How to Include Study Abroad on a Resume: A Complete Guide
Study abroad experience is more than a line on your resume—it’s evidence of qualities that employers consistently rank among their most desired: adaptability, cross-cultural communication, independence, and global awareness. According to the Institute of International Education, 97% of study abroad alumni find employment within 12 months of graduation, compared to 49% of college graduates overall.
Yet many candidates either undervalue their international experience or struggle to present it effectively. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to include study abroad on your resume in ways that capture employer attention and demonstrate the valuable competencies you developed while living and learning overseas.
Why Study Abroad Matters to Employers
The Skills Gap Study Abroad Fills
In a globalized economy, employers increasingly seek candidates with international perspectives. A QS Global Employer Survey found that 64% of employers specifically value international study experience, and 60% of employers give extra credit to candidates who have studied abroad.
Adaptability: Living in a foreign country requires constant adaptation to new systems, customs, and expectations. This adaptability translates directly to workplace situations involving change, ambiguity, and new challenges.
Cross-Cultural Communication: Navigating daily life in another culture—especially in a non-native language—develops communication skills that prove invaluable in diverse workplaces and international business relationships.
Independence and Problem-Solving: Without familiar support systems, study abroad students learn to solve problems independently, from navigating foreign bureaucracies to managing unexpected situations.
Global Awareness: Understanding different perspectives, business practices, and cultural contexts is essential for companies operating in or expanding to international markets.
Maturity and Confidence: Employers recognize that studying abroad requires stepping outside comfort zones and demonstrates a level of maturity and self-confidence that translates to professional settings.
Industries That Especially Value International Experience
While study abroad is an asset across industries, certain sectors particularly prize international experience:
- International Business and Trade: Companies with global operations actively seek candidates who understand international markets
- Foreign Service and Government: Diplomacy and international relations roles require cultural competence
- Nonprofit and NGO Work: Organizations working globally need staff who understand diverse populations
- Tourism and Hospitality: International experience is directly relevant to serving global travelers
- Education: Schools value teachers with international perspectives
- Multinational Corporations: Any Fortune 500 company with international operations
- Consulting: Global consulting firms serve clients worldwide
Where to Place Study Abroad on Your Resume
The optimal placement for study abroad depends on several factors: how long you studied abroad, whether you earned a degree or certificate, and how relevant the experience is to your target role.
Option 1: Within the Education Section
The most common and straightforward approach is including study abroad as part of your education section. This works best for:
- Semester or year-long programs
- Programs affiliated with your home university
- Recent graduates where education is still prominent
Format Example 1: Under Your Home University
EDUCATION
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, May 2024
GPA: 3.7/4.0
• Study Abroad: Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain (Fall 2022)
- Completed 15 credits in Spanish language, European politics, and economics
- Conducted independent research on EU trade policyFormat Example 2: Separate Entry (For Longer Programs)
EDUCATION
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia 2023
Exchange Program, Business Administration
• Completed full semester of coursework in Asia-Pacific business strategy
• Member of International Business Students Association
State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 2024
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
GPA: 3.6/4.0Option 2: International Experience Section
For candidates with multiple international experiences or when the experience included significant work or research, create a dedicated section:
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Semester at Sea Program Fall 2022
Academic Voyage: Japan, China, Vietnam, India, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco
• Completed 12 credits while visiting 10 countries across 4 continents
• Conducted comparative research on sustainable business practices
• Participated in field studies with local NGOs in each port
Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina Summer 2023
Spanish Language Intensive Program
• Achieved advanced proficiency through immersive 8-week program
• Completed volunteer work with local education nonprofitOption 3: Relevant Experience Section
If your study abroad included significant work, internships, or research, include it in your experience section:
EXPERIENCE
Research Intern, Copenhagen Business School Spring 2023
Copenhagen, Denmark
• Conducted primary research on Scandinavian renewable energy companies
• Analyzed data for professor's publication on sustainable business models
• Presented findings at undergraduate research symposium
Teaching Assistant, English Language Institute Fall 2022
Tokyo, Japan (Study Abroad Program)
• Taught English conversation classes to 30+ Japanese university students
• Developed curriculum materials and assessment rubrics
• Received excellent evaluations from supervising professorOption 4: Skills Section Enhancement
When study abroad developed specific language skills:
SKILLS
Languages: Spanish (Professional Working Proficiency - studied 1 year in Madrid)
French (Conversational - studied summer in Paris)
