future plans after studying abroad essay

Educatistan

Explore your future plans after studying abroad, deciding your future plans after studying abroad.

For many students, studying abroad is a life-changing experience that allows them to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn a new language, and gain new perspectives. However, many students also struggle with what comes next after their study abroad program ends. Should they return home, pursue further education, or look for work abroad? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the different options, resources, and considerations that can help you plan for your future after studying abroad.

Consider your academic goals:

Studying abroad can be a great opportunity to gain new academic perspectives, skills, and experiences. As such, it’s important to think about whether you want to continue your academic career after your study abroad program ends. For example, you may want to apply to graduate school in your host country, continue your studies in your home country, or pursue a specialized program in a field related to your study abroad program. Be sure to research your options and talk to academic advisors and study abroad coordinators to find the best path for you.

Build your professional network:

Studying abroad is not just about learning in the classroom—it’s also an opportunity to meet new people, build new relationships, and expand your professional network. Consider attending career fairs, industry conferences, and networking events both in your host country and back home. Connect with alumni from your program, join professional associations, and seek out mentors who can help guide you in your career path. Building a strong network is essential for finding job opportunities and staying connected to the international community.

Develop your language skills:

One of the most valuable things about studying abroad is the opportunity to learn a new language or improve your language skills. Even if you didn’t study a language during your program, you can still work on your language skills once you return home. Consider taking language classes, joining conversation groups, or finding a language exchange partner who can help you practice speaking the language. Language skills are highly valued in today’s global job market, and can help you stand out from other candidates.

Explore international job opportunities:

Studying abroad can open up new job opportunities both in your host country and in other parts of the world. Consider searching for jobs on international job boards, researching companies that have a global presence, and seeking out international internships or volunteer opportunities. Being able to work effectively across cultures is a highly valued skill, and can lead to exciting career opportunities in fields such as international business, diplomacy, or development.

Keep in touch with your host country:

Finally, one of the best ways to maintain your connections to your study abroad program and host country is to stay in touch. Consider joining alumni networks or study abroad associations, and keeping up with local news and events. You can also consider returning to your host country for work or travel, or even pursuing a graduate degree or professional certification there. Staying connected to the culture and community you experienced during your study abroad program can help you maintain your language skills, broaden your perspectives, and continue to grow personally and professionally.

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Conclusion:

Studying abroad is just the first step in a lifelong journey of personal and professional growth. By considering your academic goals, building your professional network, developing your language skills, exploring international job opportunities, and staying connected to your host country, you can continue to expand your horizons and build a fulfilling career with global impact. Whatever path you choose after your study abroad program ends, remember that the world is full of possibilities and opportunities, and that your study abroad experience has given you the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to make the most of them.

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Study Abroad

How to Establish Your Own Study Abroad Goals

Megan Lee is an international educator, traveler, writer, & SEO. After leading study abroad p...

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Here’s what you gain from studying abroad. Like any major endeavor in life, one surefire way to maximize your ability to get the most out of an experience is to combine forethought and intention-setting with reflection and retrospection. Establishing your goals for studying abroad is a key step towards making this incredible opportunity as meaningful as possible.

Let friends in on your study abroad goals—instant accountability-buddies!

We’d hate for you—or any student—to let the learning potential of this experience go to waste. It’s nearly impossible to know why study abroad is beneficial to you if you haven’t done the legwork of establishing your own objectives of studying abroad. What's more, you shouldn't limit yourself to only study abroad learning goals. Think more broadly about how this experience can impact you professionally and personally, too.

Read on to learn our guide to setting your own study abroad goals, plus how to make sure you not only identify them, but that you crush ‘em, too.

Pro tip: Use S.M.A.R.T. goals

Before you sit down to write out your study abroad goals, know and understand the S.M.A.R.T. goal-planning framework. This can help make establishing your objectives a breeze.

S = SPECIFIC. No wishy-washy, vague, unclear goals here.

M = MEASURABLE. If you don’t have benchmarks to pair with your goals, how will you know if you’ve met or exceeded them?

A = ATTAINABLE. Don’t overcommit to an unreachable achievement. It needs to be something you actually can do.

R = REALISTIC. Similar to being attainable, your goals need to be practical and sensible. If you are working towards something only to realize part-way through that it’s near impossible to accomplish, your motivation will go out the window.

T = TIME-BOUND. Make sure you attach a time-period to each of your goal to increase your accountability to actually getting it done! For study abroad, this can look like goals before and after your international experience, or even goals while studying abroad.

Types of study abroad goals you should think about

Keeping in mind that you can have different goals for before, during, or while studying abroad, here are some broad examples of important study abroad goals to consider making your own:

Academic goals for study abroad

YOU will have the biggest impact on your academic outcomes of study abroad.

There’s a reason it’s called “study” abroad and not “give-up-all-things-learning-and-just-get-credit-for-no-reason” abroad. You have to study—and even have study abroad learning objectives! To help you stay focused and make your time abroad as a student productive, you should determine a healthy number of your own study abroad academic goals.

So, what are some academic goals for studying abroad?

Example academic goals for studying abroad:

Don’t procrastinate. Get your work done on time (or dare we say, early?)
Attend classes. You think it’s hard enough on your school campus, but just wait until your distraction possibilities include things like crazy-cheap plane tickets to London that leave on Wednesdays.
Do your homework—including reading. Give yourself ample time to absorb and review your work.
Set a goal for your grades. A 4.0 GPA can be a pretty badass souvenir from your semester abroad…
Take notes. Active listening is good, but when paired with active note-taking, it’s even better.
Find a study spot all for yourself. This can be a neighborhood cafe, a nook in your international university library, maybe your dorm room.
Get enough sleep & take care of yourself. There’s nothing wrong with including self-care in your study abroad academic goals. Going to class feeling like your best self will help you focus, improve knowledge retention, and ace your exams.
Do an internship. Pairing theoretical knowledge with opportunity for real-world application through a professional experience abroad is a winning combination.
Take a foreign language course. Immersion FTW!
Take a course on a different subject in a foreign language. You want to actually improve your Spanish? Here’s a great step towards that.
Visit with each professor at least once over the course of your program. Bonus: Becoming more than just another student in their class can reap many benefits.
Read 1-2 books about your study abroad destination. These can be on any topic, so long as it gives you even more context about your new home.
Participate in class. Raise your hand, add your two cents to discussions, ask that question you feel a little silly asking…
Write more than the bare minimum for one paper. Or get at least one 100% on a test. Push yourself to accomplish more than “good enough.”
Time management. Carve out time in your daily schedule for accomplishing all of your study abroad academic goals!

Professional goals for study abroad

Study abroad + professional goals = winning combination! #Hired

One of the best takeaways from an experience abroad is a bright, shiny addition to your resume. But you can’t just put it on your future applications and hope that hiring committees will be impressed—you have to have some meat to it. You have to have more in-depth professional goals for study abroad and think deeply about how study abroad can impact your career .

Example professional goals for study abroad:

Network. Remember the golden rule: offer more to new people you meet than what you ask for.
Research careers. Talk to professionals in your chosen field that are working abroad, whether they are “locals” or “foreigners” in that position.
Shadow a professional. When else are you going to have the chance to see what a “typical day” in an international office is like?
Score an internship. You can find part-time internships in your study abroad destination that can sometimes earn you additional credits. If this is a huge goal of yours, talk to your academic advisor and study abroad advisor well in-advance to learn your options.
Challenge the way you think. There are many different solutions to different problems in the world. Take some time while abroad to look for other ways of doing things.
Set an appointment with a career mentor or planning advisor. You can often have these meetings virtually—start planting seeds now for future career moves later.
Master intermediate or advanced fluency in a foreign language. If you want to use a second language in the workplace someday, now’s the time to kick your skills into high gear.
Develop a global mindset. Global workers are only able to function in diverse environments if they have adequately developed cross-cultural minded knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Improve your soft-communication skills. Solid communication skills are essential for career success. Make a goal of becoming more empathetic, improving your listening skills, handling conflicts. Emotional intelligence will serve you well in the workplace and beyond.
Take on a leadership role within your study abroad group. Maybe your resident director needs help facilitating a clean up schedule or asked for student support in arranging your fall break travel schedule. Step up!

Personal goals

Hopefully your study abroad reasons & goals include personal growth & development.

Your study abroad personal goals are just that… personal! When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you hope to accomplish? Who do you want to be? Who do you want to become? Start charting your path towards self-improvement with the help of setting study abroad personal goals.

Example goals for personal growth from studying abroad:

Become more confident. Look at you rockin’ wit yo’ bad self! ABROAD!
Learn travel skills. Create strategies for booking hotels and hostels, finding great flight deals, or researching fun things to do in a country.
Wake up early. We’ll let you in on a little secret: morning is the best time of day.
Don’t let your diet crumble. You really don’t need two pretzels from that adorable street food vendor, do you?
Develop a self-care routine. Face wash, meditating, yoga. Long showers. Reading instead of scrolling through your phone at bed time. Short walks after every meal. You name it.
Become proactive. Be the creator of your life!
Read more. If you haven’t read a book “for fun” in awhile, now is the perfect time.
Pause your Netflix subscription. Your fave shows will be waiting patiently for you to binge whenever you get home, don’t worry. GET OUT THERE AND LIVE LIFE INSTEAD!
Adopt a growth mindset. Everything is an opportunity to learn if you let it be. Think more about your attitude towards hardships and wins in life and how it can affect your overall wellbeing.
Travel solo at least once. It’s fun to adventure with friends but have you ever adventured by yourself?! Give it a whirl!
Write a blog. What you have to say matters. Share it!
Have more patience with people who frustrate you. Not everyone can be your BFF, but you can challenge yourself while abroad to show more grace to people who usually get under your skin. This is just one example of possible areas for personal growth from studying abroad!
Chill out on the social media front. Blame bad connectivity or weird time zones, then limit the time you spend mentally checking out of your study abroad destination every day.
Learn a local recipe. Learning to cook for yourself is no easy task. Work on these skills now, and throw in something fun and local (and tasty) to learn, too!
Write three letters home. You don’t need to go wild and write every long lost family member, but writing a few—maybe even one to your future self—makes for great study abroad personal goals.
Start a savings account. If you have yet to experience the satisfaction of working hard towards saving for a big purchase and accomplishing your goal, now’s your chance.
Don’t break a bone. Come back with all of your limbs—a safety-related study abroad goal can be helpful.
Visit ## " class="wysiwyg-hashtag"> ## countries. If you want your passport stamp collection to reach double digits, make visiting multiple countries a goal!
Get involved with a local organization or activity. Adult sport leagues, a meaningful cause, a language partners group. Push your comfort zone and join something cool!
Not ask Mom & Dad for more $$. This is your chance to test your personal financing skills—budget your money properly and you’ll never have to crawl to your parents begging for more.

