Photo from the Duke Study-Abroad Photo Gallery, by Julia Love.

Study Abroad

You had a great experience studying abroad.  Maybe you learned a new language, made new friends, visited exotic places, and learned to survive and thrive in a foreign culture.  Now you're back.  What do you do next?  How do you communicate to employers all the valuable skills and experiences you gained on your journey?  Come to the Career Center and practice telling your study abroad stories, and learn how to use those stories to the maximum advantage in finding a job and building a meaningful career.

 Sheila Curran, Curran Career Consulting and past director of Duke Career Center, wrote an  article on the career value of studying abroad. 

1) What skills or traits did I obtain from studying abroad?

• Communication skills
• Foreign language skills
• Flexibility/Adaptability
• Resourcefulness
• Problem-solving skills
• Quick-thinking skills
• Interpersonal or intercultural skills
• Organizational skills
• Maturity
• Self-confidence
• Leadership skills

2) How can I talk about my experiences to employers in terms of skills?

• Think about your different experiences and tell a story:
• • How do you find your way around in foreign cities?
  • How do you make a phone call?
  • How did you register for classes or find your classes?
  • How did you plan excursions?
  • How did you communicate with your host family?
  • What did you do when you were sick?
    
    
• What skills are exhibited or evident from telling these stories?
  
  
• How are they applicable in the job or internship you are applying for?

3) Practice!

• Come to the Career Center and practice telling your story for interviews or meeting employers at the Career Fair