English (Native)How to Describe Study Abroad Effectively
Use Action-Oriented Language
Transform your study abroad from a passive experience into an active demonstration of skills:
Weak: “Studied abroad in Germany for one semester” Strong: “Completed intensive German language program and business coursework at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, achieving B2 proficiency and conducting market research on German automotive industry”
Weak: “Took classes in France” Strong: “Earned 16 credits in French art history and museum studies at Sorbonne University while completing internship at Musée d’Orsay curatorial department”
Highlight Transferable Skills
Connect your international experience to workplace-relevant competencies:
Adaptability: “Navigated complex visa processes and housing arrangements independently while maintaining full course load”
Communication: “Collaborated with students from 15 countries on group projects, developing cross-cultural communication strategies”
Problem-Solving: “Resolved housing and academic challenges in non-native language, demonstrating resourcefulness and persistence”
Leadership: “Served as peer mentor for incoming exchange students, providing orientation and ongoing support”
Quantify When Possible
Numbers add credibility and specificity:
- Credits completed
- Language proficiency achieved
- Research conducted
- Countries visited
- Students taught or mentored
- Projects completed
Example: “Completed 18 credits over two semesters at University of Sydney, including capstone research project on Australian Indigenous business development, while achieving IELTS Band 8.5 in academic English”
Study Abroad Resume Examples by Career Field
Business and Finance
EDUCATION
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance, May 2024
GPA: 3.5/4.0
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Fall 2023
Exchange Program, Business Administration
• Completed coursework in Asian financial markets and international trade
• Conducted financial analysis project on Hong Kong Stock Exchange trends
• Networked with local banking professionals through university career events
• Achieved conversational Cantonese proficiency through language partner program
RELEVANT SKILLS
Languages: Mandarin (Intermediate), Cantonese (Conversational)
International: Asia-Pacific markets, cross-border trade, international financeInternational Relations and Policy
EDUCATION
Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, May 2024
Concentration: Security Studies
GPA: 3.8/4.0
• Graduate coursework: Conducted 6-month research project on NATO expansion at
Sciences Po Paris (Spring 2023)
• Thesis: "European Security Architecture Post-Ukraine"
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sciences Po Paris, Paris, France Spring 2023
Research Semester, International Security
• Completed advanced coursework in European security policy and French politics
• Conducted interviews with EU policy officials for original research
• Published article in Sciences Po student foreign affairs journal
• Achieved professional working proficiency in French (DELF B2)Engineering and STEM
EDUCATION
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, May 2024
GPA: 3.6/4.0
Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany Summer 2023
Engineering Research Program
• Collaborated with German research team on automotive fuel efficiency project
• Utilized MATLAB and ANSYS for computational fluid dynamics simulations
• Co-authored conference paper presented at European automotive symposium
• Completed German language course achieving A2 proficiency
SKILLS
Software: MATLAB, ANSYS, SolidWorks, AutoCAD
Languages: German (Basic Professional - TUM coursework)Healthcare and Life Sciences
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Bachelor of Science in Public Health, May 2024
Concentration: Global Health
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda Summer 2023
Global Health Field Study
• Completed 10-week clinical practicum at Mulago National Referral Hospital
• Conducted community health assessments in rural Ugandan villages
• Assisted with maternal health program reaching 500+ women
• Produced policy brief on community health worker training adopted by local NGO
RESEARCH
"Impact of Community Health Worker Programs on Maternal Mortality in Rural Uganda"
• Conducted primary research during study abroad program
• Presented findings at UNC Global Health ConferenceArts and Humanities
EDUCATION
New York University, New York, NY
Bachelor of Arts in Art History, May 2024
Concentration: Renaissance and Baroque Art
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Dean's List: All semesters
NYU Florence, Florence, Italy Fall 2022
• Completed 16 credits in Italian Renaissance art history and studio art
• Conducted primary research in Uffizi Gallery archives for senior thesis
• Achieved intermediate Italian proficiency (CILS B1)
• Served as student liaison between NYU Florence and local university partners
EXPERIENCE
Curatorial Intern, Metropolitan Museum of Art Summer 2024
New York, NY
• Applied Renaissance art expertise developed during Florence study to
exhibition researchAddressing Common Study Abroad Resume Questions
Should I Include Short-Term Programs?
Even short-term programs (2-4 weeks) can add value when presented strategically:
Include if:
- The program was academically rigorous
- You developed specific skills (language, technical, research)
- It’s relevant to your target role
- You have limited other international experience
Consider omitting if:
- It was primarily tourism-focused
- Your resume is already crowded with stronger experiences
- It might appear as resume padding
Short-term example that works:
Japan-America Student Conference Summer 2023
Two-week intensive program, Tokyo and Kyoto
• Selected from 500+ applicants for prestigious student diplomacy program
• Collaborated with Japanese university students on bilateral policy proposals
• Presented policy recommendations to U.S. Embassy officialsWhat If I Didn’t Earn Academic Credit?
