be participating in a credit-bearing academic program outside of the United States
• The program you will enroll in is not organized by UNM or by a UNM partner institution or provider (if it is, you should find the program on the UNM Study Abroad   Program Search Page   and complete that registration instead)

This application includes an  application fee , which you must pay in order to transfer the credit you earn abroad to UNM. If you do not plan on transferring credit from your program to UNM, you will register as an Independent Academic Travel .

Payment of the fee does not guarantee that your credits will be accepted for transfer or that they will count towards your program of study; you are strongly advised to confer with GEO and with your academic advisor before committing to participate in any non-UNM study abroad program.

If you are unsure if you need to register, which program you should register for, or have any issues with the registration process, please contact [email protected].

• Research or fieldwork conducted abroad
• Participation in an academic conference, artistic performance, or athletic event abroad
• Completion of a medical rotation abroad
• Any volunteer or paid work abroad that is related to your academic course of study
• Other international travel with an academic focus (i.e., not simply a vacation or family visit)

Travel within the United States does not require registration. UNM faculty or staff who are not degree-seeking students are not required to register their travels. There is   no fee   for this registration.

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• Study Abroad

Why Business Students Should Study Abroad

Ellie is a Brit abroad who has been living and working for the past five years as an ESL teacher ...

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We often hear about the importance of pursuing higher education after college, and getting those qualifications under our belt. But, what about studying abroad ? It’s a completely different ball game compared to the conventional study experience and one that reaps so many rewards.

For business students, the reasons to study business abroad are compelling to say the least. It’s just one of those moves that makes sense.

If you’ve recently been asking yourself the question, “why study business abroad?” then strap yourself in and read on because this is the post for you. Read this extensively researched and thoroughly written article (yes, we’re blowing our own trumpet) and you’ll soon see why studying business abroad is the right decision for you .

15 reasons to study abroad as a business student

Now, although this is a nod to the business students out there, don’t think that all of this is exclusive. Some students of other disciplines will find a couple of these reasons relatable too. So without further ado, read on to see just some of the reasons why anyone pursuing a business major should study abroad:

1. Cultural exposure

If you’re ready to kick-start your business career, it’s time to see what studying abroad can do for you.

With travel comes cultural exposure , which increases tenfold when you’re living in the country too. Studying abroad will make you a more rounded, mindful individual—all respectable character traits in the world of business. With so many places to choose from , you’re spoiled for choice.

2. Personal growth

Moving away from your hometown will have some challenges but, with that, comes growth . Now imagine doing the same, but moving to an entirely different country .

It’s a whole other ball game. You'll be more independent, more adaptable, more resilient—just to name a few traits you’ll gain. All of these traits will give you an edge in your business ventures.

3. Global networking

Networking is a huge answer to why business students should study abroad. In business, contacts are key. Studying abroad will give you the chance to build connections globally . That’s one hell of a flex.

It could be with other students, local entrepreneurs, or lecturers. Either way the outcome is pretty much the same: You’re opening yourself up to international opportunities.

4. Language skills

Reasons to study business abroad aren’t just limited to furthering your knowledge in business. If you’re moving abroad, then it makes sense to learn the language . Even just a few basic sentences can help you out.

Speaking another language is invaluable in all walks of life, and the same goes for business. A basic grasp of another language can go a long way. Your language skills can help you increase sales, get more clients, or design a marketing campaign that reaches more people.

READ: 15 Best Languages to Learn for Business

5. international business insights.

Studying abroad will give you insight into trends and perspectives in another market.

Different countries have different business frameworks. Additionally, some of the trends that you see in your home country may not be prevalent elsewhere.

Studying abroad will give you a chance to soak up all of this. Knowledge of your country’s framework is one thing, but knowledge of another takes you to a whole other level.

6. Cross-cultural communication skills

You’ll notice it when you’re traveling, and we’re not just talking about a difference in accents. There’s a real difference in how people communicate, from the directness of German to the tentativeness of Japanese (generally speaking). Describing cross-cultural communication skills as useful is an understatement, and it’s another reason why studying business abroad will give you a head start.

7. Different style of education

Different countries have different styles and methods of teaching. Different subjects may be prioritized, and the structure of exams will vary too.

For you, that means broadening your experience, which will look great on your resume . Plus, knowing what kind of academic environment lets you best flourish is useful.

8. Access to international internships

Studying business in another country means that you’ll have access to their internships and programs. This is an opportunity that you won’t get while studying in your own country. The ceaseless opportunities that come with moving abroad is why prospective business students should study abroad.

