I’m going to just stay it. Studying abroad is beneficial for STEM students.
That’s it.
That’s the post.
But if it’s SO BENEFICIAL to such a diverse collection of majors and practices, why do STEM students only make up 30% of the total study abroad population? That’s because there’s a lot of misconceptions on studying abroad as a STEM student.
Common concerns like delaying graduation, having inflexible schedules, and losing lab and internship opportunities often stop STEM students for going after a study abroad experience, even if they really want one. But you SHOULD study abroad, especially as a STEM student. There are a multitude of reasons, both for personal and career growth, but if you want the quick and clean reason as to WHY studying abroad is beneficial to STEM students, I’ll tell you right now.
In fact, I’ll tell you FIVE reasons.
1. Unique Resume
Not a lot of STEM majors study abroad. I mean, STEM majors SHOULD study abroad, but a vast majority don’t. So if you can make it work for your situation, it will make YOUR application stand out that much more in a sea of other applicants with equally high GPAs, robust lab experience, and glistening letters of recommendations from home professors.
Studying abroad is unique, and also an interesting talking point. When I was applying to Pharmacy school, and even multiple job interviews, my experience studying abroad was always brought up. The interviewees were always extremely interested to hear about the experience.
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity in and of itself, and automatically adds another layer of depth to your person. Studying abroad can also potentially be a point of bonding if your interviewer had also traveled abroad or frequently travels,
2. Foreign Language Skills
You might only speak one language – well. Okay. That’s normal, at least by American standards. But you know what is one of the best little sparkles to put on your resume? Having a foreign language skill. Being multilingual is a GEM, especially in STEM fields. The industry revolves around global markets and research. If you end up in an industry giant, a third of the employees at your company will probably be from another country.
Why?
BECAUSE DIVERSITY IS THE CATALYST FOR INNOVATION.
Speaking a second (or third, or fourth) language is ALWAYS a plus. That is another reason why studying abroad is beneficial to STEM students; it allows you to improve your foreign language skills by immersing yourself in the language and culture. Plus, if your workplace has campuses or collaborations abroad and you happen to speak that language – guess whose name is moving up on the recommendation list for those opportunities? YOURS.
3. Network Internationally
On that note, networking with individuals in your industry is probably the key to climbing the ladder. Oh, you thought it was all hard work and good will?
If only.
Networking is key for any job or industry. But networking INTERNATIONALLY? Yeah, that’s a next-level career move right there. If you want to work abroad or have a specific company in mind, it is helpful to ask around and make connections while studying abroad. For example, if you study abroad in Germany, your professors may be able to introduce you to professionals who work at BMW or Volkswagon if that is your dream industry! Or they could at least put in a good word! Then when it’s time to pick interns or entry-level applicants, your application shoots up on the list!
And remember, even if someone isn’t in your industry, it is still important to network and make a good professional connection. You never know who they might know.
4. Global Industry Experience
Studying abroad doesn’t just have to mean studying via books! You can also find internships or shadow industry professionals during that time, and you know what that gets you? YUP. Industry experience from a global perspective. This is crucial in understanding the different aspects of your industry, and have a well-rounded view of the similarities and differences of the job in various countries.
At the time I studied abroad, I was still a pre-med student, and I shadowed a few different physicians while I studied abroad in France. I learned how their healthcare and insurance systems worked in France (and Europe as a whole), and also some of the different health programs available (like longer maternity leaves on average and free screenings for breast cancer). I also learned the process of working in healthcare in Europe compared to the path in the United States.
Who wouldn’t want a glowing recommendation from a French neurosurgeon for their med school application??
5. Diverse Work Environment
And I don’t just mean diverse in the racial aspect, though that too. What I mostly mean by experience working in a diverse work environment is navigating and collaborating in a team with different values, beliefs, and culture than your own. The importance of work-life balance is SO different between countries, and a company’s culture in -for example- Japan, is going to be extremely different than someone who has worked in Peru.
Whether you end up working abroad or not, your company will be comprised of individuals from different cultures. Studying abroad is beneficial to STEM students because it forces you to build those necessary intercultural skills early on so that you are able to efficiently and productively participate in dynamic work environments. You will be able to resolve conflicts within your work with compassion and understanding.
Studying abroad is beneficial for STEM students – now what?
So now that you’re properly convinced that studying abroad is beneficial for STEM students, it’s time to prepare! Talk to your study abroad advisor to find a way to fit studying abroad into your degree timeline. And while you’re at it, it’s never too early to apply to scholarships!
And of course, prepping for your program by downloading the best phone apps for study abroad students – and honestly the best travel apps in general. If you stay ready, you never have to get ready!
Kay Kingsman is a fiction author and travel writer who prides herself on being a full-time silly goose. Along with being the first person to crip walk in Antarctica, Kay’s writing has been featured in Forbes, Insider, Fodor’s, Viator, and more.
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