by Jane Rutherford

Created on: December 13, 2009   Last Updated: January 01, 2010

Nobody is more aware of how difficult it is to find a job than recent university graduates. College students more often than not concentrate on the unique and amazing college life instead of the mundane task of job hunting, and not many of them realize how much studying abroad can help their future career.

And for years, I didn't know that either. Only after my university became involved in an international program offering internships in top Japanese companies located in various prominent Japanese cities it was pointed out to me how simple stay abroad can influence a company's decision to hire a student. It was the program's application form that made me realize how in demand are graduates who spent some of their time abroad. All answers regarding any and all stays abroad were worth the most points.

Why do companies prefer graduates who study abroad?

Various firms, especially international companies with branch offices all around the world (or even all over the US) appreciate the experience one gains after a stay in a foreign country.

They realize that studying abroad means their prospective employee has a certain set of skills that will be extremely useful to them.

What do you learn while studying abroad?

When you find yourself far from home, maybe even in a country where not everybody speaks English, you quickly learn to adapt. After all, you have to figure out the public transport system, where to shop for groceries, where to spend your free time. You make new friends, which means you open up for people,you get rid of the initial fear that you're not going to fit in, you ease into being able to chat up strangers. And this ability to adapt, find solutions to problems when you're in an strange situation, research the answers if you have nobody to ask; that is something many (if not all) employers appreciate.

You also learn about a completely different culture, which enables you to understand worldviews different than your own. That is an incredibly important skill for those who want to work in an international environment. It's also the only one that can't be learned with books and research. It's something you have to learn by meeting people who have a different background than you.

Additionally, if you study abroad, in a non-English speaking country, sooner or later you pick up some of the language. Not to mention that most study abroad programs and universities who offer courses for international students, also offer language courses for free or for a small fee. And it's not a secret that people who speak a foreign language have a better chance of finding a good job. Maybe even a dream job.

There's also a matter of all the practical experience you get while studying abroad. And practical experience means you won't be stressed out of your mind while traveling on business. Having done it before, you won't worry as much about the luggage, missed flights, hotels, taxis and other inconvenient matters.

Finally, if you list your study abroad experience in your resume, your future employer will know that you won't have a problem with various business trips or even relocating to different cities or even countries if your company opens up a new branch office.

As you can see, all those skills you will learn while studying abroad (in addition to your degree) will make you an employee companies will want to have, and keep.

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