Your goals of studying abroad matter

Making your own study abroad objectives might not be sexy... but it's essential!

Your study abroad goals are hugely important—and deeply individualistic. Get some ideas from above, but also sit down and have a think about what YOU want to accomplish. Your goals, whether personal, professional, or academic, can (and should) span the spectrum.

Your last task is to schedule time to REVIEW your S.M.A.R.T. study abroad goals. Without planning this session to purposefully reflect on where you fell short and where you exceeded in your objectives, you miss a huge opportunity for growth.

Now get out there and accomplish your mission. We’ve got your back!

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The impact of studying abroad - and of being made to return home again

David mckenzie.

Studying abroad is becoming increasingly common in many countries – with almost 3 million students educated each year at the tertiary level in a country other than their own. For developing countries in particular, studying abroad offers many of the promises and fears of brain drain (both of which I think are overblown). But understanding the causal impact is hard, because people self-select into whether or not to study abroad, and there are no lotteries or other experiments we can turn to for easy answers. Three recent non-experimental papers succeed to varying degrees in providing some convincing causal evidence.

The most convincing of the three studies is a recent paper by Matthias Parey and Fabian Waldinger which has just appeared in the Economic Journal. They consider the impact of studying abroad due to the European Erasmus student exchange program on whether German students live abroad in the first 5 years after graduating. They find studying abroad for a year during undergraduate studies (after which they return to finish their studies) increases the likelihood of working abroad early in the career by 15 percentage points, and provide some suggestive evidence that one of the channels for this might be through meeting a foreign partner, in addition to the more work-related channels.

The Erasmus study uses instrumental variables for identification. They rely on the fact that the Erasmus program was rolled out slowly through German universities and departments within universities. Controlling for a student’s entry cohort, subject, and university, they argue that the fact that, for example, there were scholarships for political science at University X but not for economics, whereas for University Y there were scholarships for economics but not political science, was due to idiosyncratic reasons such as particular faculty connections. What is very nice about the paper is that they take threats to the exclusions restrictions very seriously, and have more than 2 pages carefully discussing possible threats to identification, checks they can do to rule these threats out, and a whole lot of sensitivity analysis. They also note that while IV allows them to only estimate a local average treatment effect (LATE), this LATE is precisely the parameter of policy interest- the effects of studying abroad for those people who only study abroad due to the Erasmus program.

A second approach is used by Oosterbeek and Webbink in a paper just out in Economica . They consider Dutch students who apply to a scholarship program to study for year abroad of graduate study. The selection committee ranks all students, and only those whose rank is above a certain cut-off get a scholarship. This naturally leads to a regression discontinuity approach, which compares outcomes for students just above and just below this threshold. The downside is that the scholarship is pretty exclusive, so even pooling together multiple years of entrants still only gives 25 students just below the cutoff and 51 just above. They find for this group that studying abroad increases the likelihood of living outside of the Netherlands early in their career by 30 percentage points.

The identification idea is sound in this paper, but the small sample size makes it more difficult to do a number of the best practice smoothness checks around the discontinuity with any precision. Moreover, as is well-known, regression discontinuity designs only identify the treatment effect in the neighborhood of the discontinuity. In this case the sample is pretty specialized – talented Dutch students who apply for this particular scholarship, in a context where to apply for the scholarship they already have to have a definite plan of where they will study abroad, that it may be more difficult to generalize these findings.

A further challenge both these studies face is a common one in migration work – of actually being able to track migrants. Both surveys only look at people relatively soon after graduation, and tracking rates seem to still be only 51% in the Dutch survey and 25% in the German surveys. This points to the need for better systems of tracking migrants.

The third, and least convincing paper, is also the one that is likely of most direct interest to developing countries. In a paper appearing in a recent NBER volume, Kahn and MacGarvie try and examine the impacts of the U.S. Foreign Fulbright program on knowledge creation in sciences and engineering. The Fulbright program provides scholarships to enable foreign students to come to U.S. graduate schools, but then requires that these students return to their home countries for 2 years after graduation. [Fun fact: apparently working for the World Bank or other international organizations is a loophole]. The question then is whether and how forcing people to go back to their home countries after graduate study impacts on their careers. The authors find Fulbright recipients in sciences and engineering have significantly fewer high-impact publications and overall citations, with this result strongest for people from the poorest countries – i.e. being made to go back to a poor country is a career killer.

The result seems intuitive enough, but the identification is not very convincing. The authors employ a matching approach , attempting to match each Fulbright recipient to another foreign student in the U.S. on a few basic characteristics such as ranking of PhD institution, field of study, year of Ph.D., gender, and log GDP of the home country. This is not convincing for several reasons. First, it assumes that people who got Fulbrights would have been able to study abroad if they didn’t get them – whereas a regression discontinuity based on comparing those who just miss out on the Fulbright to those who get it might be more compelling. Second, matching is on the basis of variables which themselves might be outcomes of getting the Fulbright, not ex ante determinants. Third, matching is more convincing when there is a rich set of variables to match on, which definitely doesn’t describe this case. And finally, this is a case where I would find it hard to find matching convincing – given how important this Fulbright requirement to return is, I would expect to find people self-selecting into whether they apply or not (and whether they take it up or not) depending on their desire to return home.

The return requirements of the Fulbright and other scholarship programs certainly warrant further study. John Gibson and I have studied emigration from Papua New Guinea, and find many high-skilled individuals there who appear to have returned to PNG after studying in Australia because of a 2-year return requirement, and that few of these then seem to have subsequently left again. So I believe that these requirements may have large effects – but don’t think we know much about what the cost in terms of career prospects are of such requirements.

The impacts of policies to spur or hinder international student mobility are important to learn about, so it is great to see some papers starting to look at these issues – and to see plenty of scope for further work which builds on this. To get a broader view of new research in migration, take a look at the program for the 4 th Migration and Development Conference which was held a week ago at Harvard: lots of interesting new studies were presented.

Lead Economist, Development Research Group, World Bank

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Articles & Advice > Financial Aid > Blog

How to Write a Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay

Studying abroad is a big and expensive part of many students' education, and scholarships can help with that. Here's how to ace those study abroad scholarship essays.

by Ashley Halsey Professional Educator and Writer

Last Updated: Mar 16, 2023

Originally Posted: Nov 23, 2019

Studying abroad is a dream opportunity that can have so many benefits, some of which you may not even realize as you head into your application or daydream about having the chance to go. The most obvious benefit is that you get to experience a different culture, different people, or a different way of life. This is fascinating on its own and could be considered reason enough to start your application. Add to that the opportunity to freshen your perspective with a change of scenery, make new friends, potentially pay lower tuition and living fees, learn a different language, and broaden your understanding of the world, and you’ve got something all students should at least think about doing while at university.

Of course, study abroad isn’t as easy as signing a form and away you go. Most of the time, you’ll need to have some financial support from an institution before you can go galloping off. To earn this, you’ll almost always have to write an essay and compete with your peers for the opportunity. So, here are some tips for making sure that it’s you getting on that plane and not anyone else.

Read the prompt carefully

The most classic error students make with any essay is not answering the question. This goes for travel abroad writing as much as anything else. “You can write the most incredible essay full of perfect demonstrations of your intelligence and passion, but if it doesn’t answer the question, it won’t get considered at all,” says Jake Cole, an educator at Writinity . You’ll also write a more informed essay if you really understand the parameters of your question. You might easily be vague in how you respond if you don’t really know what you’re responding to. A good technique is to reread the question several times, highlighting operative words when they occur to you as a way to keep things under control.

Related: How to Read a College Application Essay Prompt

Surprise your reader

It’s easy to write formulaic essays —an intro, a few body paragraphs, a conclusion, and you’re done. A study abroad essay is unorthodox by nature, so you definitely don’t want to limit yourself in form or substance. The other thing you’re up against is how much competition there is for each spot in the program. The people who make decisions will read hundreds of essays, and you want to make sure yours stands out so come decision time, they haven’t forgotten yours exists. Take an approach to your essay that’s different from what you suspect others are going for. Use your alternative approach as a connection to how strongly you feel about the application. It’s easy to dash off a standard essay, but it’s difficult to slowly piece together something more unusual and specific. It shows care and attention, two traits they’ll want to see to prove you actually deserve the scholarship.

Run your essay past the right people

It’s easy to get too insular as you work on an essay. They tend to take a good amount of time, and most people prefer to work in isolation. This means you could write an essay for six hours without even stopping to let your own mind have a subjective overview, let alone get an outside opinion. “Whenever I write anything extended, I will always run it past people around me. In the case of a scholarship essay, past winners, parents, people from where you are hoping to transfer to, and your professors are going to be your biggest resources as you try to put something of consequence together,” explains Kaya Gopal, tutor at DraftBeyond and ResearchPapersUK . Always get second, third, and fourth opinions on your content to make sure you’re in the best position to avoid getting lost in your own work, which can definitely happen if you aren’t careful.