9. Enhanced problem-solving skills

Living abroad requires a lot of thinking and problem-solving . You’ll find yourself in situations that you’ve never encountered, which means you’re forced to use those parts of the brain that usually gather dust.

Training the problem-solving side of your brain is a handy warm-up for when you take the plunge into your career. Think of it like stretching before you go for a run.

10. Global business credentials

It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and no industry shows this more clearly than business. It’s all about finding your place in the market and being the company to deliver. So why not give yourself a head start and study abroad?

In a job interview , you’ll be able to demonstrate to a future employer that you’ve been exposed to a global perspective. If this doesn’t spur you when asking, “why study business abroad?” then we don’t know what will.

11. Seeing the foreign market up close

Why study business abroad? Because you can’t beat living in a place if you want to really learn about it!

Studying business abroad will give you an insight to international markets—a huge plus given that so many are on the rise. This insight is a reason why business students should study abroad.

Just take a look at Huawei in China, Samsung in South Korea, or Nestle in Switzerland. Whichever country you choose to study in, you’re guaranteed to get exposure to a new foreign market.

12. Travel opportunities

With all that hard work, you’ll need to make time to unwind, and what’s more perfect than traveling on your days off from studying ? Explore all there is that your surrogate country has to offer.

If you’re based in a major city in Europe , then you’ll also be a convenient flight or bus ride away from other neighboring countries. The same goes for many other places around the world. What better reason to study business abroad?

13. A memorable adventure

Studying abroad isn’t just about studying. Deciding to go to college is an adventure in itself. Packing your bags, moving away from home for the first time, and meeting people from every pocket of the world—it’s a memorable experience.

Studying abroad brings a whole new definition to “adventure.” When your time is up, you’ll find yourself returning home with dozens of stories to share.

14. Exposure to other opinions

Living abroad doesn’t just mean exposing yourself to a new culture. Intercultural learning exposes you to a new way of thinking , a different set of values.

If you’re receptive enough, then you could end up with a blend of the very best that different cultures have to offer. That’s great for anyone but particularly useful for business students who are thinking about why they should study business abroad.

15. Exposure to different social norms

Studying abroad as a business student will launch your career.

Similar to cross-cultural communication, your time abroad will give you culture awareness and teach you about the different social nuances between countries.

Take these examples: In Hong Kong, it’s rude to start eating at a meeting before the host does; in India, business cards should be taken with two hands and never put in your trouser pocket; and when dining in Taiwan, it’s polite to leave some rice in your bowl. The ability to understand and navigate social norms is a vital skill if you’re working with clients and partners from different nations.

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 business study abroad programs—it’s free!

3 business study abroad programs to get you started.

You’ve got so many reasons to study business abroad, but where to start with finding somewhere to make this daydream a reality? We’ve got you covered and narrowed down a long list of business study options :

1. IES Abroad Amsterdam – Business & Economics

• Why? Studying business in Amsterdam has dozens of benefits. The city is a hub, and that handy EU membership will expose you to the trading dynamics of other countries like Germany, France, and Belgium. Plus, you’ll connect with other IES students and have the chance to take day trips to other Dutch cities.
• Where? Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Read IES Abroad reviews

2. Barcelona SAE: Intl. Business & Humanities Semester at UAB

• Why? Studying business at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is the perfect option for anyone looking for a vibrant international scene. It’s a place for expanding your global perspective and exposure to business frameworks of other countries. While you’re here, take a Spanish language class and learn a handy skill for your career ventures.
• Where? Barcelona, Spain
• Read Barcelona SAE reviews

3. CIEE Business + Culture in Toulouse, France

• Why? This program offers the opportunity to study at two esteemed institutions, the Toulouse Business School and the Institut Catholique de Toulouse, along with classes at CIEE Toulouse. The program includes co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE. You’ll also have the chance to brush up on your French .
• Where? Toulouse, France
• Read CIEE Study Abroad reviews

Sign up for a FREE MyGoAbroad account to save and compare programs side-by-side

Why should business students study abroad it’s obvious.

Broadening business knowledge, making personal and professional connections with people all over the world, the adventure of living in a foreign country, and a huge resume flex —you’ve really got everything to gain and nothing to lose by studying business abroad. Consider this as your sign to take the next step and start with your applications.

Explore ALL Business Study Abroad Programs on GoAbroad.com!

Explore Study Abroad Programs on GoAbroad.com

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