Today, employers expect candidates to have strong work ethics, self-confidence, and impeccable interpersonal skills. They seek employees that understand the importance of quality education and celebrate cultural differences.

Studying abroad is a wise career move for everyone planning to work in an international workplace. These experiences will transform you into a candidate open to new challenges and able to work in cross-cultural teams.

Here are the top career benefits of studying abroad.

How Studying Abroad Has Changed since the Coronavirus Outbreak

The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted almost every segment of our lives. Studying abroad is no exception. Colleges and universities worldwide needed to make radical changes to how they operate and teach.

For example, many universities still accept international applications. However, whether you can study abroad depends on the country’s current social restrictions and school closures.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, studying online has gained momentum as one of the most logical options for international students. According to recent surveys, more than a third of global learners are eager to study online. They consider it a part of their study-overseas experience.

Unsurprisingly, many universities plan to shift to remote learning. That is how they have made their courses more available to international students.

The availability of learning materials is also greater. Students now use social networks to share learning materials, while universities use these media to inform students and promote their learning programs.

Cloud-based online learning platforms have also gained traction. For example, say you are an AU-based student recently interested in the Auckland University of Technology program. As a remote learner, you can use online study libraries to find AUT study notes, such as notes or study guides.

Gaining Independence and Self-Sufficiency

When you move away from your home, you lose your support systems, such as your family or friends. That is when you need to rely on your gut instinct and make decisions on your own. Whether it is optimizing your budget in a new country or finding a place to live, you will learn to solve problems all by yourself.

For you, that is the opportunity to gain independence. You can transfer these essential skills to your job one day. Most employers look for self-sufficient candidates that can complete tasks independently and confidently.

Improving Interpersonal Skills

In modern, often distributed teams, soft skills are as valuable as hard ones. Employers expect candidates to have exquisite communication and interpersonal skills. Communication skills are essential for many job aspects, including negotiating, team collaboration, public speaking, and presenting.

That is where staying overseas can help you. While staying abroad, you will meet, study with, and become friends with international students. Various languages, traditions, and customs will surround you.

That is the opportunity to learn to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers when interacting with fellow students.

Learning a Foreign Language

According to research studies, knowing a foreign language can improve your employability chances.

Therefore, when looking for international studying opportunities, why not seek countries where the native language is not your own?

For you, that is the opportunity to learn the language of your host country in a highly immersive environment. Socializing with peers and participating in lectures are the fastest way to learn a second language. Moreover, by communicating with native speakers, you will pick up local accents and colloquialisms.

Knowing a second language will help you land a job at an international company and communicate with foreign coworkers and clients.

Boosting Cross-Cultural Communication

Deloitte studies show that 39% of employees believe that diversity and inclusion provide a competitive advantage. Therefore, it is not surprising that D&I policies have become employers’ top priority, regardless of the company size.

Recruiters focus on hiring open-minded and culturally sensitive persons who appreciate different viewpoints, cultures, educational backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, etc.

Studying abroad is an opportunity to enhance your cross-cultural communication. By becoming friends with international students, you will learn more about their customs, traditions, and habits. You will understand how different cultures work and how their society runs. That way, you will be more open to embracing cultural diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Over to You

Studying abroad goes far beyond learning. It is also about making global connections, learning a foreign language, and exploring diverse cultures and traditions. Most importantly, it teaches you to trust yourself and gain self-sufficiency. Those skills are essential aspects of your career development roadmap.

What are your thoughts on studying abroad and remote learning? We are looking forward to hearing from you!