Studying abroad is an invaluable experience that not only allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture but also provides many opportunities to enhance your skills and build a stronger resume. Whether you’re looking to develop global competencies, improve your language skills, or gain international work experience, studying abroad can help you stand out to potential employers.
In this article, we’ll explore how to build a strong resume while studying abroad, with practical tips on how to leverage your time abroad for personal and professional growth.
1. Develop Language Skills
One of the most significant benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to improve or learn a new language. Being bilingual or multilingual is an asset in today’s global job market. Many employers value candidates who can communicate effectively in multiple languages.
– Enroll in Language Courses: If you’re studying in a country where a different language is spoken, consider enrolling in language courses offered by your host university or local language schools. Even if your classes are in English, learning the local language will help you integrate better and communicate with locals more easily.
– Practice Speaking Regularly: Make an effort to practice speaking the language every day. This could involve chatting with locals, participating in language exchange programs, or joining social clubs where you can converse with others in the target language. The more you practice, the more fluent you’ll become, which will look great on your resume.
Language proficiency is a key skill that employers value, especially if they have a global presence or work with international clients.
2. Gain International Work Experience
One of the best ways to build your resume while studying abroad is by gaining work experience. Whether it’s through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities, international work experience is highly valued by employers and can set you apart from other candidates.
– Internships: Many study abroad programs offer internships as part of their curriculum. These internships may be related to your field of study or allow you to explore new industries. Interning abroad can help you gain hands-on experience, develop professional connections, and showcase your ability to adapt to new environments.
– Part-Time Jobs: If your student visa allows it, consider taking on a part-time job while abroad. This could be anything from working in a café or retail store to assisting with administrative tasks at a local company. Any job experience, even if not directly related to your major, will demonstrate your work ethic and ability to balance work with your studies.
– Volunteering: Volunteering is another great way to gain experience while giving back to the community. Many organizations look for volunteers to assist with various projects, from environmental conservation to education or healthcare. Volunteering can help you develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
International work experience demonstrates that you’re capable of adapting to different work cultures, collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds, and handling new challenges—skills that are invaluable to employers.
3. Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Getting involved in extracurricular activities while studying abroad is an excellent way to build your resume and expand your skill set. Whether it’s joining a student organization, sports team, or cultural club, these activities can show that you’re proactive, committed, and well-rounded.
– Join Student Clubs: Many universities offer clubs and organizations for international students or those with specific interests. Joining clubs related to your academic field can help you develop new skills, network with peers, and learn about opportunities in your field.
– Take Leadership Roles: If possible, take on leadership roles within the clubs or organizations you join. Being a club president, event organizer, or team captain will allow you to develop valuable leadership and management skills that can be showcased on your resume.
– Engage in Cultural Activities: Get involved in cultural events, festivals, and community outreach programs in your host country. These activities provide opportunities to network, build relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Extracurricular involvement not only boosts your resume but also enriches your study abroad experience by allowing you to meet new people, learn new skills, and explore your interests outside of the classroom.
4. Build a Professional Network
Studying abroad gives you the chance to build a professional network that spans countries and industries. Networking with professors, professionals, and peers during your time abroad can open doors to new career opportunities and provide valuable references for future job applications.
– Attend Networking Events: Many universities and study abroad programs host networking events, job fairs, and guest lectures with industry professionals. Attend these events to meet people in your field, exchange contact information, and learn about internship or job opportunities.
– Connect with Professors and Mentors: Don’t hesitate to ask professors and academic advisors for advice on career development or internship opportunities. Professors who have international connections can be great resources for building your network.
– Use LinkedIn: Create or update your LinkedIn profile and connect with classmates, professors, and professionals you meet while studying abroad. LinkedIn is a great platform for staying in touch with people and keeping track of potential job leads.
A strong professional network is an essential asset in your career development, and building one during your time abroad can pay off long after you return home.
5. Reflect on Your Personal Growth
Studying abroad offers many opportunities for personal growth, which can be just as important as professional development. Employers often look for candidates who are adaptable, independent, and able to handle challenges. Your time abroad can help you develop these qualities, which should be highlighted on your resume and in interviews.
– Adaptability: Living in a new country forces you to adapt to a different culture, language, and lifestyle. This experience shows that you can handle change and thrive in unfamiliar environments.
– Problem-Solving Skills: Studying abroad often involves overcoming challenges such as navigating a new city, managing cultural differences, or dealing with homesickness. These challenges build resilience and problem-solving abilities that are valuable in any career.
– Independence: Moving abroad requires a high level of independence, as you’re often managing your own finances, living arrangements, and daily activities. Demonstrating your ability to thrive on your own will make you stand out as a self-sufficient and capable candidate.
When updating your resume or preparing for interviews, take time to reflect on how your study abroad experience helped you develop these essential soft skills.
6. Highlight Your Global Perspective
Having a global perspective is one of the greatest advantages of studying abroad. This experience allows you to see the world from different viewpoints, which is particularly valuable in today’s interconnected world. Employers increasingly seek candidates with a global mindset, especially in industries such as business, international relations, education, and healthcare.
– Cultural Competency: Studying abroad helps you understand and appreciate cultural differences. This cultural competency can be an asset in diverse work environments and international teams.
– Global Awareness: Your time abroad can help you stay informed about global issues, politics, and economics, which is essential for many careers. Be sure to mention any experiences or knowledge that helped you gain a better understanding of the world.
– International Experience: Employers value international experience because it demonstrates your ability to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds and navigate global markets. Your study abroad program can be a great talking point in interviews, especially for companies with a global presence.
By highlighting your global perspective, you show that you’re prepared to work in a diverse and globalized world, a valuable trait in any profession.
7. Keep Track of Your Achievements
While studying abroad, you may take part in projects, complete assignments, or achieve personal milestones that are worth noting on your resume. Keep track of these achievements so you can update your resume later. This could include:
– Academic Achievements: Any high marks, special projects, or coursework that demonstrates your academic ability while studying abroad.
– Personal Milestones: Achievements such as successfully navigating cultural barriers, volunteering, or mastering a new skill that you can share with potential employers.
Being proactive about tracking your achievements will help you showcase the full scope of your study abroad experience when updating your resume.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to develop both personally and professionally. By taking advantage of language courses, internships, extracurricular activities, and networking opportunities, you can significantly strengthen your resume and stand out to potential employers. Be sure to reflect on your personal growth and global perspective, as these qualities are highly valued by employers in today’s competitive job market.
