Study Abroad on Resume: Tips & Strategies to Stand Out in 2023

Does studying abroad look good on a resume?

Employers often look for candidates who possess international exposure, cross-cultural competencies, and adaptability.

Studying abroad not only broadens these horizons, but also boosts employability. But how do you highlight this experience on your resume?

With our guidance, you can effectively present your study abroad experience on your resume and demonstrate how it can contribute to your as well as the company’s success.

Gain essential insights with us on how to effectively convey the value of your international education and skills learned while studying abroad.

• The significance of mentioning study abroad on resume
• Steps to optimally include study abroad on resume
• Tips to make study abroad experience stand out on resume

Why Study Abroad Experience Matters on Your Resume?

In today’s globalized world, the value of international exposure is greater than ever.

Employers are looking for candidates who can adapt to different cultures, communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, and bring new perspectives to the table. Putting study abroad on a resume is an excellent way to demonstrate these qualities.

According to a study by the Institute for International Education of Students, 97% of study abroad students found employment within 12 months of graduation.

Furthermore, 90% of study abroad alumni reported that their study abroad experience helped them acquire skills that influenced their career path.

Therefore, including your study abroad experience on your resume can help you stand out from other candidates. It can also increase your overall chances of getting hired.

Also read: What are some tips for making the best out of a resume maker for students with no experience?

How to Put Study Abroad on Resume?

Where to put study abroad on a resume?

There are multiple sections through which you can throw light upon your study abroad experience on your resume.

Here are some strategies to help you make the most of your study abroad on your resume:

Incorporate Study Abroad Under the Education Section

One of the most common ways to include study abroad experiences on your resume is to add it under the education section. Here's how you can do it:

• List the name of the institution where you studied abroad
• Mention the country and city where you studied abroad
• Provide the dates of your study abroad program
• Highlight relevant coursework or projects you completed during your study abroad
• Mention any academic achievements or awards you received while studying abroad

Highlight Study Abroad in Relevant Experience Section

If you had a study abroad experience that directly aligns with the job you are applying for, you can include it in the professional experience section. Here's how you can do it:

• Include the name of the organization you worked for during your study abroad on your resume
• Mention the role or position you held during your study abroad program
• Highlight any relevant skills or experiences you gained while studying abroad
• Provide specific examples of how your study abroad experience has prepared you for the job you are applying for

Also read: What are the most lucrative part-time weekend jobs?

Mention Study Abroad in the Skills Section

Suppose you developed any software skill during your study abroad, or for that matter, any skill that contributes to the job you are applying for, make sure to mention them. Here's how you can do it:

• List the skills you developed during your study abroad program
• Provide specific examples of how you have used these skills in your academic or professional life
• Highlight any awards or recognitions you received for your skills during your study abroad program

Use Action Verbs to Describe Your Study Abroad Experience

When describing your study abroad experience on your resume, use action verbs to make it more impactful and engaging. Here are some examples of action verbs you can use:

Also read: What is the best app to use for a resume in 2023?

Additional Tips to Make Your Study Abroad Experience Stand Out on Your Resume

Here are some additional tips to help you make your study abroad experience stand out on your resume:

Quantify Your Achievements and Experiences

Quantifying achievements and experiences for your study abroad on your resume can make a world of difference. Here are some examples of how you can quantify your experiences:

• Mention the number of courses you took while studying abroad
• Highlight any research projects or papers you completed during your study abroad program
• Include the number of cultural activities or events you participated in during your study abroad program
• Mention any language proficiency exams you took and your scores.

Use Bullet Points to Increase Readability

Using bullet points can make your resume easy to read and scan. Here are some examples of how you can use bullet points to highlight your study abroad experience:

• List the country and city where you studied abroad
• Mention the name of the institution where you studied abroad
• Highlight any relevant coursework or projects you completed during your study abroad program
• Mention any academic achievements or awards you received while studying abroad

Use Keywords and Phrases from the Job Description

Using keywords and phrases from the job description can help showcase how your study abroad experience aligns with the job requirements.

If the job requires cross-cultural communication, highlight the skills gained through your study abroad program. For international exposure, mention visited countries and how they developed your global perspective.

Lastly, for language proficiency, discuss the languages learned abroad and their potential benefits.

Mention Language Proficiency

If you learned a new language or improved your language skills during your study abroad program, make sure to mention it on your resume. Here are some examples of how you can mention language proficiency:

• List the languages you learned or improved during your study abroad program
• Mention the level of proficiency you have in each language (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced)
• Include any language proficiency exams you took and your scores

Include Volunteer Work or Extracurricular Activities

If you participated in any volunteer work or extracurricular activities during your study abroad program, make sure to include them on your resume. Here are some examples of how you can include volunteer work or extracurricular activities:

• List the name of the organization you volunteered for or the activity you participated in
• Mention the skills you gained or developed through your volunteer work or extracurricular activities
• Provide specific examples of how your volunteer work or extracurricular activities have prepared you for the job you are applying for

Get a Recommendation Letter

Getting a recommendation letter from a professor or supervisor from your study abroad program can add credibility to your study abroad experience. Here are some tips for getting a recommendation letter:

• Choose a professor or supervisor who knows you well and can speak to your strengths
• Provide the professor or supervisor with your resume and a list of your accomplishments during your study abroad program
• Ask the professor or supervisor if they would be willing to write you a recommendation letter

Also read: What can a cover letter explain that a résumé cannot?

FAQs

• How do I incorporate my study abroad experience into my resume?
  Highlight relevant skills gained while abroad, including language skills, intercultural communication abilities, adaptability, and independence. Include the institution name, program dates, and notable academic achievements or extracurricular activities.

• Can study abroad experience help me stand out to potential employers?
  Yes, it shows adaptability, independence, and a global perspective, which are qualities many employers seek. Proficiency in a foreign language can also be valuable.

• What if I didn't study abroad but have international experience?
  Include it on your resume, highlighting relevant skills gained while abroad. Include the organization name, dates, and notable achievements or responsibilities.

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