How to document your study abroad experience for your resume
Introduction
Studying abroad is an experience that can change your life in many ways. It can open up new opportunities, expand your horizons, and teach you valuable skills that will benefit you in your personal and professional life. However, it's important to remember that the experience itself is only part of the equation. To truly benefit from your study abroad experience, you need to be able to effectively convey what you learned and how it has shaped you to potential employers. In this article, we'll explore how to document your study abroad experience for your resume, so you can present yourself as a well-rounded and highly qualified candidate.
Setting the Stage
The first step in documenting your study abroad experience is to set the stage by providing context for the reader. This includes information such as where you studied, how long you were there, what program you were in, and what courses you took. It's also a good idea to include a brief description of the culture and environment in which you were living. This will give the reader a sense of what you were experiencing during your time abroad and will help to put your other experiences and skills in perspective.
Example:
During the spring semester of my junior year, I studied abroad in Paris, France through a program offered by my university. I was there for four months and took courses in French language, literature, and culture. Living in Paris was an incredible experience; the city was vibrant and full of life, and I was constantly surrounded by art, history, and delicious food. However, it was also a challenging experience, as I was living in a foreign country where I didn't speak the language fluently and had to navigate cultural differences and unfamiliar situations on a daily basis.
Highlighting Your Skills
Now that you've set the stage, it's time to highlight the skills you gained during your study abroad experience. Think about what you learned both inside and outside of the classroom, and how those experiences have helped you to develop as a person and a professional. This could include things like language proficiency, cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, independence, and time management. Don't be afraid to get specific and provide examples where you can.
Example:
Studying abroad in Paris allowed me to develop my French language skills to a level of proficiency that I never would have been able to reach in a classroom setting. I was completely immersed in the language and had to use it in my daily life, from ordering food at a restaurant to navigating the metro system. This experience has not only given me the ability to communicate with French-speaking colleagues and clients, but has also increased my confidence in my own language abilities. Additionally, living in a foreign country forced me to become more adaptable and independent. I had to navigate a new city and culture on my own, and learned how to problem-solve and handle unexpected situations as they arose. This has made me a more confident and resourceful person, and has translated into better time management and organizational skills in my personal and professional life.
Connecting Your Experience to Your Career Goals
The final step in documenting your study abroad experience for your resume is to connect it to your career goals. This is where you tie everything together and show the reader how your study abroad experience has prepared you for a specific job or industry. Think about what skills and experiences would be valuable in your desired career path, and how your study abroad experience has helped you to develop those skills.
Example:
As someone who is interested in a career in international business, my study abroad experience in Paris has been incredibly valuable. Not only am I now fluent in French, which is a valuable asset in any international business context, but I have also gained cross-cultural communication skills and an understanding of the nuances of doing business in a foreign country. I'm now able to navigate cultural differences and make connections with colleagues and clients from different backgrounds. Additionally, my experience living and studying in a foreign country has given me a global perspective that is essential in today's interconnected world. I'm able to approach problems and opportunities from a diverse set of viewpoints, which will be invaluable in a career in international business.
Conclusion
Documenting your study abroad experience for your resume is an important step in presenting yourself as a well-rounded and highly qualified candidate to potential employers. By setting the stage, highlighting your skills, and connecting your experience to your career goals, you can effectively communicate the value of your time abroad and show how it has prepared you for success in your desired field. Remember to be specific and provide examples where you can, and don't be afraid to showcase the unique perspective and experiences that studying abroad has given you.