Career Advancement

• Living abroad leads to an increased sense of independence, adaptability, and ability to cope with new and different situations – qualities employers look for when hiring new professionals.
• Expand career opportunities. The Black Collegian notes that the job market reflects the growing importance of internationalization. Top employers are seeking graduates who can think critically and also have a global perspective.
• Increase your employment potential. Study abroad on your résumé definitely gives you a competitive edge. Black Enterprise highlights numerous career options available to African Americans who set their sights on careers in the global marketplace.

Academic Objectives

• Complete foreign language requirements. Earn credits toward your major or minor.
• Study a topic not offered on Marygrove’s campus, such as Australian Art, Chinese Calligraphy or Italian Architecture.
• Learn on site! Study the culture IN the culture! Study history WHERE it happened!

To Have Fun!

• Experience the excitement of it all — See Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Explore the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
• Explore new interests. Try playing Cricket in Australia or hiking in the Scottish highlands. Take a cooking course in France or Flamenco lessons in Spain.

Language Skills

• Perfect existing skills while LIVING the language. Practice your French or Spanish while living with a native host family.
• Learn a new language not offered on campus, like German, Russian or Japanese.

Personal Growth

• Experience an increase in self-confidence, open mindedness, cultural appreciation and knowledge of other countries, cultures, lifestyles and values.
• Gain new insights and outlooks while enjoying new relationships. By living within a culture, you can acquire an insider’s perspective on the social and political environment of your host country.
• Increase your understanding of the world while developing an appreciation of diversity within your own country.

Make New Friends

• Live with a host family or in residence halls with local students.
• Take classes with students from around the world, or with host country nationals.
• Meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. Forge international friendships, understand cultural differences and get rid of old stereotypes.

Develop career-related skills. Learn a second language. Do an internship overseas. Find out what you want to do in life!

While spending a semester overseas may seem like a luxury, it is a wonderful opportunity to redefine your career aspirations in whole new context. Study abroad can be a life changing experience that can also lead to career success!

The benefits of study abroad are tremendous! Don’t miss out! Contact the Office of Study Abroad soon to find out how YOU can take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Excerpts taken from "Study Abroad Matters," by Starlett R. Craig in Transitions Abroad, July/August 1998.