On February 24, NAFSA and its education abroad community celebrated Study Abroad Day, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the power of study abroad and highlight some resources that support students and their families as they explore the opportunities available to them.
The February edition of NAFSA’s International Educator magazine featured inspiring stories from seven education abroad alumni about how studying abroad—in diverse locales such as Ecuador, Germany, Senegal, Vietnam, and beyond—shaped their personal and professional lives. Many talked about how their education abroad experiences led to new career choices and professional opportunities. Some of these alumni discovered new passions, while others reconnected with their own cultures. Their stories highlight how study abroad develops resilience, independence, and a sense of understanding in those who participate.
In early April, NAFSAns will visit Capitol Hill to educate their elected officials on study abroad as key to students' academic preparation and vital to U.S. competitiveness. As part of NAFSA’s annual Advocacy Day program, constituents will visit their congressional delegation to make the case for study abroad as a learning opportunity that enables students to develop critical skills needed to compete in today's global economy.
Research consistently demonstrates the multifaceted benefits of studying abroad. Studies reveal that students who participate in international programs often exhibit improved academic performance—thanks to the diverse academic experiences and global perspectives gained during their time abroad—and graduate on time. Moreover, employers highly value the skills cultivated through study abroad experiences, including adaptability and problem-solving, making students more competitive in the job market. Read more about independent research measuring the impact of study abroad.
For the sixth year in a row, NAFSA is opening doors to study abroad through its Tamara H. Bryant Memorial Scholarship program. This program has provided cash scholarships to 40 students to date, via our partnership with the Fund for Education Abroad. Stories of recent Bryant scholars bring home the power of transformation that comes with stepping into another country and culture—and the imperative that that opportunity be provided to all.
To facilitate the study abroad process, NAFSA offers free resources to aid in exploration: Financial Aid & Study Abroad: Basic Facts for Students and Finding Your Study Abroad Program: A Health, Safety, and Security Guide for Students.
NAFSA’s education abroad student guides are additional essential tools for walking students and parents through the ins and outs of a successful study abroad experience. The guides can be purchased individually or in a pack of seven—and include special guidance for exploring identity abroad and incorporating study abroad into students’ career plans.
International educators, meanwhile, can keep their knowledge base complete and up to date with programming at the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo in May. Registration for the NAFSA conference is open now! Sessions on the impact of study abroad include:
- "Connecting Purpose, Place, and Partnerships to Advance the SDGs Through Education Abroad"
- "One Technology, Three Ways to Bring Global Education Home"
- "Strategies and Practices for Achieving Global Citizenship Through Study Abroad"
- "Cultivating Global Citizens Through Whole-Person Support in Visa Advising"
- "Views from Europe on Global Solutions to the Environmental Impacts of Study Abroad"
- "The Impact of Global Experience on the Engineering Career Path"
With resources like these at students’ and international educators’ fingertips, every day is Study Abroad Day!