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Study abroad programs for college and gap students

Students Share Their Top Five Reasons to Study Abroad

Taking the leap to study abroad isn’t necessarily an easy decision, but the benefits you gain from the experience can make it one of the most rewarding parts of college. Students share the top five ways studying abroad fueled personal growth and helped set them up for professional success.

 

 

1. Gain professional benefits

Study abroad increases employability by developing valuable skills, including resourcefulness, adaptability, and intercultural competence, which is the ability to function and communicate effectively across cultures. You can even go one step further by interning abroad—and in the process, benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional experience to make your résumé stand out.

 

“[My internship] was an immersive and rewarding experience that allowed me to sharpen my Mandarin, explore Chinese culture firsthand, and gain a deeper understanding of China’s role in the global economy. Outside the classroom, I interned with Clean Energy Associates (CEA) as a Market Intelligence and Operations Intern. Working in an international setting helped me adapt quickly, communicate across cultures, and see how business operates on a global scale. I am especially grateful to Spence Jorgensen 乔浩宇 for his guidance during this time. This semester abroad was a culmination of the cultural, academic, and language goals I’ve been working toward for years. I’m excited to carry these skills forward into future opportunities that bridge global business, language, and innovation.”

Asa Traylor, Elon University

day in the life: interning in barcelona

Curious about what exactly interning abroad may look like? Ian Friske shares his experience at Barcelona-based company Royo Fritz.

day in the life: interning in barcelona

Curious about what exactly interning abroad may look like? Ian Friske shares his experience at Barcelona-based company Royo Fritz.

2. Upgrade your foreign language skills

Speaking of career benefits, research shows speaking an additional language beyond English provides a boost in job opportunities. Beyond that, language learning is a meaningful way to gain insight into a culture’s identity, values, and beliefs. And there’s nothing like full immersion to launch your language skills to the next level.

 

“[CET Japan] provides intensive and immersive curriculum only in Japanese that truly accelerates language acquisition.... I felt that in the short two months I was in Japan, I improved my Japanese more than entire academic years at my university. I personally think that it was because when you are in Japan, you’re required to utilize language every day and really put it into practice.”

David Jimenez Hernandez, University of Colorado Boulder

Calligraphy workshop at CET Japan

3. Earn credits for graduation and explore a new country

College is a time for exploration. Discover your host city and deepen your understanding of its history and culture through first-hand experience.

“Be open to trying everything, I know it’s a cliche piece of advice, but it is applicable here. In an uncomfortable environment, we as people tend to clam up and not want to venture anywhere outside of our apartment. That is not something you want to do here....it would be a pity if you came all the way here and didn’t experience the cultural nuances and fun stuff the country had to offer. In Chinese we have a saying: 读万卷书不如行万里路. Reading ten thousand books is ineffective compared to walking ten thousand miles. You can read about Taiwan all you want on the internet or in magazines and books. But to experience it firsthand, be it stinky tofu, a cold spring, or KTV for the first time will give you experiences you will never forget, and teach you lessons you will hold forever.”

Eric Li, University of Pennsylvania

CET students pick tea leaves while learning about eco-tourism in Taiwan

4. Build resilience

Resilience is the ability to adapt to life’s challenges, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility. It’s a keystone of mental wellness, as well as an essential skill for navigating school—studies show that students who have studied abroad earn higher GPAs and are more likely to complete their degree programs compared to peers who stayed on campus.

“My greatest success of my term abroad has been fully allowing myself to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. There were many times throughout the semester where I felt like I wasn’t going to be able to do something or it was causing me a lot of anxiety, but I overcame a lot of my doubts and the people around me greatly helped with that.”

Jayla Jones, Williams College

CET Shanghai students go river tracing in Hangzhou

5. Deconstruct stereotypes and find new perspectives

What are the ideas, experiences, narratives, and community practices that are often overlooked and marginalized in our educational institutions? If this question calls to you, consider study abroad programs that connect you with leaders, educators, and activists who work to preserve, build, and share knowledge that nurtures their communities and cultures.

“This experience [CET Colombia] is something I will always hold close to my heart. It played a pivotal role in my personal development, academic growth, and in shaping me as a more culturally grounded and globally aware individual. The new mindset I gained came not only from the classroom, but from the perspectives I encountered through lived experience. I had the privilege of learning from professors and activists who are actively contributing to the fields they teach, challenging Western frameworks, deconstructing stereotypes, and centering local knowledge and lived realities.”

Brooklynn Tucker, Howard University

CET Colombia students learn about about ancestral medicine in San Basilio de Palenque, a community descended from African maroons of the 17th century

Not sure where to start your study abroad journey?

CET Academic Programs leads thoughtful, innovative study abroad programs throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Explore our programs by location, discipline, or term. 

Another great way to get started is to make an appointment to speak with an advisor at your school’s study abroad office! Advisors often can provide guidance on choosing your program, earning credit for the courses you take abroad, applying for scholarships, and more.

CET Jordan: Academic Consultation Board

Over the years, we’ve built a strong network of locally-based faculty that we’re proud to call our peers. These faculty make up our Academic Consultation Board—a select group of local voices and thought leaders that help advise and shape components of the CET Jordan program. 

Board members support the program in many ways, including but not limited to:

  • Leveraging topical expertise to help develop courses, including field-based components.
  • Teaching courses or guest lectures for CET Jordan and custom programs
  • Recommending and providing academic resources for research

Academic Consultation Board Members

  • Dr. Bader Al Madi | American University of Madaba, PhD, Sociology, Political Science
  • Dr. Amani El Serhan | University of Jordan, PhD, Women's Studies
  • Dr. Amani Qashmar | University of Jordan, PhD, Education
  • Dr. Areej Alawzi | University of Jordan, PhD, English Literature/Translation
  • Dr. Ahmad Al Khrisha | World Islamic Sciences & Education University, PhD, Arabic Language & Literature

Learn more about studying abroad with CET

Learn more about studying abroad with CET