Attention all college students: Do you desire job opportunities post-graduation? Engaging in a study abroad program may be the solution. This insight comes from a StudentUniverse survey conducted in 2013, a company dedicated to facilitating college students’ travels since 1999.
Understanding Study Abroad
In the U.S., most study abroad programs are linked to universities and offer an extensive variety of courses, ranging from visual arts to literature and sciences. While these programs can last from weeks to months, semester-long and summer sessions are particularly favored.
According to the StudentUniverse survey, European destinations were highly preferred among U.S. students, with cities like London, Paris, and Madrid being the most popular. Additionally, Asian cities like Beijing also ranked in the top ten, with expectations for China’s increasing popularity in the future.
Study Abroad Improves Job Prospects
Traditionally, graduates would celebrate their accomplishments by immediately stepping into jobs. However, a rising trend shows graduates returning home to their parents to search for employment. This shift makes the survey findings even more noteworthy:
- 75%* reported their study abroad experience had a significant impact on their career choices.
- 94% included their study abroad experience on their resumes.
- 88% believed it assisted them in securing employment.
*Statistics are rounded for clarity.
The last statistic is particularly striking, but another 2012 IES Abroad study reveals that nearly 90% of their study abroad alumni “secured their first job within six months of graduation, compared to just 49% of respondents in a recent survey of college graduates who found work within a year after finishing their studies.”
Does this imply that every student who studies abroad lands a great job immediately? Not necessarily. However, there are numerous invaluable experiences gained, including valuable knowledge (we certainly hope so!).
“Studying abroad in China offered a wonderful chance to enhance my intercultural understanding. During my semester, I learned beginner Mandarin and participated in Chinese calligraphy lessons. I also formed meaningful connections with other students and locals.”
In essence, my time in China was the pinnacle of my college educational journey.”
-Jordan Myint, Claremont College graduate
Practical Advice for Study Abroad Participants
If contemplating a study abroad experience, now is the perfect time to start planning. Spaces in programs can be limited, so consult your school and decide on your preferred destination. Then, begin your preparations:
Monitor airfare around five months in advance. Aim to book no later than six weeks prior to your trip.
Winter is typically the most affordable time to travel to Europe. While spring and fall fares are also reasonable, summer is peak travel season with coinciding price increases.
Avoid overpacking. Additional airline charges for extra or overweight luggage can be exorbitant, so pack smart.
Plan for extra travel costs. Exploring beyond your base city is essential. Traveling by air can be economical, particularly in Europe with several low-cost carriers like EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Ryanair. (Note: these discount airlines often add extra fees for various services.)
Enjoy your experience. Yet, remember to dedicate time to your studies, too.
Discover more travel tips and savings at FareCompare.com.
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The Challenges and Rewards of Studying Abroad
By Bayla Pidgeon | Contributor
I attended Sciences Po University in Paris, France, during the fall semester of my junior year in college. As a student at Georgetown University majoring in International Politics and International Security Studies, pursuing a study abroad opportunity was expected. Georgetown facilitated my program transfer, though I was directly enrolled at the Paris institution, which meant all my classes were conducted in French. Having studied French for eight years prior, I anticipated managing well, but it required significant adjustment. Ultimately, I relished living in Paris. While I had heard countless exceptional stories about studying abroad, my experience exceeded expectations. However, there are a few insights I wish someone had shared before I embarked:
- Limit your wardrobe! I ended up disliking nearly everything I brought and purchasing an entirely new wardrobe suited to my new “Parisian” lifestyle, leading to returning with an excess of belongings and heavy fees.
- Practice the language as much as possible. While engaging in French daily in class, conversing in English with my American peers was refreshing. However, I believe my French skills would have improved significantly had I resolved to speak French with my friends, as many others have successfully done.
- Studying abroad is a challenge for everyone. Immersing oneself in a new culture requires a substantial adjustment period. You might face tough days that could elicit tears. Nevertheless, it’s common for all students, and ultimately, the positive memories prevail.
- Practical tip: Obtain a chip-enabled credit card. Most European establishments prefer cards with chips, and not having one can reveal your foreign status.
Additionally, I developed valuable lessons during my time abroad:
- I discovered the joy of solitude. Being away from friends in a home-stay setup often led to solo explorations. For many, including myself, this independence is challenging but immensely rewarding, allowing for personal reflection and the freedom to explore at one’s own pace.
- Don’t shy away from taking risks! Seize opportunities like cheap trips, spontaneous dates with intriguing locals, or unconventional adventures. Personally, this was the first time I felt unrestrained enough to embrace bold choices, such as drastically changing my hairstyle and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations in freezing conditions alongside friends.
- The notion that challenges are learning opportunities. I faced various hurdles, from adapting to my new environment to classroom conflicts. Although I experienced moments of doubt about my ability to persist, overcoming these obstacles taught me invaluable resilience and self-management skills.
Finally, make the most of every chance to travel throughout Europe. Although my friends and I visited several places, we postponed many trips until it was too late—a decision we all regret. With inexpensive air travel options and budget train tickets, there’s little justification for not exploring further. On the bright side, it gives me a compelling reason to return.
Ultimately, I would not exchange my study abroad experience for anything. I forged incredible friendships, witnessed breathtaking sights, embraced risks, and immersed myself in a vibrant culture while enhancing my language skills. But most importantly, I discovered more about my preferences, strengths, and limits. Studying abroad provided invaluable insights that one cannot acquire within a classroom, for which I am truly thankful.
Bayla, (middle) alongside fellow students in Paris, is a graduate of ESD and currently a junior at Georgetown University.
