Study Abroad Blog | Study Abroad Experiences, Advice & Tips (2024)

FAQs

How do I write my study abroad experience? ›

Write about your educational career as if it were a job. You are not doing justice to yourself if you devote only two lines to your study abroad experience. Start with the normal header information, but follow it up with bullets outlining the experience you had while abroad and the skills you developed.

Keep your mind open. This tip is often given – and for good reason: It's essential! Don't arrive in your adopted country with a head full of stereotypes. Instead, open your eyes, relax, and breathe in the culture – you'll likely see that many of your assumptions about life overseas were incorrect.

You can also write about your study abroad experience in your cover letter. Identify a skill from the job description that the company is looking for. Think of an example of a time when you demonstrated this skill while abroad, and then consider how it relates to the position.

List the name of the program/institution in the “education” section of your resume, just as you list Harvey Mudd College. Consider listing coursework if it is related to your internship/job search. You might describe relevant projects or any work, intern, or volunteer experience you had during your time abroad.

It should focus on why you want to study or intern a) in a specific country, b) on a specific program, c) during a specific term. Talk about the program you chose and help readers understand why it is a good fit and what it will contribute to your academic, personal and/or professional development. Include DETAILS.

I'm certain that the opportunity to study abroad at The University (insert name) will greatly benefit me both academically and personally. Academically, I hope to greatly broaden my intellectual abilities by attaining a knowledge and understanding of new and effective learning strategies.

One of the biggest study abroad benefits is gaining independence. Being away from your familiar support network, family, and friends back home encourages self-reliance and personal growth.

With study abroad, you can experience new places and cultures, make friends from around the world, and gain a global perspective–while earning credits towards your degree. It will allow you to develop highly-valued skills such as intercultural communication, foreign languages, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Traveling abroad allows you to experience different cultures firsthand. It can help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world and the people in it. It can also help you become more open-minded, tolerant, and accepting of different ways of life, and you will return home practically a new person!

How to write about study abroad on a resume? ›

If your program was heavy on the academic side, list it under the “Education” heading: If your experience included an internship, service learning, or other hands-on experience, list it under the “Professional Experience” heading: Remember to keep your verbs active!

Studying abroad teaches you the practical skills you need to succeed on any career path. It can be critical thinking, creative problem solving, or communicating cross-culturally. That's why employers take candidates who list study abroad on their resume.

Discuss your time abroad in the same way you would as if you had the same job experience in the United States—describing your objectives and achievements and showcasing your skills. Think about your two biggest accomplishments, and prepare talking points about them for the hiring manager.

A tip on how to talk about studying abroad in an interview is to mention stories from your personal experience with budgeting for travels, and the challenges you had to overcome to make your plans work. It shows commitment and exemplifies your organizational skills.