Should I Put Study Abroad on My Resume and How?

I live, work, and recruit in the United States, and this answer will proceed accordingly. One of the most frequently asked questions by job seekers is whether they should include their study abroad experiences on their resume. The decision largely depends on the duration of your study abroad period and its relevance to the job you are applying for.

Factor 1: Duration of Study Abroad

The biggest factor in determining whether to include your study abroad experience on your resume is whether you only did a semester abroad or if you completed your entire formal education abroad. Let's delve into the specifics:

Semester Abroad

If you completed a semester abroad, you should list this with your formal education. Include the name of the university, the program you studied, and the dates. Add this information as an extra line after your degree and field of study. This can significantly highlight your international experience and adaptability, which are highly valued in today's global workforce.

Entire Education

If your entire formal education was spent abroad, you should list it in the same manner as you would list a domestic college or university. This experience not only showcases your academic prowess but also your global understanding and cultural competence. Employers often appreciate candidates who have a broader perspective and can bring diverse experiences to the company.

Relevance of Study Abroad to the Job

Only list your study abroad experience if it is relevant to the job you are applying for. If the position you are applying to involves working with international clients, it might be worthwhile to highlight your study abroad experience. On the other hand, if the job is focused solely on domestic projects, your study abroad may not be as relevant and could be omitted if it does not add value to your application.

Personal Experience

In my own situation, I placed the name of the university I attended in Europe, the program I studied there, and the dates on my resume, right where I would list other universities. I included these details to emphasize my international experience and the unique perspective it provided. Depending on the job, this might make a significant difference in my overall application.

Job Interviewer Perspective

When it comes to job interviewer preferences, they may or may not care about your study abroad experience. It just depends on the role and the number of other qualifications you have. If the job requires candidates with diverse cultural backgrounds and global communication skills, your study abroad experience can be a significant plus. However, if the job is highly specialized and technical, your experience might not be as important.

Best Practices for Including Study Abroad on Your Resume

Here are some tips for including your study abroad experience on your resume:

Be Concise but Descriptive: Summarize your experience in a clear and concise manner. Highlight key achievements and the skills you developed during your time abroad. Focus on Skills: Emphasize the soft skills and hard skills you gained, such as language proficiency, cross-cultural communication, and international work experience. Contextualize: Provide context for why the experience is relevant to the job you are applying for. Tie it back to the position's requirements and your personal goals. Highlight Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements or specific projects you worked on during your time abroad. This can make your resume more compelling to potential employers. Customize for Each Application: Tailor your resume to the specific job description. If the job requires international experience, make sure to highlight your study abroad experience prominently.

Conclusion

The decision to include your study abroad experience on your resume depends on the duration of your study abroad and its relevance to the job you are applying for. Whether you completed a semester or an entire degree abroad, your experience can be a valuable addition to your resume. By following the best practices outlined above, you can ensure that your study abroad experience is showcased in a way that resonates with potential employers and adds value to your application.