Related: Secrets to Writing an Amazing Scholarship Essay

This is always important! Making mistakes in a standard essay is bad, but you’re fighting so hard in a study abroad scholarship essay that if you aren’t vigilant about the small things, those judging your work will be eager to cut you out to save themselves the trouble. Proofreading is a complex process. It’s harder than just passing an eye over your work. There are different layers to it: Does your essay’s logic stand? Have you done everything you said you’d do? Is it structured correctly? Is all the spelling correct? The grammar ? The syntax? Each of these details is as important as the rest. Again, getting these things correct helps demonstrate to readers how committed you are to your application and how much work you’re willing to put in to be accepted. Conversely, if you fail to proofread, it comes across like you don’t care about your application.

Do your research

Before you write your essay, you need to research the country, city, and institution you’ll attend if you get the scholarship and, in a different sense, you need to research yourself. Researching yourself means knowing why it is that you actually want the scholarship and how it will be instrumental in making a difference in your life. This means taking some time for reflection.

Related: List: The Experts’ Choice: Terrific Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad is such an incredible opportunity, so you have to do everything in your power to ensure the application you put in to secure funding is as strong as possible. Hopefully these tips will help as you think about writing your essay.

Find scholarships to fund your study abroad goals with our Scholarship Search tool.

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Studying abroad can transform your academic future – here’s how

New places, new foods, new faces – studying abroad appeals to our curiosity and sense of adventure. Many people say they have the time of their lives abroad – and that it transforms them in more ways than one. But what about your academic performance? Surely there must be some benefits tucked into that area as well.

Whether it’s getting better grades, finding more motivation or creating clearer goals, studying abroad can transform your academic future and set you on a path to exactly where you want to go – here’s how:

1. You rediscover your drive

Studying abroad shakes up your everyday, familiar routine. It helps you see things from new angles. Say goodbye to the mundane and hello to a fresh start. You’ll tackle whatever comes your way at your school or university with revamped curiosity and motivation. You might even find yourself appreciating a subject matter that used to bore you or signing up for an unexpected class or degree. Getting out of your comfort zone makes you appreciate it that much more when you return.

2. Your language fluency is enhanced

Although student exchanges that involve you transferring to another country and another university for a few months are rightfully popular and can enhance your language skills, an even more accessible way to experience the benefits of studying abroad is to learn a language abroad (full disclosure: it’s our specialty). You can fit a language course abroad into breaks or holidays during the school year, or do one after dropping out of university in order to figure out your next move (see point 6).

And regardless of what language you studied abroad, the difference will be clear in class. You’ve added new words to your vocabulary, ironed out some difficult pronunciation mishaps and are more comfortable engaging in conversations with your classmates. You’ll feel accomplished knowing that you’ve improved an important skill and who doesn’t love that feeling? Perhaps you even want to study another language or deepen your existing language skills with another study abroad program.

3. You can better manage your studies

Once you’ve lived abroad, you can handle anything. Think about it – everything is new when you arrive, from public transportation to the currency to cultural customs. You have to find your footing and adapt. Along the way, you develop valuable skills, such as self-confidence, time management, resourcefulness, discipline and even creativity . These skills jump into your life experience backpack and travel back with you. Be ready to organize your to-do lists with ease, take the initiative with group projects, think more creatively about tricky problems and prepare for exams with finesse.

4. You make important connections

People say it’s not what you know but who you know for a reason. New friends, host family members, mentors and teachers can become sources of inspiration for you in your future academic endeavors. Perhaps you get an internship through someone you met or study abroad in a city you would never have thought of otherwise. Network with people you meet, you never know where it could lead.

5. You’re more desirable for internships or scholarships

Studying abroad shows people you are open and curious about the world. It’s an investment in yourself and your future that sets you apart from others. When you apply for an internship or scholarship, share how the experience both challenged and benefited you. It might not be an automatic way to get a “yes,” but it does give you major plus points.

6. You find clarity about your goals

It’s okay to not know the next steps. Life isn’t meant to play out like a straight line, and this includes your academic timeline. There’s nothing quite like going abroad to get some headspace and discover who you are and what you want. Sometimes all we need is a little change to get the motivation engine running again. Take some time to write out your goals before and after your trip. Compare them and see what has changed.

7. You expand your worldview

Living in a foreign culture is exciting but also challenging. You learn to communicate across different cultures, discover creative ways to solve problems and expose yourself to new ways of thinking. There’s nothing quite like meeting people who challenge you to look outside of the box. You will return to your campus with a greater sense of appreciation for those around you. Maybe you even find yourself questioning things about your own beliefs.

8. You decide to pursue higher education

Studying abroad can expand your educational horizons and not just in the short-term. Surveys continually show that students who study abroad are much more likely to obtain a graduate degree. It makes sense. Your experience abroad is life-changing. It might inspire you to pursue additional academic endeavors. Nothing saves “I love academia” more than a postgraduate degree.

Discover the world and study a language abroad

Studying abroad can transform your academic future – here’s how

1. You rediscover your drive

2. Your language fluency is enhanced

3. You can better manage your studies

4. You make important connections

5. You’re more desirable for internships or scholarships

6. You find clarity about your goals

7. You expand your worldview

8. You decide to pursue higher education

Study abroad and discover the world

Further your career prospects by studying abroad

Students and employers explain why international experience helps graduates get ahead in the workplace..

Student life
Study abroad

Carly Minsky

Studying far from home is an exciting prospect, full of new places, people and adventures in an unfamiliar land.

But what if your desire to go abroad is more strategic? Securing that sought-after graduate job is a worthwhile aspiration to keep in mind, and a study abroad experience can be important for your future career.

Step into your future: attend our events

Whether or not you hope to use multiple languages in the workplace, international experience gives you precisely the skills that employers are looking for in a global business environment.

These skills include openness to new challenges, curiosity and tolerance towards different values and behaviours.

An Erasmus Impact Study by the European Commission found that 92 per cent of employers are actively seeking graduates with these so-called “transversal skills”.

And the further you travel, the more transferable skills you could pick up.

If you are planning to move across continents for your study abroad, the process of adapting to unfamiliar social, cultural and professional environments could make the key difference in your future profession.

This is the view of Danny Kalman, who was Panasonic’s global head of talent management and oversaw a leadership programme that sent employees from Japan to Europe to refine their global outlook and business skills.

He believes that international experience is essential for an all-rounded leader.

In his work, he saw that Japanese employees who had already studied at European or American institutes were at an advantage with respect to English language skills, confidence and openness to new working environments.

So if you ultimately aim to work abroad, international study could be your first step to understanding a new business environment.

Mr Kalman has himself experienced the contrasting business approaches across different cultures, since Americans and Europeans tend to be more assertive and impulsive, while Japanese businessmen are measured and reflective.

But the difficulties of working in a new cultural context can be overcome if employees spend time in each other’s countries.

The most important reason to study abroad, according to Mr Kalman, is that it encourages globally minded employees who respect diversity and can be more creative as a result.

He explained: “There is this wonderful Japanese word – sunao – which is literally translated as having an open or uncluttered mind. By looking at things in a sunao mind, it gives you a fresh way of thinking, different insights and different ideas.”

For some, simply having international experience on their CV has helped them stand out from a competitive crowd of job-seeking graduates.

David Marsden, responsible for human resources in Lloyds Bank capital markets business, decided when he left school that a cultural experience in Asia would benefit him vocationally, particularly given the impact of emerging markets such as China.

He decided to study for a BA in management with East Asian studies at the University of Nottingham . In 2005, he was part of the first UK cohort to spend a year at Nottingham’s purpose-built flagship campus in Malaysia.

“As I have moved through my career, hiring managers have always been interested in the period of study abroad, motivations for doing so and my continued presence overseas,” he said.

“I am regularly told by head-hunters that this experience, albeit for 12 months, will be a strong element of my CV that will differentiate me from other candidates.”

The good news for international students and those seeking study abroad opportunities is that employers are now actively seeking graduates from all over the world, particularly those with international experience.

But you don’t have to just take my word for it; the aim to create a diverse workplace is also confirmed by Sonal Sutcliffe, head of development UK at HSBC, where 30 per cent of the summer internship intake to the global banking and markets division are students from international universities.

She said: “Our aim is to be the world’s leading international bank. To help achieve this we need our employees to be open to different ideas and cultures as well as being connected to our customers and the communities in which we work.

“Having multicultural awareness and an international mind set is definitely an advantage as individuals move forward in their careers.

“Spending a period of time working in a different culture gives a greater awareness and appreciation of different points of view as well as knowledge of what is important in different communities.”

However, since the UK’s post-study work visa was abolished in 2012, it is no easy feat to gain employment in the UK if you are from outside the EU.

Jay Merchant, from Bombay, India, studied economics at Franklin and Marshall College in the US and at the University of Oxford in the UK. He received job offers in the UK after various internships during his course of study.

He advises prospective Indian students to think carefully about the degree and institution they want to attend in the UK, as employers can be extremely selective and prioritise graduates from a “top 10” UK university.

Whether you secure a job in your home country or abroad, the insight gained in a foreign university will generally help in professional contexts.

For Mr Merchant, it was the formal tone and precision of communication in the UK that provided excellent preparation for effective communication in the workplace.

This is just one of the factors that makes the UK a prime destination for international students and business people.

Mr Merchant explained: “I also find the UK – in particular London and the South East – to be fantastically global. In the field of finance, which is possibly the most global profession on this planet, this is tremendously useful as you interact and engage with people from all across the world.

“This is less the case in the US where the focus is very much America-centric. You are more likely to build contacts with and appreciate people from across the planet in the UK than you are elsewhere.”

Even if you hope to study or work outside the financial sector, international experience could nonetheless serve you well, as other industries are recognising the benefits of educational and cultural exchanges.

In September 2015, Nottingham and Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine will launch the first UK-China joint pharmacy course, to promote cross-cultural learning within the healthcare industry.

In the UK in 2012, 24 per cent of engineering and technology students, 16 per cent of both computer science and law students, and 13 per cent of architecture, building and planning students were non-EU citizens.

Study abroad is not always possible for every student. But if it is off the cards for you, do not despair! The experience of living, working and studying alongside international people, even in your home region, can give you the skills and open-mindedness that employers seek.

Bruce Rayton, associate dean for postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Bath , wants to provide all postgraduate students with a sense of how business is conducted all over the world.

