When should I start planning to study abroad?
Early planning is the key to successful study abroad. Hundreds of study abroad opportunities exist; they differ in location, duration, curriculum, language, degree of cultural immersion, cost, and many other factors. In order to find the program that is the right “fit” for your personal and academic objectives, you should begin planning your study abroad experience at least one semester before you actually depart.
How will a study abroad experience enhance my employability after I graduate?
Employers increasingly seek graduates who have international experience, and a study abroad experience will enhance your employability. International knowledge, cross-cultural communication skills, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances are skills enhanced through study abroad that are important to employers in various fields.
According to a June 2007 article in the Going Global newsletter, global executives say that “study abroad boosts employability” and here are a few reasons why:
• Three out of four executives cite study abroad as important when evaluating candidates for junior-level positions.
• Eight in 10 human resource (HR) executives surveyed believed that a study abroad experience was an important factor for overseas job placement within their companies.
• Two-thirds (67 percent) of HR executives surveyed said that a study abroad experience within a culturally diverse student environment distinguishes a job candidate.