Comfort Zone Can you adapt? Different people and different way of life. Views One way of thinking VS. Another way of thinking. Develop your interpersonal skills and show that you are flexible in a new business environment!
Working internationally could lead to potential international job prospects for the future just BEING there gives you a BIG advantage. Even when you return home you can always tell a future network that you were in that country! You are aware of the culture/country and are physically there to look for opportunities. NETWORK now with those you meet (i.e. Hotel Manager, site visits, social events..make business cards and pass them around because you never know who you will meet!!!) Give GREECE examples: Vernicos through my friend AND Gran Britain through party!!!!
Become more respectful of different viewpoints it is inevitable when you go overseas and forced to deal with a whole new culture. Show that you did it in a respectful manner. Better positioned to handle the demands of the working world with maturity than your peers.
According to the Harvard Business Review what makes a LEADER Give example of upper management who went overseas to become a better leader he increased all these qualities (He became more socially aware; more open to change; increased his exploration & cross-cultural sensitivity, social skills). These made him a better leader they are preferred OVER IQ and Technical Skills! What is cultural awareness? Being aware of your culture and your own way of living that is realized through travel. (Give example of how I felt “Priveledged” and RICH” for the first time ever when I went to Skopje). Research was done on 200 large, global companies associated with leadership and these qualities were all required for success. Increase these qualities=Through Study Abroad = Increase you chances for leadership positions .
Some MBA programs require internships instead so this is a valuable elective you will be competing with some students whose schools require this instead. Study abroad is seen as valuable because the world is becoming so diverse and it hard to learn about globalization and other cultures without international study programs. You can NOT isolate yourself from the world this ignores a responsibility to prepare yourself for globalization.
Penn State, Univ. of Notre Dame, Univ. of Kentucky & Pacific Lutheran Univ. participated in a recent study where approximately 352 employees were interviewed… Other than an internship, study abroad can be valuable in your career with an organization.
These represent different qualities like adaptability, motivation, and teamwork skills that employers are looking for. Since HR pros have done Study Abroad they are more inclined to listen to you talk about your experience during the interview!
Experience abroad will put YOU in higher demand!!!