According to Dr Rayton, creating an international environment on campus is integral to fulfilling this aim.

“We achieve it through many different mechanisms,” he says. “One of them is to send our students ‘over there’, but another is to create reciprocal opportunities for students to come here from overseas.

“The experience isn’t just for those who travel here; the experience is created for all those here on campus, because we enrich the university community and provide a set of experiences, examples and cultural perspectives that we simply wouldn’t get otherwise.”

So if you are looking to enhance your employment prospects, this is the advice from experts and graduates who have been in your shoes:

Seek out international study opportunities in unfamiliar places
Be open-minded to new experiences and cultures
Strategically choose which university to study at – see The World University Rankings and The University Directory
Even if you can’t go abroad, choose to study in international environments in your home region – see Best Universities For International Outlook
Choose your course and institution carefully – employers can be very selective
Apply for internships and work experience during summer vacations – students often secure jobs after an internship
Research your visa status – the post-study work visa is no longer available
Highlight your diverse cultural experience to potential employers – they are looking for adaptability and open-mindedness

Facts and Figures: International Students

In 2011-12, there were 78,715 Chinese students and 29,900 Indian students at UK universities.
Non-EU students counted for 28 per cent of business studies students, 24 per cent of engineering and technology students, 16 per cent of computer science students, 16 per cent of law students, and 13 per cent of architecture students in the UK.

The United States

In 2013-14, there were 274,439 Chinese students and 102,673 Indian students at a US university.
International students counted for 21 per cent of business studies students, 19 per cent of engineering students, 10 per cent of maths and computer science students, 8 per cent of social sciences students, and 8 per cent of physical and life sciences students in the US.

Data is 2013-14 from the Institute of International Education

Studying Abroad: Reasons and Expectations Essay

Introduction.

Choosing where to continue education is a challenging decision for many. Students-to-be approach this differently depending on their academic abilities and personal preferences. Even though the U.S. education system is said to be one of the best in the world, American students can benefit from studying abroad. As far as my personal opinion is concerned, studying overseas offers some benefits and favorable outcomes that make it a reasonable option.

I want to study abroad due to three main reasons. Firstly, it has always been my dream to travel across the world, and studying in another country will allow me to mix business with pleasure. Secondly, this option is helpful for me to learn a foreign language quickly because I will be inside the native environment, which will facilitate the learning process. Thirdly, studying overseas will help me develop my personal and professional skills, such as resilience, multi-tasking, adaptability, and others, because a different culture will help me mobilize all resources to overcome various problems.

As for the expected outcomes, they are represented by two essential aspects. On the one hand, studying overseas will provide me with academic opportunities that are not available to me in my native country. As a result, I will obtain specific knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be beneficial for my future. On the other hand, studying abroad offers better employment opportunities. It is said that many employers, especially large companies, welcome candidates with international experience.

In conclusion, studying abroad has a few significant benefits and positive outcomes, even despite the fact that the modern American education system is of high quality. It is explained by those professional and personal advantages that I can acquire from choosing this option. That is why moving to another country to study seems to be an effective possibility to achieve successful results in the future.

Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 22). Studying Abroad: Reasons and Expectations. https://ivypanda.com/essays/studying-abroad-reasons-and-expectations/

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Bibliography

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Crafting the Perfect Study Abroad Essay

Follow these tips to make your study abroad essay stand out.

Applying to Study Abroad

future plans after studying abroad essay

Whether you just want to do a semester or an entire program abroad, it’s likely a study abroad essay will be required. Students are beginning to realize what a great opportunity it is to take their studies abroad. Not only is it a great way to make new friends, practice your language skills, and travel while studying, it’s also great to put on a resume . So, it’s no wonder students are lining up to pick their top destinations and programs to study abroad.

To make sure they pick students who are ready and serious about studying abroad , most schools will, therefore, require a study abroad essay. The essay is a chance to make a great first impression and show the university administration that you’re ready to make the commitment to take your education even further by going abroad.

Consider some of the following tips to really make your study abroad essay stand out!

Want to find a degree in your dream destination?

Use our search to browse programs abroad!

1) Explain Why Study Abroad Will Make a Difference for Your Studies

A lot of students want to study abroad just for the experience and the excitement of living and learning abroad. These are important aspects, of course; however, school administration wants to know why going to your top study abroad destination will make a difference to your education.

Be specific! Explain the impact studying abroad will have on your personal and professional growth. Don’t just highlight how you think you will learn a lot. What do you expect to get from the program specifically? Is there a reason you picked one country over another to study in?

The more specific you are the better. It shows the university that you have given serious thought to your studies and that you are ready for the commitment!

2) Let Them Know Why You Picked Where You Want to Study

Instead of just saying you will study anywhere, as long as it’s abroad, tell the university why you picked your top study abroad destination. Write with enthusiasm and let admissions know what you are excited to see and do in your new home.

Make sure you do the research in advance! Name some museums you would be interested in exploring or some monument you would be interested in seeing. It’s in your favor if you can also tie these back to your study program!

This will show your school that you will not take your study abroad experience for granted, and that you already have things to do to integrate into your new home easier.

3) Describe Why You’re Qualified

Whether you've recently entered college or are ready to graduate, your experience says a lot about what you will accomplish on your study abroad. If you want to make your study abroad essay stand out, make sure to make mention of your previous experience.

Mention major academic accomplishments, work experience, or skills that you might find useful abroad, such as knowledge of a second language.

The university knows you will learn a lot during your time abroad, but the more you can bring to the program, the better!

4) Show Your Personality

The best study abroad essays are the ones with a little bit of personality! Your essay should still sound professional, but don’t be afraid to let yourself shine through as well. Studying abroad comes with challenges, and if the university gets a sense you are ready for them, you will move to the top of the list.

Add a personal story about something relevant to living and studying abroad. Describe a time you traveled somewhere new or met a friend from a different country. A well-rounded individual with some experience is the perfect candidate for studying abroad.

Showing some enthusiasm while also keeping your expectations realistic is the right way to show the admissions team that you have thought long and hard about your decision to study abroad, and that you are ready to pack up and move abroad.

5) Follow Instructions

It might sound simple, but if you don’t want your study abroad essay to be immediately tossed aside, make sure to read and follow all the instructions given. Some universities will ask specific questions or ask students to format their essays in a particular way.

Don’t ignore these instructions! It’s the first step to making a great impression.

If the essay is open-ended — great! Follow our tips to get inspired. But, if there are specific questions, make sure you answer them clearly and concisely. There might not be any right or wrong answers, but your school will still be looking for students who are able to express themselves and get their point across.

The Perfect Study Abroad Essay

If you followed our advice so far, you’ll be looking at the study abroad essay that’s going to get you into the program of your choice at the study abroad destination of your dreams!

Don't forget to proofread before handing in your essay. If possible, it's great to have someone take a look over it as well, especially if it's a professor or someone who has written a study abroad essay before.

Unsure of where to study abroad?

Check out our handy country guides!

Keystone Team Author

The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.

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Study abroad resources and articles

Careers after studying abroad, study abroad career impact.

Recently your parents have been asking question about what you will work and also you have this feeling that life is a bit different, because it is time to prove that your study abroad program was not for nothing: you have to find a job and get started with your life.

Once upon a time you were thinking about the advantages of studying abroad. Probably you figured that international education is a great chance to boost your language skills and improve your international career opportunities. Also you hoped for various educational benefits, a decent amount of air miles bonus (i.e. traveling), networking and some fun in your target country.

In this section we discuss the positive impacts of study abroad programs from the professional angle and take a look at your international and domestic opportunities after you studied in a foreign country. You will find helpful details on:

how can studying abroad support job search,
how to get started with landing a dream job,
what employers require and how to sell your global experience,
how can you stand out when applying for a job.

How does study abroad help your career?

Most employers think that international experience is essential.
International students get a 25% higher starting salary on average.
Higher rate of acceptance into graduate school or doctorate programs.
97% of international students find a job within a year after graduation.
Fortune 1000 executives find studying abroad to be a good investment.
International students are more satisfied due to their clearer career goals.
Unique insights into the local culture and a better understanding of the world.

You walked the extra mile, you have the right to expect above the average salary at a top company.

Studying abroad may reshape professional goals

You had a rock solid life plan, but your international experience just washed it away – in a good sense tough. How can this be? Studying abroad acts as a natural catalyst to:

tap into your hidden resources that lead to a breakthrough in your field
look at your sought career path from a different angle
refocus your interest to border sciences
explore unfamiliar professional areas
wake up the entrepreneur inside
think global forever
personal growth

It goes without saying that whenever you turn the wheel of your life a degree to the right or left, your overall career path may go through dramatic changes. It is all okay, as long as you thought through all your options and your new life plans make sense from the professional and personal aspects equally.

However you can never be sure whether reorganizing your professional plans is the best thing to do. It is obviously risky to change anything in life, because we like to keep what is already in our possession, let it be experience, network or status in a given field. On the other hand a missed opportunity may lead to constant stress in your life. International education can trigger radical changes in your professional interest that naturally influences your career choice as well. So here is a study abroad career lifehack.

Ask yourself the following questions to compare your professional alternatives:

What offers the best professional potential in the longer run?
How could you apply your experience and skills in a new field?
What is a better fit for your personality?
What makes you - and the people you love - happy?

In case most of your answer are in favor of preserving the status quo, then you are not ready to take the risks of substantial changes in your life. However if the career changes allow you to better exploit your personal and professional strengths, reduce inner stress and simply make you happier in the long run, well, then you know what to do.

Plan your global career

Maybe you graduate next year only, you want to go to graduate school or go on with a PhD program or you're done with your studies: you have to make plans for the future regarding your profession.

learn about your personality, write down your strengths and weaknesses
understand your professional strengths and weaknesses
decide about the destination: domestic (at a multi) or international
define your professional interest: industry and type of organization
align your personal and professional strengths with your professional interest
set up a timeline: get started with a job search months before graduation

Where should you work abroad?

