I know that some of our students have just returned from Australia and South Africa while others are packing up to head to Scotland and Italy for the spring. I’m sure there are more of you who are considering study abroad or who have recently returned. According to the college’s data – the number of Lasell students who are studying abroad has increased dramatically in recent years.
Many faculty members and college administrators recognize the value of study abroad in terms of broadening your education and increasing your learning in ways that it’s hard to imagine before you arrive in a new country. But it seems, from a recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, that potential employers don’t always recognize study abroad as contributing to your skills in ways that make you more marketable in the workforce.
That means it’s up to you to tell them how your study abroad experience has made you a better employee. What specific skills did you gain? What experiences did you have that led to your growth into a more flexible, stronger person who has demonstrated her ability to forge new relationships and get along with others from different cultural backgrounds? Do you have a story to tell to show how you learned to adapt to new and changing circumstances? Did you have to solve a problem in a unique way?
The key to learning from your study abroad experience, not just from the classes you took while away but the experience of living in another culture, is to reflect on that experience and truly think about how that experience contributed to your growth and development.
I would love to hear from you about study abroad – what do you think was the most significant learning experience while you were away? Post a comment and share your thoughts about what you learned or how you can talk about what you learned on a job interview.
Haven’t gone yet? Not a problem! Share a thought about what you hope to learn.
To learn more, read the Chronicle article at http://chronicle.com/article/article-content/124979/
Friday, November 5, 2010
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The biggest thing I have learned in the planning of going abroad is to take the initiative. Lasell does not offer a program in Scotland so I have had to make one on my own. It has been tough and stressful getting everything in order, but it will be totally worth it. The faculty here at Lasell are really good at helping to make things happen. I never thought that I would be able to go abroad to the country of choice next semester but with my initiative and the help from Lasell faculty I am able to do so.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am abroad, I hope to gain valuable references and contacts through classes and volunteering. I know having a reference from someone in my field in another country will definitely help me when I am looking to break into the work force. I am excited to make the connections with other professionals while I am enjoying my semester abroad!
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