Studying abroad can look like different things to different international students. For some students, studying overseas for a three or four-year degree isn’t feasible, but that doesn’t mean studying abroad is completely out of reach. Many international students choose short-term study abroad; some take programs that improve their language skills, while others pursue a one-year certification to enhance their established skill set.
Here are some reasons why studying abroad for a shorter time can change your future for the better.
Build Management-Ready Skills
New certifications can develop your skills and confidence. Many graduates report that after completing their studies, they finish familiar tasks more efficiently. Your studies can also give you the knowledge to take on new responsibilities. Perhaps you’ve just finished school and want to stand out in a competitive industry. Maybe you’re mid-career and looking for a place to grow. Or, you’re considering pivoting from your current field to a different one. No matter your stage in life, there’s a short-term study abroad program for every kind of student.
Another reason to participate in short-term study overseas: it’s a great way to show future employers that you’re not afraid to take on a challenge and try something new. Stepping from any job into a management role can feel strange, as your priorities shift and conditions for success change. However, international students have already learned how to succeed in a different country and education system, and can bring that knowledge and adaptability to a new role.
Stay resilient with these mental health strategies for international students.
Short Courses Fit Into Your Life
One of the key benefits of taking a semester or a year to study abroad is using less time to complete your studies. Over a lifetime, a year or less can be easier to schedule for than the years required to complete a diploma or a degree. This option may be ideal for older students who have families, or who are using a sabbatical or other leave to level-up their knowledge.
A bonus? Shorter study terms are often a smaller financial investment.
Explore current Canadian upskilling study abroad programs on our blog.
Leverage International Work Experience
While studying overseas, you may be able to work part-time on- or off-campus. Leverage the knowledge that you’ve gained through working (and the chance to practice an additional language, if applicable!) by featuring your experience on your resume after graduation.
Being able to work in different countries and cultures builds soft skills that employers find compelling. You’ll build strengths in skills ranging from adaptability and empathy to developing a growth mindset. Plus, as part of a globalized economy, being able to work in more than one language opens new career doors. From business to tech, language skills let you connect with new audiences on behalf of your company. You can also seek roles where international travel is involved.
By interacting with folks from other countries and cultures, you’ll also develop cross-cultural awareness. That understanding can help you and your company understand how people from around the world communicate, approach business deals, or even set the tone in a professional setting. For example, humour that folks from one country use as a way to break the ice could make a visiting team uncomfortable; sarcasm in particular can land poorly.
Curious which soft skills are most in demand? Check out our blog.
Develop an International Network
As an international student, you’ll meet lots of other students, both from your destination country and from around the world. Building connections in this way has its benefits. You’ll meet people with diverse lived experiences and make contacts who live in interesting cities worldwide. Plus, you can develop connections with your instructors and other faculty members. These links can sometimes lead to future research or professional opportunities.
Another benefit of short-term study is that students in intensive language-learning classes or certificate programs often take more of the same classes at the same time than students working towards diplomas or degrees, whose study paths are more flexible.
This consistency allows you to get to know your fellow students better, and build more meaningful relationships. In a world where only 7% of job applications are through employee referrals—but that 7% fills 40% of all hires—having a healthy and large network means more potential connections to your dream job.
Studying abroad has a wide range of benefits. No matter which field you choose, the knowledge you develop in and out of the classroom can impact your career path and earning potential.
Find the short-term study opportunity that best fits your learning goals on the ApplyBoard Platform!