You decided that you apply for an international job opportunity, that took some courage. Most likely you already have some destinations in mind (maybe it's your study abroad host country), but you have to collect information about:

working visa restrictions
apartment finding, public safety
required foreign languages
cost of living in the host country
salary range and career advancement opportunities
host culture and working ethics
local labor market
experience of fellow expats in the target country

Sell your international experience

You invested a lot of money in studying abroad, so find a job that lives up to your potential.

Besides the professional experience, hiring managers value the skills you acquired in an intercultural setting and that can be easily transferred to any work place. These are the so called transversal skills that forecast your potential at any workplace, such as your ability to:

quickly integrate into a new environment,
apply your host country specific culture knowledge,
use your foreign language skills on a professional level,
take the initiative when it is needed,
learn new things time after time,
communicate effectively in an intercultural team,
solve unexpected problems.

You may have volunteered at a university department, in a student association, did a consulting project or did an excellent work on a class project. On a job interview you have to be ready to talk about 2-3 major projects from your study abroad program. Any project can be okay, as long as it can be connected to one of the skills listed above. Tell them how you contributed to the success of the project and how your international experience improved your skills that are appreciated at your potential workplace.

Be the one in a million

Many students think that international education is a universal, one size fits all solution to pursue an international career. After all, employers adore candidates who took the initiative to move to another country for a semester or more. Yes, most likely you improved your cross-cultural competence, foreign language skills, confidence, flexibility and all things considered you have become a better person.

Surely your study abroad experience gives you an edge when applying for domestic or international job opportunities alike, but let us kindly remind you that there are over 5 million international students studying abroad every single year. You will face tough competition in the job market if you want to get the best offers from top recruiters. International education does not make you a rare breed anymore, at best it gets you in the door to have a personal interview. Be confident, but do not overestimate the importance of your study abroad experience, because on the job interview it might come off as bragging. Be objective, ambitious, give the necessary details, but a bit of modesty won't hurt either.

International resume writing

Your resume is usually enough to get you an interview. But no more. If there is a tough competition, your motivational letter gives you a chance to tell your story and show your personality – enough for the hiring committee to choose your CV from the pile.

So how does study abroad help your career?

You have to flex some 'international muscle' in your CV the smart way in order to impress top recruiters and headhunting agencies – that is particularly true if you pursue an international job opportunity. Let's see how:

use action verbs, bulletpoints, concise and concrete examples
display the elements of your international experience that are relevant to the position
what is recommended and what is required – follow the wishlist of the employer
proofread: correct contact info, well-flowing text, no grammar mistakes

Don't give up on your dream job or career path after a couple of rejections. Start from the best possible and lower the bar if necessary, but do not settle for something you don't want to do.

Reach out for help

You made some plans, so at least you have the target industry where you imagined your future career.

Asking for help from people you know

If you took the time to maintain your international connections, you can ask for help from:

international office
career office
academic adviser
closer local and international professors
closer local and international friends

Maybe they can connect you with the exact person, a past student who faced the same problem, the hiring manager of a corporate partner, a headhunting agency, student or professional associations. If none of these options work out for you, then what? Look further, reheat older friendships and make new personal and professional connections. Networking online is easy, but there are some rules to that. If you send an online message like 'Hey! How are you? Can you help me to find a job in the field of…?' to someone you haven't talked in ages, well, most likely you won't get any answer. Some will help, so then at least show some genuine interest and do follow up your conversation later – otherwise you just exploited someone.

LinkedIn for networking

LinkedIn is on the rise and it is designed to build your professional network by connecting with unknown people who have similar professional interest. You don't need to engage on the emotional level like you did with your friends and acquaintances, but you may have to message dozens to get some answers. A single sample text won't cut it, people know if you sent them a copy. Take the time to read through their profiles and approach them with a personalized message. Reading their profiles you can also better see if there is a real chance to form a mutually beneficial professional connection.

Keep it simple, casual and to the point. You need one paragraph about your background, one about your career plans and one last section about your question to them. Since you read their profiles, you are able to outline some of their achievements that made you think they are the best to connect with. Done the right way, you will enjoy multiple rewards for your efforts: more people will take the time to answer and they can better understand how can they help you.

Flesh out your LinkedIn profile: list your skills and move them to the top, join professional and alumni groups to see where past students work and find opinion leaders on the fields of your interest and contact them for guidance. Do not push for a direct hire immediately, you better seek for professional advice regarding your career path.

International career examples

'I studied abroad for 3 years in 2 countries, also I did a brief summer internship while I was studying abroad. It was really intense. During all these years I changed the focus of my career literally in every semester. I was toying with the idea of learning sales, marketing, strategy or finance and had 3 business ideas, until I finally made up my mind: I want a combination of all. I decided to build my own business and do the marketing, get into website making and content creation, plus I planned the strategy and financials of my future business. I am convinced that I got all the energy, motivation and skills from the semesters spent in different countries. I was inspired by the global opportunities and I understood that the world today is so small, that it would be a mistake to miss the opportunity to build a global business. It took time yes, but I am happy that I made these decisions. No matter how much struggle I've been through, it was all worth it. Now that I see the bigger picture I also understand that my journey has not ended, it is just getting started. Studying abroad gave it a kick start.'

College Study Abroad
College Study Abroad Blog

Top 18 Study Abroad Tips

November 21, 2023

Programs for this blog post

Authored by:.

As you prepare for the study abroad adventure of a lifetime, consider our inside study abroad tips to make your experience smoother.

Follow along as we break down our tips for studying abroad into five categories: Study abroad application tips, study abroad essay tips, studying abroad packing tips, safety tips, and even a few pointers once you’re on program.

Read More: Your Study Abroad FAQs [Answered!]

Study Abroad Application Tips

Our CIEE study abroad application is pretty straightforward. You can even watch a few of our application FAQ videos to help you with the process.

Here, we’ve highlighted a few key tips when filling out your application.

Tip #1: Get expert advice.

Before you start your study abroad application, it’s a good idea to check in with your school’s study abroad office and academic advisor to ensure your study abroad plans align with your academic goals and discuss any additional details. They might even offer some of their own tips for studying abroad!

Tip #2: Fill out the scholarships and grants portion of your application.

To assist with the cost of your study abroad program, pay close attention to the scholarships and grants portion of your application. We break down our scholarships and grants into three categories:

Need-Based: Offered to students with demonstrated financial need
Merit-Based: Offered to students with strong academic achievement
Other: Offered to students based on alumni status or specific program choice

See what type of financial support you may be eligible for!

Read More: Study Abroad Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know

Tip #3: Keep track of important deadlines.

This is one of our most important study abroad tips: Stay organized throughout the application process; including keeping track of important deadlines. Depending on the study abroad program you choose, your deadlines will vary. Mark them on a calendar, schedule reminders on your phone, and do whatever else to help ensure you fill out your application on time!

And if you have any questions, feel free to contact us . We’re happy to help.

Tip #4: Obtain your passport and visa as soon as you can.

If you don’t already have your passport when you start your CIEE study abroad application, take the necessary steps to get one, or renew an existing one as soon as possible. And depending on the length of your study abroad program, you’ll likely need a visa as well. We recommend having your passport and visa in hand six to nine months before you take flight.

Study Abroad Essay Tips

The essay is an integral part of the CIEE study abroad application. Note a few of our study abroad essay tips to help you craft a meaningful narrative – you got this!

Read More: How Do I Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad?

Tip #5: Find your why.

Before writing your study abroad essay, identify what you’re truly passionate about. Getting to know you and learning more about your interests is important when assessing study abroad applicants, and getting personal will help provide context about how a study abroad experience will benefit you.

Read More: What are Your Goals for Studying Abroad?

Tip #6: Explore how your passions translate to your future.

After identifying what you’re passionate about, discuss how you plan on practicing your interests in the future, either as a career or as a meaningful hobby. For example, you might have set your sights on continuing your education and learning more about a specific subject area .

Tip #7: Align your goals with a CIEE Study Abroad program.

This is where you put it all together: After detailing your passions and how you want to incorporate them into your future, pinpoint which CIEE study abroad program will help you fulfill your goals.

Read More: Why Study Abroad? Top 7 Benefits of Studying Abroad

Your study abroad essay is really a chance for us to get to know you and learn more about why a study abroad experience will enrich your personal, academic, and even career goals. Our study abroad essay tips will help you assemble your thoughts in one impactful piece!

Study Abroad Packing Tips

Before you jet off to your study abroad destination, you’ll want to know what to stuff in your suitcase. Let’s dive into some of our study abroad packing tips.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Your Study Abroad Packing List (10 Essential Items!)

Tip #8: Make copies of the essentials.

To be extra careful, it’s a good idea to make copies of your essential documents, like your passport, driver’s license, and travel insurance, before you go.

Tip #9: Pack comfortable walking shoes.

When you study abroad, you’re going to explore a lot. And that usually means walking nearly everywhere. That’s why one of our top study abroad packing tips is to include comfortable walking shoes to make your treks more enjoyable! Save your nicer pair of shoes for the occasional night out.

Tip #10: Look up the country’s currency ahead of time.

You’ll want to bring some cash along with you for souvenirs, a few meals out, and more. And that means converting your U.S. dollars to the currency available in your study abroad destination. A country’s currency is relatively easy to find online. For example, much of Europe uses the Euro, Japan uses the Japanese yen, and Australia uses the Australian dollar.

Tip #11: Download a few language learning apps or pack a language book.

While you’re not required to know the official language of your study abroad destination, it’s a smart idea to at least familiarize yourself with common words and phrases in the language that is widely spoken there so you can better communicate with locals and navigate your new international city while on program.

Try downloading a few language learning apps or including a language book in your packing list – this will go a long way!

Study Abroad Safety Tips

Just like when you visit any new place, you want to be aware of your surroundings and follow any safety guidelines in an unfamiliar environment. The same goes for your study abroad program. While CIEE offers best-in-class safety and a 24/7 support team , it’s always smart to travel as safely as possible. Note a few of our study abroad safety tips here.

Tip #12: Avoid traveling alone at night.

