7 Career Benefits of Studying Abroad

Want to make a global impact? Looking to travel during your studies without compromising your education and career?

Read on for straightforward advice from EU Business School on the benefits of studying abroad. EU Business School is an influential business school with campuses in Geneva, Montreux, Barcelona and Munich, and exchanges with partner universities around the world.

1. Build a global network

The best international universities usually add value to their education and understand the benefits of a responsive alumni network — one made up of supportive, influential alumni holding executive roles around the world.

When you study abroad, you build connections not only through your university but also through its partner institutions. For example, EU Business School partners with top universities across five continents, giving students the opportunity to join exchange programmes and gain further qualifications from affiliated universities. You can find the full list of EU Business School partner universities here.

2. Become a problem solver

By living and studying abroad, you'll learn to take care of yourself far from home. From registering with a local doctor, to cooking from scratch with unfamiliar ingredients, to calling a locksmith in a foreign language if you lock yourself out, you'll constantly be forced to take initiative and solve problems! After that, applying calm, practical, problem-solving skills in the business world will come naturally.

3. Train for an international career

No matter which EU Business School campus you study on, you'll have the chance to be surrounded by over 100 nationalities. Meeting people from around the world actually makes you smarter, because you'll inevitably encounter ideas that challenge your own beliefs and get to engage with a wide range of cultures and customs.

Most importantly, your courses will train you to understand business environments and needs on a global scale, and give you the opportunity to spend a semester or two studying elsewhere in the world. After all these experiences, applying for international jobs will come much more easily. You'll have more than enough experience worth sharing!

4. Boost your CV

Whether you're aiming to work at an international company or move into a non-profit, government, international business or finance role, studying abroad strengthens your CV. Recruiters value the skills and attributes developed abroad — adaptability, resilience and independence — as well as your preparation for working in multicultural environments.

5. Learn a new language

Recruiters are keen on language skills. In 2017, speaking Spanish, French, German or Mandarin is a huge asset. The good news? EU Business School has campuses in Geneva, Montreux, Barcelona and Munich, plus programmes in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen.

At EU Business School, 98% of students and staff speak more than two languages. Join them! Although all courses are taught in English, there are plenty of opportunities to learn a new language. And if you really want to pick up a language, there's no better way than living in a country where it's spoken.

6. Impress graduate school admissions committees

Looking to pursue further qualifications elsewhere? Completing your undergraduate degree at a well-known university abroad will earn you points with admissions officers. Like employers, academics also highly value the skills gained by studying abroad, and they'll be interested to hear the fresh perspective you've developed on your subject.

7. Avoid the cost of a gap year

Taking time to travel before your first job might sound appealing, but it's a sacrifice — when you try to enter the job market, you could be left behind. As a graduate, expectations fade the longer you wait to start your career. When the holiday is over, you may find yourself needing to pursue a master's or take a short course just to secure an interview.

Why not kill two birds with one stone by studying abroad so you don't waste a year or add to your debt? During ordinary weekends and semester breaks, you'll have plenty of chances to explore the country and the wider region — always with a strong support network to ensure you get the most out of your time overseas.