February 14, 2023  |  Purdue Global

Studying abroad has long been seen as a transformative experience. According to a survey by IES Abroad, students who have studied overseas have been able to find full-time jobs sooner than those who haven’t.

IES Abroad also found that of those who have studied abroad:

  • 97% said the experience increased their maturity
  • 96% said it increased their self-confidence
  • 95% said it had a lasting impact on their world view

“Often, when you talk about study abroad, there’s a connection with people,” says Jennifer Teague, professor and senior lead of Education Abroad at Purdue Global’s School of Business and IT. “That’s mainly because many of us have participated in it—or we wish we would've participated in it, or one of our children or a spouse or a friend did—and we have a story to tell. That's really what studying abroad is about. It's all about expanding the narrative.”

Teague spoke about reasons to study abroad, what the benefits of studying abroad are, and how students can participate in an education abroad experience.

What Is Studying Abroad and Why Is It Important?

In a traditional study abroad program, students travel to a foreign country to expand their college studies. They might spend one to two semesters overseas attending lectures or conducting research at a host university (or through their home university’s program) while immersing themselves in the culture of another country.

Some programs offer additional options, often referred to as education abroad. So what is education abroad? These opportunities—which are offered by Purdue Global and detailed in this article—are typically shorter trips or virtual experiences.

“Having an education abroad experience can make you stand out to potential employers,” Teague says. “They report that it is a differentiator when they're reviewing job candidates. We also know that employers rate those who have some form of international engagement experience as part of their academic studies as more promotable.”

A report from NAFSA: Association of International Educators says that the skills gained while studying abroad coincide with what employers seek. According to NAFSA, employers value cross-cultural understanding in an increasingly global economic environment.

Teague says that an education abroad experience can help fill in some gaps in the soft skills that employers value. For example, a report from the Association of American Colleges and Universities shows that although 54% of employers regard intercultural fluency as critical to workplace success, only 43% say recent college graduates have that skill.

The report also indicates that 44% of employers prioritize hiring graduates with global learning experience and perspectives.

“By studying abroad, you are able to connect with people that you normally wouldn't encounter in your day-to-day life,” Teague says.

What Can You Learn From Studying Abroad?

According to NAFSA, there are several benefits of studying abroad. Among these are:

  • Broader intercultural and global understanding: One study found that after their study abroad experience, students exhibited greater understanding of other cultures, were more open to diversity, and had a more inclusive take on the world.
  • Increased employability and career skills: Employers value the skills that students gain while studying abroad, according to various studies.
  • Better problem-solving skills: Being exposed to new challenges allows students to come up with new solutions. This is one of the soft skills employers look for in employees.
  • Stronger adaptability: Studying abroad is a challenge, one that will test a student’s abilities to cope with new experiences and situations. Learning to adapt to circumstances is a skill that is highly prized in one’s personal and professional life.

There are also some other personal benefits, according to Teague, citing greater self-awareness, an awareness of how one is viewed by others, and an appreciation for the different ways others might view the world.

“Those three pillars of education abroad help promote global citizenship,” she says. “It's how we learn to communicate effectively across cultures.”

How Can Purdue Global Students Study Abroad?

As an online university, Purdue Global offers an education abroad program that allows students to study abroad either in-person or virtually.

Teague says it’s uncommon for a fully online university like Purdue Global to offer such an experience.

“What’s been absolutely amazing is that we’ve taken several cohorts abroad now,” she says about Purdue Global’s 1-week in-person program. “These students show up never having met a classmate or an instructor in person, and they leave at the end of the week with this new worldview and a sense of community with their peers and professors.”

The University also offers a virtual education abroad option. Remote cameras link virtual travelers to real-time cultural and business tours, lectures, and conversations.

“This is something that is very unique—not just for a remote university but for any university,” she says. “We offer this option because some students can’t make the trip. If you have professional obligations, if you have kids at home, if the cost of education abroad on a plane is just out of reach, this still opens that door for you to experience and engage with a different culture.”

What Certificates or Credentials Are Offered With Education Abroad?

After their education abroad experience, Purdue Global students are eligible to receive the AFS Global Competence Certificate.

AFS Intercultural Programs is one of the tried and true intercultural and study abroad providers,” Teague says. “Their Global Competence Certificate is the foundation that we use for intercultural skill development. It provides students the fundamentals needed to develop the knowledge and skills to navigate cross-cultural interactions both domestically and internationally.”

Purdue Global also offers the Global Scholar Micro-credential to education abroad participants, which acknowledges participation in a significant global engagement experience with transcript recognition, a certificate, and a digital badge.

“This is one more way for students to demonstrate to employers and professional and personal networks that they are committed to being more effective global citizens,” Teague says.

Use Education Abroad to Boost Your Knowledge

Purdue Global’s Education Abroad program provides an exciting chance for you to experience another culture firsthand, either virtually or face-to-face. Travel and virtual education abroad experiences are planned in Germany, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Switzerland, and Croatia. Participation options are available for students across the University at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as alumni.

Learn about upcoming opportunities and how studying abroad can benefit you by subscribing to Purdue Global’s Education Abroad mailing list or emailing the Education Abroad team.

To learn more about online programs available at Purdue Global, request more information today.

Filed in: Student Life


About the Author

Purdue Global

Purdue Global delivers a fully personalized, world-class education online that's tailored for adults. We offer 175 programs, including associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as certificates, in areas such as business, IT, education, health sciences, nursing, criminal justice, and more.


NOTES AND CONDITIONS

Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.