No matter where you visit, it’s always best to avoid traveling alone at night. When you’re exploring after the sun sets, try tagging along with friends, or at the very least, let a few friends know where you’re going and what you’re up to.

Tip #13: Keep valuable items on your person.

When you’re adventuring throughout your study abroad location , it’s a good idea to keep valuable and important items, like your driver’s license or cash, in a secure location on your person – like a crossbody bag, fanny pack (also known as a waist pack), or backpack. You can even get a padlock. It’s always best practice, no matter where you are in the world, to keep valuable items close to you and in safe gear.

Tip #14: Ensure your tech is always charged.

Another vital thing to look up before your travels is which type of electrical outlets your new international city has. Y ’ll want to buy some converters to make sure you can charge your electronics, like your cellphone and laptop or tablet, in your new study abroad location.

And as a study abroad safety tip, it’s important to keep your tech charged at all times, just so you’ll always have a way of communicating with others, looking up directions if you get lost exploring, or researching available emergency contact numbers in your new city if ever needed.

Tips for Study Abroad on Program

We’ve compiled a few bonus study abroad tips, too – particularly for when you’re actually on your study abroad program!

Tip #15: Budget as much as possible.

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a study abroad program; trying delicious new restaurants, spending nights out, and visiting obscure museums with high fees might get out of hand quickly. Try to be mindful of your spending during your program and try to budget as much as possible.

Utilize the public transportation system in your new international city, grocery shop when you can and try making culturally authentic recipes at home, take advantage of any possible student discounts, and download apps like Ryanair for more affordable plane tickets. You can navigate your study abroad destination in a cost-effective way – it might just take some research ahead of time to find the best deals!

Read More: Budgeting Tips and How to Afford Studying Abroad

Tip #16: Get to know the locals.

Studying abroad is an authentic experience; you’ll get to meet people from all over the world and dive into new cultures. And a really great way to deepen your global perspective even further is by getting to know the locals.

When you find yourself out and about, start conversations with others respectfully and thoughtfully – you’ll learn more about their views and backgrounds, and most importantly, you’ll be making connections throughout the world.

rabat moroccan tea ceremony study abroad student

Tip #17: Find some hidden gems.

In addition to the courses and cultural excursions in your CIEE program, when you live and study in a new place, you’ll get to do lots of exploring on your own. Try to find some lesser-known sites and attractions and uncover a few hidden gems during your study abroad adventure. It’ll make your experience even more exciting.

Tip #18: Document your experience in a travel journal.

Our last, but certainly not least, tip for studying abroad is to document your study abroad experience in a travel journal or similar log. Journaling your experience will serve as a pretty cool keepsake to look back on and help you reflect on and enrich your experience during your study abroad program. Include photos, postcards, and little mementos like receipts to make it fun!

Get on Your Way

Studying abroad is the experience of a lifetime, and following our study abroad tips and advice will help you better prepare and enjoy the experience that much more. Use these recommendations – no matter where you decide to travel – as study abroad Europe tips, study abroad Australia tips, and more!

Bon voyage!

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How to Plan Your Study Abroad Experience

Between our website , Global Study Planner , and information sessions ; your own research; and asking your mentors, friends, or our global peer mentors for advice, you’ve probably learned a lot about studying abroad. But sometimes you need to sit down with an expert to get to the bottom of your most pressing questions. That’s why we have a dedicated team of study away advisers who you can meet with for help and insider expertise at the New York City campus. If your home campus is in Abu Dhabi or Shanghai , you’ll also find dedicated staff and resources to help you make the right decision.

Here, senior study away administrator Ryan Bedell and assistant director of Study Away Enrollment Services Emily Haas share the answers to some of the questions they hear most often. They’re here to help you get a jump start on planning your own study away experience.

Ryan Bedell, Senior Study Away Administrator

Emily Haas, Assistant Director, Study Away Enrollment Services

Q: What is the best way to start researching NYU’s study away options?

A: “The Global Study Planner is definitely the best spot for NYU students,” says Bedell. “It’s on our website, and it allows you to input your study interests, language preferences, and the term you want to study away. It will show you your best options, and after that, I suggest attending an information session , which you can also sign up for on our website.” Haas adds, “Or, come see us for in-person advising hours at the StudentLink Center .”

Q: How can I choose which location is the right fit for me?

A: “First, make sure you can make it work academically,” says Haas. “Then, start thinking about your other goals. Is there a language you want to learn or a culture you really want to know about? Is there a place you’d like to travel to but don’t think you’d be able to otherwise?”

Bedell adds, “Do your research and speak to your academic advisers, to us, and to your family, too. There really are a lot of factors that can make a site a good fit: location in the city, housing options, course offerings, community engagement opportunities, and more. So doing that research ahead of time will make the experience much better because you’ll choose a location best suited to you as an individual.”

Q: How can I make sure that studying away will fit into my academic planning?

A: “The earlier you begin to think about it, the better you can plan and the more options you’ll have,” says Haas. “When I speak to first-year students and sophomores, I always suggest mapping out their academic journey. What do you think your four years at NYU is going to look like, and where can study abroad fit into that plan? If you plan it out, you might find that some of your core requirements are offered in Berlin, for example, and then you can make sure that you save those requirements for when you’re studying abroad instead of taking them at your home campus. It takes a little bit of work to see what’s available, but it can definitely broaden your horizons.”

“And make sure to speak to your academic advisers. That’s really the only way to be sure!” Bedell adds. “Your own planning and the Global Study Planner are good preliminary tools, but when it comes to picking courses and seeing how it will affect your academic trajectory, your academic adviser is the person to see.”

Q: How much does it cost to study abroad?

A: “NYU makes it pretty easy because tuition stays exactly the same no matter where you go,” says Haas. “If you have financial aid, it travels with you. If you have grants, they travel with you. Housing varies, and some sites are just more expensive than others. We try to be up front about those costs—everything is up on the website so that you can see the breakdown of what we think you might spend per semester.”

Bedell adds, “Depending on the site, the overall cost of study away can be considerably lower. New York City is an expensive place, and housing costs and daily expenses are often cheaper in other countries. But most importantly, if costs are a concern, come talk to us about additional financial aid opportunities before you ultimately rule out study away.”

Q: Should I be worried about not speaking the language of the country where I want to study?

A: “Obviously, this can be a bit intimidating, but we really hope you’re willing to take the leap and take on that challenge, because it can be rewarding in so many ways,” says Bedell. “NYU courses abroad are all taught in English, so it won’t affect the academics. Most students find, I think, that while living in a place where English isn’t the main language is initially a bit jarring, it is ultimately very worth it to learn some of the language themselves and form friendships across cultural (and language) barriers!”

Q: What is the most important piece of advice you have for students who are interested in studying abroad?

A: “Apply—even if you’re just thinking about studying abroad,” says Haas. “There’s no application fee. There’s no penalty for applying and then not going. When you go to an NYU site, you get that same NYU support and community but in a totally different context. That is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so keep your options open and submit an application.”

“Keep an open mind,” says Bedell. “Many students have their whole experience planned out before they even come to talk to us. But it won’t be like your expectations. You’ll accomplish many of your goals for the term, but until you’re at your site and living life there, you can’t truly know what to expect. That’s the beauty of studying away. You’re thrust into a situation that might be a bit uncomfortable at first and will be different from anything you’ve ever done, but it provides immense opportunities for growth, learning, and fun.”

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How i chose to study abroad.

Penguin in Antarctica standing on a rock

Choosing to study abroad was one of the most difficult decisions that I have made in college.

Growing up, I did not have a lot of experience traveling outside of the United States. On top of that, I was afraid of what academics would look like outside of Harvard – I had spent the past two years finally getting the hang of classes here, and I was worried about finding my groove in another country and academic program. I was also worried about leaving the organizations and clubs that I was a part of on campus, and I only had 8 semesters at Harvard. Did I really want to exchange one semester for studying abroad?

My current answer to that question is a resounding YES. Although I will physically be at Harvard for one less semester, studying abroad provides a different and unique opportunity that can’t be gained from a semester here. The opportunity to live in a different country, to see a more worldly perspective through a student lens, and to immerse myself in a new culture is more than I could have ever hope for out of one semester in college. I also found myself having conversations with my mentors and advisors for clubs that I was worried about leaving, and I only received support and encouragement to study abroad from them.

Another very important factor in my decision to study abroad was financial aid – at Harvard , financial aid can transfer to a term-time semester abroad. Thus, my study abroad program would be as affordable as another semester in college, making the opportunity extremely accessible. Thus, I began my search for programs.

Rafid catching the sunset with some friends while talking about studying abroad!

When looking for programs to apply to, I primarily searched for Spanish-speaking programs in Latin America. As someone who had taken a year of Spanish to fulfill the college’s one-year language requirement , I was eager to use my Spanish-speaking skills abroad to solidify my knowledge. Additionally, I was interested in taking classes that would count towards my Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) secondary, specifically programs focusing on climate change and Earth science. After a good chunk of time spent researching, I settled on applying to a program that studied glacial melt, climate change, and local effects of the climate crisis based in Ushuaia, Argentina (the southernmost city in the world!), with excursions throughout the Southern Patagonia range, Chile, and Antarctica!

After successfully petitioning the program through Harvard’s Office of International Education (OIE), I began the important steps of sending the program’s course list to both the Spanish and EPS departments to receive course approval for my language citation and secondary. After receiving approval from those departments, as well as my admission letter into the program, the process of pre-departure orientation began! I set up several meetings with amazing directors at the OIE, sat in orientation meetings, and began preparing for my future life in the southern hemisphere! I also began connecting with students from my program, and I could not be more excited for the semester that awaits me.

If you’re considering studying abroad, my advice would be to GO FOR IT! Whether you want to study abroad at Oxford or travel to Antarctica, the process can definitely feel scary and unfamiliar, but the OIE provides so much support for students throughout the entire process. I also recommend embracing that feeling of uncertainty and slight hesitation to new experiences in college. It is totally normal to feel unsure about traveling and studying in a new country, but who knows if you will have this opportunity again! Grasp on and lean in!

