Studying abroad builds the skills employers want, the perspective employers cannot teach, and the confidence that stays with you long after graduation. IES Abroad's 2025 Career Catalyst research, conducted with nearly 500 alumni, found that 65% of respondents credited their time abroad as a defining influence on their career path. The top competencies you develop: communication, adaptability, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Pretty soon you'll realize weekends are meant for travel...to another country.
Develop Your Language Skills
When you study abroad, you don't just learn the language, you live it!
Gain Professional Experience
An international internship is a great way to boost your résumé.
Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Walking to class, catching a bus to another part of town, and chatting with locals are daily adventures.
Form Friendships
From classmates to host families, before you know it strangers become friends.
Increase Your Self-Confidence
Our students know it best: “The first person you find abroad is yourself.”
Can studying abroad jump-start your career? Our findings say yes!
By living and learning abroad, IES Abroad students develop highly sought-after professional skills—adaptability, communication, self-awareness, confidence—that not only make them more hirable, but also launch their career.
IES Abroad has a rich history of leading the field of international education in quantitative research on the practical outcomes of studying abroad. The most recent study was conducted in 2025 through the Career Catalyst Campaign, a field-wide initiative focused on illustrating the connection between global learning and workforce readiness, in partnership with The Forum on Education Abroad.
92% said the IES Abroad experience directly helped build job skills.
Asset for Career Success
89% believe that education abroad is an important asset for career success.
Important Career Influence
65% called it an extremely or very important influence on their career path.
Accelerated Advancement
64% said the IES Abroad experience definitely or probably contributed to their career advancement.
“Employers understand the extraordinary benefits of study abroad, and many seek out graduates who made their study abroad dreams a reality. After all, the skills you learn when you’re abroad—adaptability, global understanding, leadership, and independence, to name a few—are directly applicable to finding success in any professional environment. From the boardroom to the classroom and everywhere in-between, changed lives change the world.”
“Employers understand the extraordinary benefits of study abroad, and many seek out graduates who made their study abroad dreams a reality. After all, the skills you learn when you’re abroad—adaptability, global understanding, leadership, and independence, to name a few—are directly applicable to finding success in any professional environment. From the boardroom to the classroom and everywhere in-between, changed lives change the world.”Gregory H. • President & CEO of IES Abroad
