How Important is it for College Students or Recent Graduates to Have Experience Studying or Working in a Foreign Country?

By: Dr. Debi Yohn

I have lived overseas and as a college expert I can see the value of a cross cultural experience for the college student. The United States is a country of immigrants but contrary to countries such as Europe and Australia, we do not always expose our youth to other cultures. Opinions are made from being exposed to cultures in the neighborhoods of the USA.  For example, China is more than China town,  Mexico is more than the border towns of Mexico like Tijuana , and experiencing Italy is more than little Italy.

There is a small proportion of students that do the travel overseas to gain practical experience, learn new skills, and increase their career prospects. About 10,000 U.S. students annually participate in noncredit work overseas programs with a strong experiential emphasis.

Whether the student is working, studying or performing a volunteer service, this looks great on the resume, it is life altering and the skills the student gathers cannot be learned in a classroom. The world becomes their classroom.

I cannot stress enough the value of being exposed to an overseas experience. The United States is a country of immigrants. It is so important to look beyond our borders so we do not forget this. We can learn from other cultures.  Employers are multicultural, and this is an added dimension that he/she sees in this applicant.

Many college graduates may even look overseas for work upon graduation and if they are not, they should, even if it is the unpaid type of work.  Organizations that recruit volunteers for overseas work have seen an increase in applications.  For example, the Peace Corp has seen a 16% increase in applications.  This is happening not only in the states but other countries such as Canada.

Looking abroad may be a good solution for graduates that are in a quandary as they begin to cope with a tough economic climate.  But if they already have this international experience on their resume, they will stand out from the applicants that do not.