Should I put study abroad on my resume?

If you’ve studied abroad during college, you may be asking, “Should I put study abroad on my resume?” The decision depends on where you are in your career journey.

For those further along or applying for mid-level roles, including study abroad may not be essential unless it directly supports the job’s requirements. However, for recent graduates and early-career professionals, strategically showcasing this experience can be highly beneficial.

Does studying abroad look good on a resume? 

For many students, studying abroad is a transformative experience that helps them discover their passions and build essential soft skills. If you lack extensive work experience, highlighting these skills can be crucial. In fact, 93% of employers consider soft skills essential when hiring. Including your study abroad experience on your resume can effectively showcase these attributes and set you apart from other candidates.

What your study abroad experience can demonstrate to employers:

• Adaptability and resilience: Demonstrates your ability to thrive in unfamiliar and sometimes challenging environments, showcasing ambition and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
• Global awareness and connections: Highlights your exposure to different cultural perspectives and the potential to bring unique international insights and networks to the company.
• Problem-solving: Shows your resourcefulness and ability to navigate and solve challenges within unfamiliar systems, regulations, and circumstances.
• Enhanced communication skills: Demonstrates improved verbal and non-verbal communication abilities, particularly in cross-cultural interactions.
• Distinctive experience: Distinguishes you from other candidates by showcasing a unique and enriching learning experience.
• Teamwork in diverse settings: Emphasizes your ability to collaborate effectively with people from varied cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Language proficiency: Highlights your skills in a second language or experience functioning in an environment where a non-native language is spoken (relevant if applicable to the job).

How to add study abroad to resume

You have decided to add your study abroad experience to your resume, and now you may be wondering how to go about doing that. To make the most impact, it’s important to know what details to include and how to format them effectively. In this section, we’ll guide you on what aspects of your study abroad experience to highlight and how to structure them properly in your resume. 

What should I include about my experience?

When adding your study abroad experience to the work experience section of your resume, present it in a way that highlights the skills and achievements relevant to the job you are applying for. Begin with the program name, location, and dates using a Month/Year format, followed by the name of the institution. Use bullet points to showcase specific examples of what you accomplished and learned, emphasizing skills and insights that align with the job requirements. 

Keep in mind that the format may vary depending on where you include this experience on your resume (we will cover how to format different sections in the next part of the blog).

Key factors to consider when showcasing your study abroad experience on your resume:

• Treat your study abroad program similarly to a work or internship experience to ensure it holds weight on your resume.
• Use action-oriented language to clearly convey your responsibilities, achievements, and outcomes, if possible.
• Highlight skills that are transferable to the job you’re applying for, such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication, research capabilities, and leadership.
• Be specific and strategic in selecting examples that best showcase your growth and the value you bring to an employer.
• Consider where on your resume the study abroad experience fits best (e.g., work experience, education, or a separate section for international experience).

This example illustrates how to present study abroad experience in a strategic and impactful way on your resume.

How do I format study abroad experience on my resume?

There are three main sections where study abroad experience can be included on your resume. The key is to place it where it is most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Always use bullet points to make information easy for employers and recruiters to read and comprehend quickly. This format increases the likelihood that your resume will capture their attention and be read thoroughly.

Below, we provide examples for each section to help you decide the best format for your resume:

Education section (example):

If your study abroad program was a significant part of your academic journey, include it as a separate entry under your college education section. This placement is ideal if the program included coursework, research, or academic achievements that are pertinent to the role you’re pursuing.

Including bullet points under your study abroad experience in the education section is optional. Only add them if there are relevant accomplishments or coursework that align with the job you’re applying for. Otherwise, you can simply list the study abroad experience as a general entry.

Work experience section (example):

If your time abroad involved internships or major projects, include it in the experience section. This is a strategic way to highlight the practical skills, responsibilities, and outcomes you achieved during the program.

Skills section (example):

To add your study abroad experience to the skills section of your resume, focus on highlighting transferable competencies gained during your time abroad. List these skills clearly and concisely to showcase practical experiences that set you apart.

How to add study abroad experience in cover letter

In addition to a resume, some job applications may ask for a cover letter. This is more common in the US, where cover letters are often expected as part of the job application process to provide a deeper understanding of the candidate’s fit for the role. However, it may still be relevant in other countries, depending on industry norms and job expectations.

A cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your written communication skills, and explain why you’re a strong candidate. Be strategic and follow these simple tips for adding your study abroad experience to a cover letter:

• Don’t include your experience simply for the sake of mentioning it. Instead, consider whether the experience is relevant to the job and how it demonstrates your value to the workplace.
• Use specific language from the job posting and the company’s website to show that you’ve done your research and understand your potential role.
• Highlight the skills and experiences gained during your study abroad that align with the job’s requirements.
• If your experience is relevant, mention it in the first paragraph. Share where you studied and highlight specific accomplishments or skills with concrete details.
• If your experience is not directly relevant, consider focusing on other experiences that better demonstrate your qualifications.

Here is an example of some language that can be included in your cover letter to highlight your study abroad experience:

From abroad to hired!

Stand out in a competitive job market by leveraging your study abroad experience effectively. Including study abroad on your resume and cover letter can add significant value and improve your chances of landing your ideal job, but the key is tailoring it to the role you’re applying for. 

Always refer back to the job description and the company’s mission to align your skills and experiences with the employer’s needs. Avoid submitting a generic resume and cover letter for every job. Instead, save multiple versions to make it easier to customize your application for different opportunities. This strategic approach can make all the difference in showcasing your unique qualifications.