How Does a Semester Abroad Make You More Employable?
Authored By:
Did you know that studying abroad for a semester can make you more employable? It’s true!
Studies show that students who have studied abroad have a greater intercultural understanding, can better comprehend the complexity of global issues, and are more equipped to work with people from other countries. Simply put, those who study abroad will be highly valuable team members in the workforce.
Let’s take a closer look at how a semester abroad will make you more employable and why you should prioritize going on the adventure of a lifetime (for your future career, of course)!
Top 4 Reasons Why a Semester Abroad Makes You More Employable
You have a lot of study abroad options with CIEE, so you can gain valuable skills that will stand out to a future employer at different points in your academic career. We offer:
Let’s explore the top four reasons why you’ll become more employable after an adventure abroad, no matter which CIEE program you choose, and why our study abroad alums say the experience is an absolute must.
1. You’ll gain valuable work experience.
When you go abroad with CIEE, you won’t only advance in your studies, you’ll also gain valuable work experience, too. Particularly with our first year abroad programs and college study abroad programs, you can shadow professionals or even intern in an industry you’re passionate about.
In addition to learning more about an exciting field of work, you’ll learn more about different work practices, expectations of different roles within a business, and a clearer picture about what kind of career you want to pursue after college. Plus, you’ll be getting a firsthand look at how other countries operate - international experience that will give you a competitive edge over other job applicants after you graduate.
The research is clear: having the ability to work in different environments and with diverse groups of people, especially in settings where English may not be the primary language, is incredibly valuable to future employers.
2. You’ll expand your global professional network.
A study abroad experience with CIEE means tons of new connections, both personally and professionally. Having an international network is a big deal – you’ll have connections literally around the world helping you land jobs, offer valuable professional advice, global insight, and much more.
3. You’ll gain a whole new skill set.
Participating in a study abroad program is brave! You’ll need to adjust to living in a new and unfamiliar environment, meet many people from different backgrounds, and absorb a ton of new information. You’ll quickly learn how to problem-solve, communicate with others who may speak a different language, learn about other cultures, and ultimately, gain a lot of confidence and independence along the way – all wonderful qualities that employers seek!
4. Your resume will be a standout.
International experience guarantees an improved resume that will definitely stand out to future employers and show off both hard skills and soft skills, too. A person who chooses to go abroad is likely someone who is passionate, curious, skillful, and not afraid to take chances. These traits are key considerations for employers who want motivated employees who are also awesome human beings!
Featured Study Abroad Programs
As we’ve mentioned, we have lot of different study abroad programs that will each make you more employable in their own unique way. CIEE First Year Abroad is our newest offering, allowing high school graduates to start college abroad, sort of like a freshman year study abroad option.
Read More: What Is First Year Abroad?
Not only does this incredible program help you become more employable, but it’ll also enhance the rest of your college career, too. Check out a few of our exciting first year abroad programs available in 2024!
First Year Abroad in Berlin
Put your global education first with a study abroad program in Berlin, the capital of Germany. This lively city has a rich history, an innovative and eco-friendly way of life, and world-renowned cuisine (currywurst, anyone?). A first year abroad (or first semester abroad!) in Berlin means deepening your global perspective.
Program details:
- Credit: 12 – 13 semester hours / 18 – 19.5 quarter hours
- Application Deadlines: June 1 for Fall programs and October 30 for Spring programs
- Costs: Starting at $20,800
- Featured Course: General Psychology
- Excursion Highlight: See the splendor of Potsdam’s palaces
First Year Abroad in Kyoto
Known as the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is an inspiring, ancient city. During your first year abroad experience here, you’ll learn more about Japanese culture, set your sights on ancient teahouses, temples, and shrines, indulge in delicious foods, and learn more about Kyoto’s modern impact with visits to the International Manga Museum and the Nintendo Headquarters. Your first year abroad in Kyoto will be unforgettable.
Program details:
- Tentative Dates: Sep 30 – Dec 21, 2024
- Credit: 12 – 13 semester hours / 18 – 19.5 quarter hours
- Application Deadline: Dec 1, 2023
- Costs: $24,800
- Featured Course: Introduction to Computer Science I
- Excursion Highlight: Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace where former emperors lived in high style
First Year Abroad in London
Immerse yourself in the historical city in London, England and check out its many world-renowned landmarks. Enjoy access to eight royal parks in the heart of the city and more green space than any comparable location in the world.
Program details:
- Credit: 12 – 13 semester hours / 18 – 19.5 quarter hours
- Application Deadlines: June 1 for Fall programs and October 30 for Spring programs
- Costs: Starting at $22,800
- Featured Course: Introduction to Political Science
- Excursion Highlight: Take a delicious food tour through London’s Soho Chinatown
Don’t put off enriching your academic and professional career with a study abroad program! Check out CIEE’s many offers.