Studying abroad with IES Abroad is a world-shaking discovery that has long-lasting benefits—just ask our alumni. Our research findings show how their academic interests, cultural development, personal growth, and careers are impacted by their one-of-a-kind IES Abroad experiences. 

New research from the Forum on Education Abroad draws on insights from nearly 500 IES Abroad alumni to shed light on the impactful career benefits of studying abroad. The survey findings reveal how global experiences contribute to the development of in-demand workplace skills, facilitate job placements, and pave the way for career advancement. Notably, 92% of IES Abroad alumni said their experience helped them build job skills, while nearly half reported that it helped them secure their first job after graduation. These insights underscore the lasting impact of international experiences on professional success, even after students return home. 

NOTE: Any and all uses of survey results conducted by IES Abroad, Institute for the International Education of Students, must be accompanied by proper citation. 

50-Year Alumni Survey Results Highlights

Academic Attainment
87% of alumni claimed that studying abroad influenced subsequent educational experiences.
Cultural Development
90% of alumni said studying abroad influenced them to seek out a greater diversity of friends.
Career Impact
76% of alumni reported they acquired skills while studying abroad that influenced their career.
Personal Growth
97% of alumni reported that studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity.
Employment
50% of alumni felt that their IES Abroad program experience helped them to get their first job.

Recent Graduate Survey Highlights

a student intern passing out pens to elementary school students
84%
of alumni claimed that study abroad helped them build job skills
65%
of alumni found a career-related position within a reasonable amount of time or more quickly than expected
90%
of alumni got into their first or second choice graduate/professional school
Dotted map of the world with images of a few locations
79%
of alumni found study abroad effective for developing job-related skills

Articles About Our Findings

We invite you to explore our findings by accessing the many articles and presentations that highlight our research. Links to articles, where available, are included below. Links to back issues that can be ordered for a fee are also provided below in cases where the articles are not provided for free.

“During the graduate school admissions process, I emphasized the work I did abroad. This was one of the highlights of my application, and I was told that the experience was so unique that it made me standout as a candidate.”

Michelle W. • Penn State University • Rome Summer – Internship

Discover Alumni Spotlights

Our Alumni Spotlights feature highlights the impact that studying abroad has had on the careers of alumni.

See Alumni Spotlights
Students in Vienna in the late 1900s.