Global Career Compass
Leveraging Education Abroad for Student Career Development & Employability
Study “Beyond the States”
I was recently interviewed by the founder of the organization, Beyond the States, Jennifer Viemont, https://beyondthestates.com/category/podcast/. I discussed the impact of international study on the future career development of students. In this instance, the organization promotes and assists families of high school students looking for an affordable means of sending their children to college – in Europe.
While I’ve usually addressed this topic solely from the perspective of students enrolled in U.S. higher ed institutions, it was an opportunity to share my thoughts with an audience likely to consist of parents; and of students choosing to be outside the U.S. for three to four years.
I emphasize the need for families to make purposeful choices and to become more knowledgeable about the known outcomes of studying abroad when it comes to student career development (and the strengthening of skills valued by employers).
Given all the uncertainty surrounding travel during the pandemic, it’s hard to step back and take a 360 degreee view of the tremendous opportunity for a student studying outside the U.S. for a lengthy period of time. Usually, researchers are forced to survey and interview students in college who are abroad for very limited time periods: 2-3 weeks in summer or at most, a semester…
Careful planning. Clarity of academic and personal goals. Understanding how a lenghty time abroad shapes a young person’s worldview. Focusing on strenghtening a core set of academic and personal skills and competencies which employers value. These are a few of the threads I focused on in the podcast.
One Comment on “Study “Beyond the States””
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Global Career Compass 
This podcast interview sounds incredibly insightful! I appreciate the focus on how studying abroad can significantly impact students’ career development. It’s true that many families may not fully understand the long-term benefits of an international education, especially when it comes to skills that employers highly value.
I believe that working with study abroad consultants can help families navigate the complexities of choosing the right program and location. These experts can provide essential guidance on academic goals, cultural integration, and even financial planning. With their support, students can make informed decisions that align with their career aspirations while gaining a broader worldview. It’s exciting to think about the opportunities that await those who choose to study beyond the States!