Arcadia Study Abroad Alumni

Study Abroad Alumni
Highlighting Your International Experience

Articulating Skills Learned Abroad

  • You've had an amazing experience abroad and now it's time to think about your next step. 

  • Whether you decide to start a job search (either in the United States or abroad), apply to graduate school, or simply take some time off, it will be helpful to be able to articulate the skills you learned abroad and incorporate these into your resume or c.v.

  • What follows is a list of skills typically acquired through a study abroad experience (you will undoubtedly be able to add more!).

  • According to a study done by the Career Services and Placement Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University, employers associate resourcefulness and adaptability with having studied or interned abroad.

  • Be sure to highlight these and other qualities and skills in your resume. It may also be helpful to think of a specific instance or situation you were in that demonstrates the particular skill or quality. 

Skills and Qualities Associated with Study Abroad

  • Understand cultural differences and similarities
  • Inquisitiveness
  • Learn through listening and observation
  • Establish rapport quickly
  • Adaptability - flexibility and comfort with ambiguity
  • Ability to make "transitions"
  • Initiative and willingness to take risks
  • Time management skills
  • Accept responsibility
  • Creativity
  • Interest in continuous learning
  • Communicate despite barriers
  • Learn quickly
  • Ability to handle stress and difficult situations
  • Manage/organize
  • Lead others in formal/informal groups
  • Conduct research despite language and cultural differences
  • Cope with rejection
  • Ownership of projects
  • Self reliance
  • Open-mindedness
  • Assertiveness
  • Self-confidence
  • Goal orientation - clear cut goals and objectives
  • Motivation to achieve
  • Positive outlook toward hardship and adversity
  • Resourcefulness
  • Relationship building skill
  • Adventurous spirit, curiosity
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