Non-credit international experiences can still be valuable. Place them in an “International Experience” or “Additional Experience” section:
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Volunteer English Teacher, CIEE Teach Abroad Summer 2022
Hanoi, Vietnam
• Taught English to 50+ adult learners in community education program
• Developed lesson plans and assessment materials
• Completed 120-hour TEFL certification during programHow Do I Handle a Gap Year Abroad?
Gap year experiences should emphasize structure, intentionality, and skill development:
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Gap Year: Language and Cultural Immersion 2021-2022
Spain (6 months)
• Achieved Spanish fluency through intensive language school and homestay
• Worked as English tutor to supplement living expenses
Peru (3 months)
• Volunteered with sustainable agriculture cooperative in Sacred Valley
• Completed permaculture design certification
New Zealand (3 months)
• Worked on organic farms through WWOOF program
• Developed practical skills in sustainable food productionMultiple Study Abroad Experiences?
If you studied abroad multiple times, choose the most relevant for prominent placement and consolidate others:
EDUCATION
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies, May 2024
International Study:
• Peking University, Beijing, China – Full academic year (2022-2023)
Achieved HSK Level 5 proficiency; completed thesis research
• Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan – Summer intensive (2021)
Japanese language immersion programIncluding Study Abroad Without a Degree?
If you studied abroad but didn’t complete a degree (transferred, family emergency, etc.), you can still include the experience:
EDUCATION
Completed degree:
Boston University, Boston, MA
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, May 2024
Study Abroad (incomplete due to COVID-19 pandemic):
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Spring 2020
• Completed 6 weeks of coursework before program cancellation
• Demonstrated adaptability by transitioning to remote coursework
• Maintained academic standing despite significant disruptionMaximizing Study Abroad on Your Resume with Skills
Language Skills
If your study abroad improved language abilities, document them with recognized proficiency levels:
- ACTFL Proficiency Levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Superior
- CEFR Levels: A1-A2 (Basic), B1-B2 (Independent), C1-C2 (Proficient)
- Specific Certifications: DELE (Spanish), DELF/DALF (French), HSK (Chinese), JLPT (Japanese)
Example:
LANGUAGES
• Spanish: Professional Working Proficiency (DELE B2)
Achieved through one-year immersion at Universidad de Salamanca
• Portuguese: Limited Working Proficiency
Developed during Brazil study abroad and maintained through practiceSoft Skills
Connect study abroad to universally valued competencies:
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Cross-Cultural Competence
• Developed through year abroad in Japan, living with host family and
navigating daily life in non-native language
Adaptability
• Demonstrated by successfully completing academic program while adjusting
to new culture, educational system, and social norms in South Africa
Independent Problem-Solving
• Resolved housing, visa, and academic challenges independently during
semester in Germany without familiar support systemsResume Tools for International Experience
Presenting study abroad effectively requires careful formatting and strategic positioning. Professional resume builders like 0portfolio.com offer:
- Templates optimized for including international experience
- Multiple section options for flexible study abroad placement
- Skills sections that highlight language proficiencies
- ATS-friendly formats that ensure your international experience is properly parsed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Burying Study Abroad
Don’t hide your international experience at the bottom of your resume. If it’s relevant to your target role, ensure it’s prominently placed.
Mistake 2: Focusing Only on Location
“Studied abroad in Paris” tells employers nothing valuable. Focus on what you learned, achieved, and how you grew.
Mistake 3: Overstating Language Skills
Don’t claim fluency if you achieved conversational proficiency. Inflated language claims are easily discovered in interviews.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Relevance
Tailor your study abroad description to each application. Emphasize different aspects for different roles.
Mistake 5: Missing Quantifiable Details
Without specific numbers and achievements, study abroad can seem like an extended vacation rather than a valuable experience.
Making Study Abroad Work for Your Career
Study abroad is a genuine differentiator in competitive job markets. The key to leveraging this experience on your resume lies in presenting it as evidence of professional competencies rather than simply a biographical fact.
Connect your international experience to the specific requirements of each role you pursue. The adaptability you developed navigating a foreign culture translates to thriving in ambiguous work situations. The communication skills you built with non-native speakers prepare you for diverse workplace interactions. The independence you demonstrated living far from home indicates you’ll take initiative and solve problems proactively.
Whether you spent a summer, semester, or year abroad, that experience shaped you in ways employers value. Tools like 0portfolio.com can help you present this experience effectively, ensuring your resume captures both what you did and, more importantly, what you gained from your time studying internationally.
Your study abroad experience is more than a line on a resume—it’s a story of growth, challenge, and global awareness that sets you apart from candidates who stayed within their comfort zones.
