Benefits

Why Study Abroad?

Study abroad is an exciting, world-expanding education opportunity, but there are many more reasons why you should make it a part of your academic plan. Here we list a few*, but come talk to us in person (Dooly Memorial Building, Room 125) to get more information.

Career

  • 97% of study abroad students found employment within 12 months of graduation, compared to 49% of the general college population
  • 84% of study abroad alumni feel that studying abroad helped them build valuable job skills, such as language proficiency, cultural training, tolerance for ambiguity, adaptability and communication
  • 70% of study abroad participants claim they are more satisfied with their jobs
  • Study abroad alumni earn approximately 25% more than their peers who did not have a study abroad experience
  • Study abroad provides an opportunity to interact with a diverse group of people and learn cross-cultural communication—a valued trait among employers

Academic

  • Studying abroad presents an opportunity to take classes not available at your home institution
  • Study abroad positively impacts grades: Undergraduate students tend to see a rise in their GPA after a study abroad experience and are 19% more likely to graduate on time.
  • An overseas experience increases your probability of getting into your preferred graduate school: 90% of study abroad alumni report acceptance into their first or second choice of graduate school

Personal

  • 97% of study abroad alumni found that study abroad increased maturity
  • 96% of alumni saw an increase in self-confidence after studying abroad
  • 89% of study abroad alumni gained a greater tolerance for ambiguity


*Reference: "What Statistics Show about Study Abroad Students," University of California, Merced