When it comes to academic and professional development, there are often areas that merge. Of course, what you are learning in the classroom is the key to your future career, but there are also aspects of academics that are outside of the classroom, but still fall into the realm of professional development. Studying abroad is one such area.
Saint Augustine is attributed with saying “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Because so much of education is reading, it would make sense that taking the opportunity to read beyond the first page of the world would be beneficial to anyone. Here are a few reasons why, and how you can make the most of a study abroad trip in a professional development mindset.
One of the first things you will encounter when studying abroad, and a skill you will gain to make you a more marketable candidate, is intercultural fluency. This falls under the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) Career Readiness Competency of Equity & Inclusion, which is defined as someone who “Demonstrates the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. . .” (NACE 2021). Being able to understand multiple cultural perspectives, seeking cross-cultural interactions and experiences, and keeping an open mind are all aspects you will gain and will help make you a valued employee.
Another huge aspect of studying abroad is communication. NACE defines this competency as “Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.” (NACE 2021) Whether it is a class trip for a few weeks or a semester-long solo journey, communication will be key. Learning how to communicate with classmates and professors (from WT or in-country), along with getting beyond any language barriers can make a huge impact. Honing this skill and being able to highlight how you can utilize it in any country, or even in another language, will make you stand out.
While the list of benefits goes on and on, the final one to cover now is networking. While this may not seem to come to mind first when it comes to studying abroad, this is a big piece. Whether it is the students you are sitting next to in class each week, the professors you are learning from, or the locals you will connect with, the opportunities to build your network and make lasting and impactful connections are vast – on a global level even. When it comes time to search for a job or various opportunities, finding someone for a career conversation will be so much easier with a worldwide network.
There are so many more reasons to study abroad, both for personal and professional development. For more information on WT’s Study Abroad opportunities, check out their website. And, in case you were wondering, you can list your Study Abroad experience on your resume!
For information on upcoming Events and Webinars, click here. Head over to our YouTube channel to find previous workshops and employer information sessions.