Employers value candidates studying abroad

Penn State, University of Notre Dame, University of Kentucky and Pacific Lutheran University participated in a recent study, which shows that employers find value in Study Abroad when evaluating job search candidates. “Overall, Study Abroad was viewed favorably,” said Robert Domingo, a research associate at Penn State in an interview with The Daily Collegian. In the same survey, to which 352 employers responded, having the preferred academic major was ranked most desirable by employers and completing a major or a specialization in a foreign language was ranked second. Studying abroad ranked third.

In a more recent study of 119 employers conducted by the Career Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 59% of respondents said that Studying abroad or another international experience, other than an internship, would be invaluable or something valuable in the performance of a person. race later with your organization.

Study Abroad programs are becoming increasingly attractive as more and more college students seek meaningful ways to spend college vacations or explore the true diversity of cultures. Additionally, as students return and share their positive experiences, others also sign up to travel abroad.

Two great resources for students considering studying abroad are StudyAbroad.com and Semester at Sea.

StudyAbroad.com is a comprehensive online source of information on educational opportunities for high school students, college students, or graduate students who want to study abroad. Includes information on summer programs, internships, service learning programs, and volunteer opportunities abroad. The information is easy to follow and is arranged by subject, country or city.

Semester at Sea, run by the Institute for Shipboard Education, is sponsored by the University of Virginia, where students can apply for credit for the 2007 summer trip. This trip will have students traversing the west coast of Central America and South America. This summer’s stops will include Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Financial aid is available to help students cover the over $ 8,000 cost of a little over 2 months’ trip aboard the floating university. The fall 2007 trip is scheduled for stops in Japan, Thailand, China and India, while Puerto Rico, Brazil, South Africa and Mauritius are available for the spring 2008 trip.

No study abroad program is without risk and students and parents should do all necessary due diligence to ensure that these experiences do not end with less than positive results. Some general tips to stay safe in a study abroad experience are as follows and include some tips from the University of Chicago Study Abroad program:

1. Be alert at all times. Remember that you are in an unfamiliar environment.

2. Trust your instincts

3. Be cautious and protective of your cash

4. Observe political meetings from a distance

5. Learn where the nearest police station, hospital and embassy are located.

6. Stay sober and away from drugs and alcohol. This is not the time to lose focus

7. Be particularly alert when on public transportation and in public places.

8. Be aware of new friendships that develop too quickly.

9. Make copies of all your important documents. Take a set of copies with you and leave one at home.

10. Be discreet and try to integrate as much as possible. Avoid being the noisy tourist

11. Check in often with your home. Have some routine so that people at home know if you are after hours.