Attention college students: Want a job when you graduate? Then take part in a study abroad program. This is the key takeaway from a 2013 survey conducted by StudentUniverse, an organization that has been facilitating travel opportunities for college students since 1999.
What is Study Abroad
Most study abroad programs in the U.S. are linked to universities and offer a diverse selection of courses ranging from art and literature to sciences. These experiences can last anywhere from weeks to months, with semester-long programs and summer sessions being particularly popular.
According to the StudentUniverse survey, U.S. students overwhelmingly preferred studying abroad in Europe, with top destinations including London, Paris, and Madrid. Cities in Asia, such as Beijing, also featured in the top 10, and it’s anticipated that interest in China will continue to grow.
Survey Says, Study Abroad Students Find Jobs
In the past, graduation ceremonies were usually followed by graduates heading straight into new jobs. However, today many students return home to live with their parents while job hunting. This makes the findings from the survey all the more fascinating:
– 75% claimed their study abroad experience influenced their career path.
– 94% included their study abroad program on their resume.
– 88% reported that it assisted them in securing employment.
*Figures have been rounded.
The last statistic is particularly striking, but there’s more from a 2012 IES Abroad survey, which describes itself as the leading not-for-profit provider of study abroad programs for U.S. students.
– Nearly 90% of IES Abroad study abroad alumni “found their first job within six months of graduation,” compared to only 49% of respondents in a recent survey of the general college graduate population who found work within a year of finishing school.
Does this mean all study abroad participants land great jobs immediately? Certainly not. However, there are other benefits to consider, along with the valuable knowledge gained.
“Studying abroad in China was a great opportunity to deepen my intercultural awareness and understanding. Throughout the semester, I not only learned to speak beginner Mandarin, but also took Chinese calligraphy lessons. I forged many new friendships with my fellow students and the people I met while studying abroad.”
Overall, my experience in China served as a capstone of my educational journey as a college student.”
– Claremont College graduate student, Jordan Myint, working with the Chinese.
Practical Tips for Study Abroad Students
If you’re keen on studying abroad, now is the time to start planning. Program availability is limited, so consult with your school and consider where you’d like to go. Then, the preparations commence:
– Check airfare prices about five months in advance. Aim to purchase tickets no later than six weeks before departure.
– Winter generally offers the cheapest flights to Europe, with spring and fall being relatively affordable as well, while summer is peak season (and prices reflect that).
– Avoid overpacking. Airlines impose hefty fees for excess and/or overweight luggage, so travel light.
– Budget for additional travel. You’ll likely want to explore more than just your host city. Air travel can be economical, especially in Europe, where several discount airlines like EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Ryanair operate (be cautious as these airlines often have many hidden fees).
– Enjoy yourself. However, don’t forget to engage in some studying.
Find travel tips and savings at FareCompare.com.
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Studying Abroad was Hard but Worth it
By Bayla Pidgeon | Contributor
I studied at Sciences Po University in Paris, France during my junior year fall semester. As an undergraduate at Georgetown University majoring in International Politics and International Security Studies, spending some time abroad was practically expected. Georgetown assisted me with my semester transfer, and I was directly enrolled at the university in Paris, meaning all five of my courses were entirely in French. Given that I had studied French for eight years prior to college, I thought I would manage just fine. Adjusting was challenging, but ultimately, I thrived and mostly, I LOVED living in Paris. I had heard countless amazing stories about studying abroad, and I can honestly say that my experience lived up to the hype. However, there are several things I wish someone had shared with me before I left:
1. Don’t bring too many clothes and extras! I ended up disliking everything I packed and essentially bought an entirely new wardrobe to match my new “Parisian” lifestyle, which meant I returned home with WAY too much and incurred hefty fees.
2. Work on speaking the language as much as you can. Since my classes were conducted in French all day, it was often a relief to converse in English with my American friends. However, my French would have improved significantly more if I had made an agreement to speak French with them as well (something many of my peers did).
3. Going abroad is CHALLENGING. It requires a significant adjustment to immerse yourself in a new culture. There will be tough days; you might cry. But as time passes, this is a common experience, and looking back, you will primarily remember the wonderful moments.
4. Practical advice: Obtain a credit card with a chip (available from all major credit card companies upon request). Most places in Europe only accept chip cards, and not having one can easily reveal you as a foreigner.
I also learned a plethora of lessons during my time abroad that made my experience unforgettable:
1. I mastered the art of solitude, and I relished it. When you’re abroad, particularly in a homestay where your friends may not always be around, you find yourself exploring solo. Many people (including me) find this challenging. Yet, discovering a new place and witnessing its beauty is often more enjoyable when you have the freedom to set your own pace, agenda, and reflect on life, love, and the stunning world around you.
2. It’s okay to take risks! Make a spontaneous trip because flights are inexpensive. Go on a date with that charming individual who approached you at a café. Ride a bike down a bustling street (note: not for the faint-hearted). Embark on a hike or visit destinations you never imagined you’d see. Try a new hairstyle, change your style, and indulge in countless new cuisines. Personally, this marked the first time I felt a true sense of freedom. I chopped off eight inches of my hair (a first for me), hiked on a Portuguese island, and convinced my friends to join me in visiting the châteaux of the Loire Valley during the frigid off-season, armed only with our train tickets to and from Paris. Without these small risks and a dash of spontaneity, my journey wouldn’t have been as remarkable.
3. Ultimately, I learned that situations often aren’t as dreadful as they appear, and when they are, they offer invaluable learning experiences. Initially, adapting to life in France was difficult; I faced some challenges with my homestay, dealt with professors who openly criticized me, and had days when I questioned my ability to carry on. Not only did I persevere through these moments, but I also learned crucial life skills for handling tough situations independently.
My final piece of advice is to seize every chance to travel across Europe. While my friends and I visited a few places, we delayed our travels until it was almost too late, and it’s something we all regret. With economical flights available from budget European airlines and affordable train passes, there are no excuses. On the bright side, this just gives me another reason to return (as if I needed one).
All in all, I wouldn’t exchange my study abroad experience for anything. I forged lifelong friendships, witnessed breathtaking sights, took significant risks, embraced a new culture, and greatly improved my French. More importantly, I discovered what I love, what I dislike, and what I am capable of managing. Study abroad provided insights that you simply cannot gain in a classroom, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.
Bayla, (middle) pictured with fellow students in Paris, is a graduate of ESD and currently a junior at Georgetown University.
