Parent & Family Resources

Benefits Of Study Abroad

Recent findings from the Institute for the International Education Of Students indicate that studying abroad makes a difference — a long-lasting difference — in the lives of its participants, and results demonstrate the far reaching affects the experience has on participants, not only academically but professionally and personally as well.

Academic Achievement

• 87% claimed that studying abroad influenced subsequent educational experiences
• 86% said that it reinforced commitment to foreign language study
• 80% reported an enhanced interest in academic study
• 52% attained graduate degrees; of those, 15% received a Ph.D, Ed.D, JD, or medical degree

Cultural Development

• 98% reported the study abroad experience helped them to better understand their own cultural values and biases
• 94% stated that the experience continues to influence their interactions with people from different cultures
• 90% said studying abroad influenced them to seek out a greater diversity of friends

Career Impact

• 76% reported they acquired skill sets while studying abroad that influenced their career path
• 62% said studying abroad ignited an interest in a career direction pursued after the experience
• 48% Stated that they have worked internationally or participated in volunteer activities since studying abroad

Personal Growth

• 97% Reported that studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity
• 96% Indicated that it increased self confidence
• 95% Stated that it has had a lasting impact on their world view
• 89% Said studying abroad enabled them to better tolerate ambiguity

​Source: IES Abroad 2019 Recent Graduate Alumni Survey