Study abroad, even for a short duration, has a substantial impact on students’ skills, workforce preparedness and career prospects. There is evidence that students who study abroad are more likely to pursue further educational experiences which equate to a greater investment in themselves as individuals and, thus, as citizens more broadly. A survey by Dwyer and Peters in 2004 found that:
- 87% said that study abroad influences subsequent educational experiences;
- 75% said that they acquired skill sets abroad that influenced their career path;
- 64% said that study abroad influenced their decision to attend graduate school;
- 63% said that study abroad influenced their decision to expand or change academic majors;
- 62% said that study abroad ignited an interest in a career direction pursued after the experience;
- Nearly 50% of all respondents have engaged in international work or volunteerism since studying abroad.
Furthermore, employers increasingly view international exposure as a value-add, and often as essential. In a Student Center survey in 2009, 91% of employers said that they value job candidates with international experience and 50% said that all else being equal, they would hire a candidate with study abroad experience over one without.
If you are interested to study abroad, find out what are the options!