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Hi everyone!! My name is Rafid, and I am a junior living in Cabot House (quad pro quo!!!), concentrating in a joint study of Astrophysics & Physics. My sister and I were born and raised in the United States, but my parents immigrated to the United States from Sylhet, Bangladesh.

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Why Study Abroad

Study Abroad Career Toolkit

Check out our comprehensive guide on how to leverage your study abroad experience towards securing your dream job. The toolkit covers everything from how to present your experience on your resume and cover letters, to how to bring up your experience in interviews. You will also find suggestions on best ways to highlight study abroad on your social media platforms and avoid social media pitfalls. It's an essential read for anyone with study abroad experience entering the job market. Click Here to Download the Toolkit

The Benefits of Study Abroad in Your Career and the Workplace

Study Abroad will change your life. In addition to the many ways it will benefit you personally and academically, studying abroad will open new doors for your career and help you build a unique skill set that employers love. The places you'll explore, the people you'll meet, and the experiences you'll have will prepare you to succeed in any workplace.

“ You’re gonna get the experience necessary to work with diverse cultures and populations which make you an employee a step above others. IUPUI Career Fair Employer Participant

Strengthen the Skills that Every Employer Values

“ I would definitely suggest doing study abroad. It’s something I look for in résumés. If I see it I ask about it! Alex Totten – Leadership for Educational Equity

Study Abroad has been shown to develop skills that all employers value. Even if you don't intend to work for an international employer or aren't sure of your career goals, developing traits like resourcefulness, adaptability, resilience, and empathy will give you an edge in any job market.

When asked, 73% of employers stated that study abroad experience was important for evaluating résumés for junior-level positions. There are programs out there for any IUPUI student studying any major. Find out what programs are best suited to you based on what you study .

Develop Marketable Expertise

“ Simply having this new perspective of the world will help you as a new graduate be marketable and stand out among the competition Jen Mulzer – Director of Talent Acquisition and Development, Emmis Communications

In an increasingly interconnected and global marketplace, studying abroad quickly and effectively build proficiencies that will help you excel. In one survey a majority of students reported that studying abroad improved their teamwork, leadership, and communication abilities. In the same survey, over 60% of students reported growth in language skills, with 48% reporting "significant growth".

As a student in the IU Community, you have access to many Service Learning and Internship programs where you can live and work in an international context. This unique and hands-on experience is valued by employers and hard to come by outside of Study Abroad.

Bring Valuable Understanding and Awareness to the Workplace

“ I was able to come out to be more confident, more secure, more curious, and more grateful. Adriana Zermeño - Study Abroad Returnee

Study Abroad lets you engage with your host community in a way that builds true cultural awareness. That firsthand knowledge of living and learning within international cultures is key to nurturing the personal qualities valued in every workplace. One survey found that, after studying abroad, a majority of students reported growth in:

Flexibility
Self-Awareness

Such improvement in maturity and intrapersonal skills helps explain why more than 50% of Study Abroad alumni say that studying abroad broadened their career goals .

Build Your Professional Network

“ Study abroad can help you build that résumé and change your career trajectory forever! Marie Mackintosh - Chief Operations Officer, Employ Indy

You may already know the importance of building your professional network within your own community. Study Abroad is a unique opportunity to expand that network much further than your campus or your city. Your host family, students and faculty living in your host country, or other students studying abroad, could be valuable resources in helping you find your ideal domestic or international job.

If you're thinking about working overseas, Study Abroad can be critical in helping you get pre-acclimated to the local culture and getting your foot in the door with overseas employers. One survey found that 8 out of 10 HR executives say that study abroad experience was an important factor in decisions about overseas job placement.

Why Do You Want to Study Abroad? 6 Tips to Inspire Your Essay

APPLYING to study abroad is a tricky thing, especially when it comes to answering that all-important essay question: why do you want to study abroad?

It sounds like a simple enough query, but try to write an answer and you’ll quickly realise how difficult it is. You may want to study abroad so you can ‘broaden your horizons’ and ‘see the world’, but with so many millennials yearning to travel, these have become clichés. In this article, we’re going to give you some tips on how to write your personal statement, and cogently explain exactly why you want to study abroad to your new university.

1. Jot down ideas – and be honest

Write down every genuine reason you can think of as to why you are studying abroad – no matter how silly or generic they sound. Is it because you want to travel and have fun, to work in a city connected with your industry, or simply because you want to escape? Maybe you want to re-discover a culture or family roots, or study with a world-renowned academic. The reasons can be professional or personal, big or small. It’s important to know your motivations before you begin, even if you end up dressing them up a bit in the actual essay. If you really don’t know your reasons, it might be worth re-thinking things before you apply – studying abroad is serious business.

2. Root out the most important

Have you ever read something that seemed to be trying to make too many points, or discuss too many topics, at once? It can be confusing to read, and by the end, it doesn’t really feel like you’ve gotten very far. For this reason, it’s a good idea to open your answer with one main reason you have for studying abroad – the thing that really gets you feeling excited and driven – and let this be the thread that ties your whole answer together. If no one reason jumps out at you, try looking at your notes and see if any of them have similar themes: professional success, personal growth, academic discovery, feeling ‘at home’ in a particular culture, wanting to make a difference.

3. Get specific

By now, you’re hopefully feeling passionate about your answer – now it’s time to flesh it out.

Admissions officers already know students like to travel, experience new things and further their careers; they hear this all the time. What they really want to know is what makes this relevant to them. What’s the connection between your desires and their university? Answering this question well will help you stand out from the rest, which is important for popular courses.

For example, many fashion students would love to study in Paris, for obvious reasons. But if your ambition is to become a knitwear designer, and the Parisian university you’re applying for is renowned for its expertise in this area, you can make a specific connection between your ambitions and this unique opportunity. It highlights that you’ll be a good match for the university, and furthermore, that you’ve done your research.

Where you come from can be just as important as where you're going when making these links. For example, our contributor Monserrat draws a comparison between the chaotic cities of her home country, Mexico, and the well-designed cities of the Netherlands, both of which inspired her to study Urban Management & Development in Rotterdam. Again, this demonstrates a specific connection between her ambitions, the course she chose, and the location.

4. Show off

Admissions teams like details – they also like evidence. A student might say they are a knitwear enthusiast, but it’s even more impressive if they have work experience or achievements to back this up. If you have some of these, great! Make a list of any relevant accomplishments so you can weave them in (no pun intended) for added impact. This could include competitions, academic scores, grades, participation in events or exhibitions, work experience, volunteering, special training or even personal milestones. You don’t need to mention every achievement you’ve ever had, but if it reinforces a point you’re making, it makes sense to use it.

5. Put it into paragraphs

Writing your answer in clear, coherent and not-too-long paragraphs is very important. Nobody likes reading dense walls of text, or long-winded essays that take too long to get to the point. Start your essay strongly with a compelling 1-2 sentence introduction that goes straight for the topic in hand: the main reason why you want to study abroad . Then, explain and build your case in the following paragraphs using the notes and ideas you’ve gathered so far.

There is no one way of doing this, but one good piece of advice I’ve learned is this: you don’t have to write things in the right order. If you can’t think of an original opening line straight away, or are having trouble with a paragraph, just come back to it later. By then, you may have a better idea of what you want to say.

6. Draft, re-draft, and proofread!

Hopefully you know by now that it is usually a bad idea to submit a first draft of anything ; this definitely applies to your study abroad application. Unless you are a literary prodigy, you will most likely need to re-draft your essay at least once. Get as many people to read it as you can – parents, teachers, friends you trust – and heed their advice. If you’re writing it in a language other than your own, try getting a native speaker to look it over too. And, whatever you do, make 100% sure there are no mistakes at all in your writing. In the age of spellcheck, there really is no excuse.

Get more tips on studying abroad at our Student Life section!

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How Does Studying Abroad Improve My Career Prospects?

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See our latest article about how studying abroad helps your career prospects .

Studying abroad improves most people’s career prospects in a huge variety of ways but put simply, it offers a vast array of new opportunities by moving you out of your comfort zone: the further away you move from the education system you know, the more new and exciting opportunities will come your way.

Employers look for people who have studied abroad because they know that they have something to offer that others don’t – not just the focus to complete higher education, but the drive to try new things and the confidence to go out and experience them. This is our guide to exactly why you should think about studying abroad – and you really, really should. Not only will it be exciting and fresh and new, it’ll also be a great chance to add something to your CV that not many others can match. And that, in our experience, is invaluable.

Improved Contact Base

Studying abroad – particularly in the larger, more academic western universities and schools in places like Canada, the US, or the UK – will give you the opportunity to diversify and expand the group of people that you know and in your career, this can be hugely advantageous.

Studying abroad will offer any student the opportunity to meet a vast amount of his or her peers, many of whom will go on to be young professionals working in a huge variety of different roles in different countries. As an international student, you will get to know a plethora of other international students from a wide variety of different backgrounds, many of whom will head back to their home countries after graduation. This means that you’ll be able to develop a worldwide contact base of young professionals – something that other working professionals would love to have!

It’s not just the international students you should try to get to know, either – all of the students at a university campus will one day become young professionals in one field or another, and the more contacts you have, the better – one day you might need to call on the skills of one of the friends you made whilst studying. On that day, you’ll be very grateful you kept in contact with all of the people from your old university days. Trust us – studying abroad is an opportunity to meet people that simply cannot be matched.

Language and Culture

Getting to know another country and perfecting another language is one of the huge advantages of studying abroad, particularly if you’re from the east and are studying in the west, or from the west and studying in the east. Businesses are very fond of employing people who have a knowledge of both eastern and western culture and languages in today’s multinational society, and studying abroad will put you on the top of that specific hit list. For example, if you are learning English you might think you know English to a good level now, but there’s a huge difference between knowing the language and being skilled at using the language – picking up an accent and learning the colloquialisms is something that employers will notice, and it’s yet another reason why studying abroad will help your prospects enormously.

