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How To Put Study Abroad On A Resume (With Examples)

By Chris Kolmar and Experts
Sep. 27, 2022
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

How to Effectively Highlight Study Abroad Experience on Your Resume (With Examples)

In today’s competitive job market, adding your study abroad experience to your resume can significantly enhance your appeal to hiring managers and recruiters. It’s essential, however, to present this experience thoughtfully by emphasizing the valuable skills you developed during your time abroad.

Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, meet diverse individuals, and gain fresh perspectives. For many, this experience is not solely about academics; it’s also about personal growth, exploration, and cultural engagement.

Hiring managers are interested in understanding how your study abroad experience contributes to your qualifications as a job candidate, beyond the exciting locations you visited or food you tasted.

Key Takeaways:

  • Determine the best section to highlight your experience (education, volunteer work, or work/internship history).

  • Compile a list of skills you honed while studying abroad and incorporate them into your resume.

  • Focus on the skills gained from your international experience rather than social activities.

How to Highlight Study Abroad on Your Resume (With Examples)

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Why Include Your Study Abroad Experience

  • Distinguishes You from Other Candidates. Your study abroad experience can provide unique insights and skills that make you a more attractive candidate to hiring managers.

  • Demonstrates Adaptability. Navigating a new culture requires adaptability and a willingness to learn, showcasing your openness to diverse environments.

  • Explains Gaps in Work Experience. If your time abroad interrupted your job experience, including it on your resume can effectively address any gaps.

Skills Gained from Study Abroad

Study abroad experiences typically foster a range of skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Here are some common challenges and experiences you may have encountered:

  • Stepping outside your comfort zone.

  • Finding resources to navigate daily tasks.

  • Overcoming language barriers through communication.

  • Building independence and self-reliance.

  • Enhancing self-accountability.

Reflect on these experiences and identify the specific skills you utilized. Here are some key skills to consider:

  • Cross-cultural communication.

  • Collaboration in diverse teams.

  • Independent work ethic.

  • Resourcefulness.

  • Dependability.

  • Flexibility.

  • Cultural sensitivity.

  • Proficiency in a second language.

Keep in mind that additional skills may have developed during internships or classes taken in a foreign language. Jot down your significant experiences and the skills you acquired, then start integrating them into your resume.

Where to Place Study Abroad on Your Resume

Depending on the duration and nature of your study abroad experience, there are three primary sections of your resume where it may fit:

  • Education Section. If your study abroad involved primarily attending classes, include it here. If it helps clarify a gap in credits, it can also be beneficial in this section. You may also link the relevant skills to your skills section.

  • Volunteer Section. If much of your experience was volunteer-based, detail your study abroad activities and corresponding skills in this section.

  • Work History Section. If your study abroad involved internships or research, include your roles and contributions in this section.

Every resume is unique. Tailor yours to align with the job for which you’re applying, emphasizing study abroad experiences when they align closely with the desired skills. If there’s less relevance to the position, it’s still beneficial to include it without making it the focal point.

What to Avoid Mentioning About Study Abroad

When including study abroad on your resume, focus on valuable insights rather than personal anecdotes.

  • Recruiters are not interested in social experiences like nightlife or leisure activities. They want to understand how your study abroad experience has contributed to your professional growth and development.

  • Take a moment to reflect on your favorite moments abroad. If they revolve around socializing rather than overcoming challenges, focus instead on the skills and resilience you developed.

  • While it may seem tedious to concentrate on skills, emphasizing those gained from your study abroad experience is far more impactful than simply listing courses taken.

  • If you’re struggling to identify your skills, consider these questions:

    • Were there moments where you felt emotionally or culturally challenged?

    • How did you navigate communication barriers?

    • Did any experiences make you reflect on your own culture?

Final Thoughts

Studying abroad offers an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth. If you’re currently abroad, seize every chance to explore and learn. Upon your return, reflect on how this experience has transformed you and how to articulate that transformation positively, making you a more compelling job candidate.

By focusing on the benefits your study abroad experience brings to potential employers, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next job.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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