Why Studying Abroad Creates Job Marketability in a Weak Economy

In a weak economy, today’s job seeker benefits from “employing” as many creative strategies and skill sets possible to stand out and maintain a competitive edge. The issue of unemployment is so drastic in the U.S. (and integral to a thriving economy), in fact, that President Obama has been compelled to create and implement a new job plan to the tune of 447 billion. This slated to put Americans back to work, prevent massive layoffs, and stimulate the economy, if successful.

With this being the case, smart students recognize that studying abroad affords many advantages in terms of job marketability, increased options, and career survival.

Here are a few to be considered.

1. Studying abroad teaches independence. Being away from home without the network of friends, familiar customs, and the support of family, typically requires that students become more resourceful, strategic and self-reliant. These same skills are ones that employers find useful in an array of fields and occupations—from managerial positions, to teaching, to customer service. It’s more than a resume builder, it’s a character builder.

2. Studying abroad cultivates and enhances foreign language skills. Moreover, in a diverse work culture, it helps to bridge communication gaps and increase overall efficiency. According to statistics provided at The Business Journal, 266 million people speak Spanish, 189 million speak Bengal, and 885 million speak Mandarin Chinese, in addition to an array of other languages spoken globally.

3. When students study abroad, they have the opportunity to experience and interact with different cultures, thereby increasing their global perspective and their comfortability and acceptance of diversity within the workplace. This often equips them with stronger people skills, and the ability to be effective team players.

4. Studying abroad, many times, brings with it internship opportunities. Internships are a great way for students to learn job readiness, become more well-rounded, acquire time management skills, and build resilience. Additionally, those internships that provide compensation can indirectly impart lessons on budgeting as well. Not to mention, students are provided a greater sense of monetary economics.

5. Studying abroad can cultivate personal growth. From handling challenges, to dealing with different cultures and climates, to learning one’s way around unfamiliar territory, to learning new languages and customs, to ordering food from restaurants, to practicing discipline in study habits– students are often stretched to new limits and made stronger.

To sum it up, in the words of a famous song, “if they can make it there, they’ll make it anywhere.”

These are a few of the most important reasons that students should study abroad to improve their overall marketability, strengthen their position in a weak economy, and enhance their employment prospects in times ahead.

Like everyone else, employers are often seeking “value added” workers that bring as much to the table as possible. Times are tough. Businesses are being forced to operate with fewer resources and tougher hiring practices. The more well-rounded applicants are, the better. As such, studying abroad can strategically be viewed as a ticket to success in the work arena.

Now the study abroad programs make transferring colleges and transcripts even easier!

Troy Edwards writes for the blog “What is Economics?” where you can learn about and study economics 101. He has been in education for 10 years as a teacher and administrator. Currently, Troy is a math and social studies teacher in a special settings school for disadvantaged students.