Living abroad expands personal horizons. For students who thrive on adventure, understand the value of taking calculated risks and enjoy operating outside their comfort zone, living abroad as a student – or later on as global professional – will differentiate them from their peers. 

Stacie Berdan

In order for this growth to occur, however, students must immerse themselves in the local culture. Taking classes in English at an American university taught by teach-abroad professors is not enough.   

Universities and colleges are catching on to the changes needed, and the wake-up call has served students well as schools integrate the global experience into academic curriculum. These changes enhance a student’s ability to be competitive in the global economy, as international experience will soon be a “must-have” on resumes. 

The entire course, be it three weeks or a full year, should begin on campus with intense cultural and intellectual preparation. Some schools offer courses in history, geography, economics and politics. Others require students to research an aspect of country and culture, presenting their findings before departure and then again upon return. Others teach from the perspective of a particular group, say customers, manufacturers or government regulators, brought to life later in country.  

All are excellent means to bring academic rigor to the study abroad program, while providing a deep, cultural dive for the richest experience possible. Solidifying the experience as competitive advantage versus “coasting time,” the following examples illustrate the progressive, practical thinking on campuses across the country: 

Local Language: Overseas classes are increasingly being taught in the local language as much as possible, requiring a degree of proficiency and enabling a deeper dive into the culture.

Diverse Students: More local and other international students create diversity in the classroom, fostering cross-cultural team work and preparing students for global workforce management.

Relevant Classes: Courses offered are almost exclusively relevant to the country and further enhanced by access to and discussion with local experts in the areas of trade, regulation, history, literature, consumer marketing, design, engineering, environmental science.

Excursions with Purpose: Students are participating in expert-led excursions to more than just cultural centers or historic artifacts. Exploring local banking institutions, factory operations and luxury goods craftsmanship, students immerse themselves in local operations. 

Campuses across the country recognize that in addition to solid academic progress, studying abroad should lead to increased self-awareness, confidence and professional direction. Students benefit upon graduation with a “minor” in international experience as part of their academic achievements.   

Stacie Nevadomski Berdan has spent years living and working abroad. She is a speaker and consultant and co-author of Get Ahead By Going Abroad: A Woman’s Guide to Fast-Track Career Success. Reach her at StacieNBerdan@aol.com or 203.228.4062.