Study abroad grants your student one of the most unique learning experiences available to aspiring professionals. It creates a total learning experience, surrounding the student with lessons and real world practice. Regardless of location and field of study, they will see growth in key areas of their life that will benefit them in both professionally and personally.

Academics Benefits

• Learning process can become more self-guided
• If your student is worn out, study abroad can reignite their passion to learn
• One giant real world experience made up of multiple smaller experiences and lessons
• Access to classes unavailable at GVSU that are still applicable and can make student more unique
• Chance to specialize within the student’s field

Personal Benefits

• Open-mindedness
• Flexibility
• Working well under pressure
• Ability to work outside of comfort zone
• Able to do business in different environments
• Strong communication in intercultural situations
• Awareness of current events, world history, and culture

Professional Benefits

•  Individuals are more adaptable and flexible
• Well developed world view & understanding of world trends
• Diverse internship opportunities
• Hands on experience
• Connection to international peers in their fields
• Skills employers are increasingly looking for, including:
• Open-mindedness
• Flexibility
• Working well under pressure
• Ability to work outside of comfort zone
• Able to do business in different environments
• Strong communication in intercultural situations
• Awareness of current events, world history, and culture

Recent Articles on the Importance of Study Abroad

• "The findings showed that employers most important selection criteria in recruiting a candidate are interpersonal skills, and when questioned employers believe that these skills are likely to be strong in a candidate who has had an overseas education experience." 

• 2012 Article: Study Abroad is Necessity, Not Luxury

• -Institute for International Education

• 2013 Report: Demand for Study Overseas by American Students and Employers

• "Globalization is here to stay, and students who want to work in our interconnected global world should study abroad." 

  The New York Times

• 2013 Article: Every Student Should Study Abroad

• "With proper planning and preparation, the study abroad experience can truly be life changing." 

• -Northwestern University

• Why Study Abroad?

• "Is now the time to be devoting precious public funds to sending college kids overseas? Absolutely. Our world is one big, rapidly evolving marketplace. Employers crave graduates who are flexible, multilingual and comfortable in multicultural settings. Study abroad sharpens these skills and helps keep American workers competitive"

• -Rick Steves USA TODAY

Intern to Professional Guide

Capitalizing on your international internship experience