English is perhaps the main business language of the world, and being able to speak English or Mandarin, the top language for business worldwide other than English, properly – without much of an accent and with the correct vocabulary – can really make the difference when employers are short-listing for jobs. It might be unfair that command of a language can have such a huge effect on your potential success in business, but that’s the way it is and – as the English say – if you can’t beat them, join them. Cultural knowledge is something that can be underestimated by many students and professionals, but is nevertheless immensely important to businesses. Getting to know the traditions of a country and the way society works in different cultures is a great forerunner to success, and having knowledge of two or more cultures will single you out as being particularly knowledgeable.

Indian and Chinese readers among you may find this particularly useful – as the economy continues to grow in the East and South Asia, more and more western businesses are interested in employing young, talented graduates from India and China. If you can show that you know your way around the west as well, you’ll be likely to be greatly sort-after in the job market.

The Impression Studying Abroad Gives

When employers review CV’s they are trying to develop an impression of the applicant in a short amount of time. A CV that shows that you’ve had the confidence and bravery to go out and get a degree in a place that’s enormously out of your comfort zone will tell a huge amount to an employer – it shows drive, confidence, and a passion to do well in your field.

By showing that you have studied outside of your native country you are able to demonstrate that that you’re culturally experienced and that you perhaps can offer a level of commitment above and beyond that of your peers. Leaving behind your home life for three to four years (as an undergraduate) requires a great deal of maturity in order for your time to be used effectively and this is an attribute that employers find particularly attractive.

It’s a huge step to make, but studying abroad puts you in a truly advantaged place compared to the majority of your competitors in the job market. Study abroad, and you’ll see what we mean.

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International study advice

Read our key advice article to help you make the best decision for your education and start your International study adventure.

In this article we look at how to approach choosing where in the world you would like to study.

Read StudyLink's suggestions on your first steps when deciding where to study abroad, with helpful tips to make your decision easier.

Find out more about English language tests, your options and what is required as an overseas student.

StudyLink.com take a detailed look into the costs of studying abroad and all the aspects that you should budget for when embarking on your studies.

We answer 10 common questions about applying for a student visa to help make your visa application quick and easy.

Find out more about international student visas for studying abroad, as well as how, where and when to apply for yours.

Find out more about funding and scholarships for international students, and what financial assistance might be available to you.

How to choose a course that fits you? Check our top tips on choosing which course is best for you to help you make an informed decision.

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Explore your future plans after studying abroad
Develop your language skills: One of the most valuable things about studying abroad is the opportunity to learn a new language or improve your language skills. Even if you didn't study a language during your program, you can still work on your language skills once you return home. Consider taking language classes, joining conversation groups ...
10 Study Abroad Essay Tips
5. Get Detailed. Organize your outline and start on Draft 1! When you're describing the who, what, when, and why of your decision to study abroad, be sure to state your goals clearly. Passion is one thing, but your study abroad program also wants to know what it is exactly that you plan on gaining from this experience.
63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics
Studying in another country is one of the most beneficial experiences for students. In your studying abroad essay, you might want to write about advantages and disadvantages of being an international student. Another option is to describe the process of making application for a scholarship. One more idea is to share your personal experience.
How to Establish Your Own Study Abroad Goals
Write more than the bare minimum for one paper. Or get at least one 100% on a test. Push yourself to accomplish more than "good enough.". Time management. Carve out time in your daily schedule for accomplishing all of your study abroad academic goals!
The impact of studying abroad
Studying abroad is becoming increasingly common in many countries - with almost 3 million students educated each year at the tertiary level in a country other than their own. For developing countries in particular, studying abroad offers many of the promises and fears of brain drain (both of which I think are overblown). But understanding the causal impact is hard, because people self-select ...
How to Write a Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay
This means you could write an essay for six hours without even stopping to let your own mind have a subjective overview, let alone get an outside opinion. "Whenever I write anything extended, I will always run it past people around me. In the case of a scholarship essay, past winners, parents, people from where you are hoping to transfer to ...
Studying abroad can transform your academic future
1. You rediscover your drive. Studying abroad shakes up your everyday, familiar routine. It helps you see things from new angles. Say goodbye to the mundane and hello to a fresh start. You'll tackle whatever comes your way at your school or university with revamped curiosity and motivation.
Studying abroad can transform your academic future
1. You rediscover your drive. Studying abroad shakes up your everyday, familiar routine. It helps you see things from new angles. Say goodbye to the mundane and hello to a fresh start. You'll tackle whatever comes your way at your school or university with revamped curiosity and motivation.
Seven Ways Studying Abroad Can Do Wonders for Your Future
2. Network. Studying abroad, or even just spending a semester with a partner university overseas, could help you build a second network of connections to fall back on, either through events organized by the university's careers team, the alumni network, professors or classmates. Consider joining Meetup groups overseas in your field of ...
Further your career prospects by studying abroad
An Erasmus Impact Study by the European Commission found that 92 per cent of employers are actively seeking graduates with these so-called "transversal skills". And the further you travel, the more transferable skills you could pick up. If you are planning to move across continents for your study abroad, the process of adapting to ...
How To Write a Good Personal Statement for Study Abroad Applications
Mention the hobbies and activities you enjoy in your spare time, and the transferable skills you could apply to your program. 6) Conclusion: Wrap up your personal statement by reinforcing why you should be offered a place. Reiterate why you're an ideal candidate, and the aspirations you have for your time at university.
Studying Abroad: Reasons and Expectations Essay
Main body. I want to study abroad due to three main reasons. Firstly, it has always been my dream to travel across the world, and studying in another country will allow me to mix business with pleasure. Secondly, this option is helpful for me to learn a foreign language quickly because I will be inside the native environment, which will ...
What are Your Goals for Studying Abroad?
Goal #2: Develop cross-cultural awareness, understanding, and immersion. More than ever, cross-cultural understanding is critical in the workplace. Studying abroad will give you key skills employers need now. Goal #3: Gain new skills. You can't even help but learn new skills.
Crafting the Perfect Study Abroad Essay
4) Show Your Personality. The best study abroad essays are the ones with a little bit of personality! Your essay should still sound professional, but don't be afraid to let yourself shine through as well. Studying abroad comes with challenges, and if the university gets a sense you are ready for them, you will move to the top of the list.
How studying abroad can shape your future
As well as an opportunity to build skills, studying abroad can help students to connect with potential future employers and colleagues. 'Students who complete internships abroad expand their professional networks and career opportunities significantly,' Dixon comments. 'It's not uncommon for students to go back to their destination to ...
Careers after stuying abroad
International students get a 25% higher starting salary on average. Higher rate of acceptance into graduate school or doctorate programs. 97% of international students find a job within a year after graduation. Fortune 1000 executives find studying abroad to be a good investment. International students are more satisfied due to their clearer ...
Top 18 Study Abroad Tips
Tip #18: Document your experience in a travel journal. Our last, but certainly not least, tip for studying abroad is to document your study abroad experience in a travel journal or similar log. Journaling your experience will serve as a pretty cool keepsake to look back on and help you reflect on and enrich your experience during your study ...
International Student Job Opportunities After Studying Abroad
Working in your study country. Continuing your studies. The global outlook you have as an international student is often appealing to employers, and along with your degree you'll have a lot to offer. While you studied abroad you may have even worked part-time depending on your visa restrictions and gained some experience in the area you want ...
How to Plan Your Study Abroad Experience
Between our website, Global Study Planner, and information sessions; your own research; and asking your mentors, friends, or our global peer mentors for advice, you've probably learned a lot about studying abroad.But sometimes you need to sit down with an expert to get to the bottom of your most pressing questions. That's why we have a dedicated team of study away advisers who you can meet ...
How I Chose to Study Abroad
My current answer to that question is a resounding YES. Although I will physically be at Harvard for one less semester, studying abroad provides a different and unique opportunity that can't be gained from a semester here. The opportunity to live in a different country, to see a more worldly perspective through a student lens, and to immerse ...
Career Benefits: Why Study Abroad: Study Abroad: Indiana University
One survey found that, after studying abroad, a majority of students reported growth in: Flexibility. Curiosity. Confidence. Self-Awareness. Such improvement in maturity and intrapersonal skills helps explain why more than 50% of Study Abroad alumni say that studying abroad broadened their career goals .
Why Do You Want to Study Abroad? 6 Tips to Inspire Your Essay
6. Draft, re-draft, and proofread! Hopefully you know by now that it is usually a bad idea to submit a first draft of anything; this definitely applies to your study abroad application. Unless you are a literary prodigy, you will most likely need to re-draft your essay at least once.
How Does Studying Abroad Improve My Career Prospects?
See our latest article about how studying abroad helps your career prospects. Studying abroad improves most people's career prospects in a huge variety of ways but put simply, it offers a vast array of new opportunities by moving you out of your comfort zone: the further away you move from the education system you know, the more new and ...

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Consider your academic goals:

Build your professional network:

Develop your language skills:

Explore international job opportunities:

Keep in touch with your host country:

Conclusion:

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How to Establish Your Own Study Abroad Goals

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Types of study abroad goals you should think about

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Example professional goals for study abroad:

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Studying abroad can transform your academic future – here’s how

1. You rediscover your drive

2. Your language fluency is enhanced

3. You can better manage your studies

4. You make important connections

5. You’re more desirable for internships or scholarships

6. You find clarity about your goals

7. You expand your worldview

8. You decide to pursue higher education

Studying abroad can transform your academic future – here’s how

1. You rediscover your drive

2. Your language fluency is enhanced

3. You can better manage your studies

4. You make important connections

5. You’re more desirable for internships or scholarships

6. You find clarity about your goals

7. You expand your worldview

8. You decide to pursue higher education

Further your career prospects by studying abroad

Carly Minsky

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Facts and Figures: International Students

Studying Abroad: Reasons and Expectations Essay

Crafting the Perfect Study Abroad Essay

Want to find a degree in your dream destination?

1) Explain Why Study Abroad Will Make a Difference for Your Studies

2) Let Them Know Why You Picked Where You Want to Study

3) Describe Why You’re Qualified

4) Show Your Personality

5) Follow Instructions

The Perfect Study Abroad Essay

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