Updating your Résumé with International Experiences

Studying abroad is a meaningful way to build the real-world skills that employers are looking for. From problem-solving to intercultural communication, this opportunity can make you a more flexible and well-rounded professional as you enter your post-collegiate career. Plus, studying abroad literally pays off. New research from the Forum on Education Abroad shows that students who study abroad earned $4,159 more in their first job after graduation than those who do not.

So how can you translate your time abroad into this career boost? An important first step is knowing how to talk about your experiences. Telling an employer that you studied abroad is great, but it probably isn’t enough to get you hired right away; you need to explain what you learned and how that makes you a valuable asset to a professional team.  
Make sure to showcase your experiences to the fullest by adding them to your résumé and LinkedIn. Think about which skills you want to highlight, and consider which specific accomplishments or experiences abroad you can list and discuss in interviews to demonstrate your knowledge. 

Although each experience is unique, here is a list of skills many students include when talking about their time abroad:

1. Increased Communication Skills

• Navigating cultural nuances abroad through active listening
• Adapting communication styles to different audiences
• Improving proficiency in other languages to enhance communication and cross-cultural connection

2. Interpersonal & Cross-Cultural Competence

• Building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, including host communities and fellow international students
• Showing cultural sensitivity
• Working in multicultural team settings
• Developing a deeper understanding of host cultures through immersion

3. Adaptability & Flexibility

• Thriving within unfamiliar settings
• Navigating changing environments or expectations
• Learning new systems and norms quickly

4. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

• Navigating unfamiliar places and social expectations
• Communicating across language barriers
• Overcoming new challenges
• Making thoughtful decisions based on new information
• Finding resources in unfamiliar settings

5. Organization & Time Management

• Planning and following complex itineraries and schedules
• Balancing coursework abroad with cultural immersion activities and travel
• Managing a commute with new forms of transportation

6. Teamwork & Collaboration

• Working toward shared goals, resolving conflict, and contributing to group projects within a multicultural team
• Cooperating and compromising with classmates when completing coursework, participating in activities or planning travel
• Growing an international network of colleagues in your field

7. Research & Analytical Skills (if applicable)

• Working with an international team in a professional setting
• Communicating data and presenting findings in a multicultural setting
• Examining your field of study through a new cultural lens

Adding Study Abroad to your Résumé

Now that you’ve considered the skills you gained abroad, it’s time to share them with the world. When including your international experience on your résumé, you can present it in a few different sections. Depending on your program and the skills you gained, you may want to list study abroad under Education, Professional Experience, or a standalone category such as “International Experience” or “Leadership Experience.” Looking for inspiration? Take a look at the sample bullet points below and this folder containing sample student résumés that highlight study abroad. 

Sample résumé or LinkedIn bullet points:

General:

• Studied [subject] in an international academic environment, developing cross-cultural communication skills by engaging with peers and professors from diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborated with students from multiple countries on group projects, enhancing teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills in a multicultural setting.
• Adapted communication style to meet the needs of diverse colleagues in a [research, professional, academic] setting
• Navigated complex logistical challenges such as visa applications, housing, and travel arrangements, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills.
• Enhanced flexibility and resilience by adapting to an unfamiliar environment and overcoming challenges associated with living abroad.

Experience-Specific:

• Managed coursework in a second language, strengthening language proficiency and the ability to adapt to new linguistic and cultural contexts.
• Developed a deeper understanding of international markets and global business practices through [internship, research, specific courses].
• Enhanced writing and editing skills by producing [academic, professional] content for an international audience, with attention to tone, clarity, and localization.
• Became immersed in local art and design culture, studying historical and contemporary art movements unique to [country or region], which expanded personal artistic style and creative techniques.
• Collaborated on hands-on research projects in [specific topic], gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies and practices used in [field].
• Conducted field research in unique ecological environments such as [rainforests, deserts, etc.], enhancing understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and ecosystem dynamics.

Next Steps

Looking for support with your résumé or LinkedIn? Consider heading to the LifeLab at the Center for Career Readiness (CCR). LifeLab is a friendly space at the University of Arizona to get 1:1 support as you connect your interests to future career possibilities. You can drop by LifeLab – in-person, on Zoom or by email – no appointment needed. You’ll leave with personalized recommendations and a clear path forward.