Research consistently demonstrates the multifaceted benefits of studying abroad. Studies reveal that students who participate in international programs often exhibit improved academic performance without prolonging their time to graduation, attributed to the diverse academic experiences and global perspectives gained. Moreover, employers highly value the skills cultivated through study abroad experiences, including adaptability and problem-solving, making students more competitive in the job market. Additionally, immersion in a foreign language environment significantly enhances language proficiency, providing students with practical language skills crucial for today's global workforce. Lastly, the exposure to different cultures fosters intercultural understanding and a broader global context, equipping students with invaluable insights for navigating an increasingly interconnected world.
Study Abroad Improves Grade Point Averages, Completion, Retention, and Transfer Rates
Far from the fears that studying abroad will delay a student’s graduation, multiple large-scale studies have found that students who study abroad, especially underrepresented or “at-risk” students, are more likely to complete their degrees or certificate programs than students who did not study abroad. In addition, several studies have shown that students who study abroad have a higher GPA than similar students who stayed on campus, even when controlling for external factors. This impact is even more pronounced for minority and at-risk students.
Across different subgroups of students, there is correlation between studying abroad and student success even when controlled for external factors.
Study Abroad Increases Employability and Career Skills
A variety of research provides evidence that study abroad enhances skills that are valued by employers. For example, NAFSA’s research (2020) with Emsi, a global labor market consulting firm, reported that the global skills students hone while on a study abroad experience are mentioned in 30+ million job postings. Below are several other recent studies that highlight the connection between study abroad and career pathways and possibilities.
- Boosting Career and Employability Outcomes Through Multiple Learning Abroad Experiences (2023)
- Indicates that even short-term study abroad experiences have an affect on employability outcomes
- Global Workforce Pathways (2023)
- 89 percent indicated that participation in NRC activities supported their development of 21st-century job skills relevant to their professional and academic journeys
- They reported significantly developing 14 out of the 15 intrapersonal, cognitive, and interpersonal skills through activities related to language and area studies
- Internationalization and Employability: Assessing the Effects of Study Abroad Programs on Participants' Employability (2022)
- Outlines that study abroad helped respondents augment “marketable skills” such as “global-mindedness, self-confidence, self-awareness, international knowledge, second language skills, communicating with others, relationships with others, and confidence/self-esteems)”
- Employability Development and Career Outcomes from Short-term Learning Abroad Programmes (2021)
- Former study abroad participants were positive about the perceived benefits provided by their international study experiences in terms of their employment outcomes
- Does Studying Abroad Influence Graduates’ Wages? (2021)
- Suggests that studying abroad has a moderate positive effect on graduates’ early-career wages in various national and institutional settings
- Linking Development of Skills and Perceptions of Employability: The Case of Erasmus Students (2020)
- The two main motivations for choosing an international exchange as a strategy to enhance employability: pursuing an international career and pursuing distinction from peers
- Developing a Globally Competitive Workforce Through Study Abroad (2020)
- More than 31 million job openings required skills that a student acquires while studying abroad
- The Value of Study Abroad Experience in the Labor Market: Findings from a Resume Audit Experiment (2020)
- Compared to resumes that list no study abroad experience, resumes that included a study abroad experience in Asia regardless of length were approximately 20 percent more likely to receive a callback for an interview
- How education abroad impacts the transition to graduate employment (2020)
- Provides an overview of recent literature and research connecting employment and international experience.
- Investing in Study Abroad and Cultural Engagement: A Win-Win for Career Development (2020)
- 57 percent of respondents believe their study abroad experience contributed to securing their first job
- Understanding study abroad participants' career decisions and perspectives in US higher education (2018)
- Suggests that study abroad helped students develop their career identify and make relevant decisions on their educational plans and career paths
- Gaining an Employment Edge: The Impact of Study Abroad on 21st Century Skills & Career Prospects in the United States (2017)
- More than half of survey respondents reported that they believe their study abroad experience contributed to a job offer at some point
- Career Outcomes of Study Abroad Students (2016)
- Overview of career outcomes of over 1200 recent college graduates who had participated in an IES Abroad study or internship program. Looks at the impact of study abroad on professional decisions and skills and the value that alumni place on the experience abroad
Study Abroad is a Value Add for Employers
Study Abroad Enables Language Learning
Research showcases that studying abroad offers an immersive environment where language learners are constantly exposed to real-life situations, conversations, and cultural nuances, accelerating their language acquisition. In multiple longitudinal studies that tracking students over several semesters, study abroad has made a positive impact on a students’ gains in language learning.