Education Abroad Office

Why Study Abroad?

Education Abroad Office Program Learning Objectives

The Education Abroad Office is committed to global exchange, cross cultural interaction and providing a rewarding human experience. UT students experience new cultures, people and sights all while earning college credit.  The office's goals include the following:

  • Study abroad office will increase student and faculty participation in education abroad programs
  • Study abroad office will increase the number of information sessions in more accessible areas for interested students to learn more about studying abroad
  • Study abroad staff will provide students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to participate in education abroad programs and services
  • Students will rate the effects of their study abroad experience on their personal growth as a global citizen, in their major, and cultural values.

Benefits of Study Abroad

  • Earn college credit internationally while progressing toward graduation.
  • Learn about and immerse yourself in a new culture.
  • Exposure to new ideas and philosophies.
  • Master a second language.
  • Increase your self-confidence.
  • Gain independence and maturity.
  • Grow your global network of friends.
  • Enhance your resume.
  • Develop global competencies.
  • Build cross-cultural communication and analytical skills.
  • Develop the ability to adapt to new circumstances.

Study Abroad and Careers, Salaries, and Job Skills

97%

Found employment within 12 months of graduation, when only 49% of college graduates found employment in the same period. (1) A UK study supports US findings that study abroad returnees are more likely to find employment within six months. (4)

25%

Higher starting salaries: that's how much more study abroad students earn than those college graduates who do not study abroad. (1) A British study found their study abroad graduates out-earned their peers by 17%. (4) This equates to approx. $7,000 annually for US students and £3,120 for UK students. Maintaining this earning advantage translates to earning an extra $567,500 over one's career in the US. (2)

90%

Applied got into their 1st or 2nd choice grad school. (1)

84%

Believed studying abroad helped them build valuable skills for the job market. (3)

80%

Reported that study abroad allowed them to better adapt better to diverse work environments. (3)

70%

Claimed that because of study abroad they were more satisfied with their jobs. (3)

34%

Claimed that study abroad helped them choose their career field. (3)

19%

Lower unemployment rates were found among study abroad alumni according to a British study. (3)

+

A British study found the greatest increases salary earnings among study abroad alumni (compared to their peers) among seven majors: sociology, computer science, theology and religious studies, electronic and electrical engineering, and physical geographical sciences. (3)     

Study Abroad and Personality

97%

Attributed study abroad to increased maturity. (5)

96%

Claimed an increase in self-confidence attributed to study abroad. (5)

89%

Reported that study abroad facilitated a greater tolerance for ambiguity. (5)

sources

(1)  Career Benefits of Study Abroad

(2)  How Higher Education Affects Lifetime Salary

(3)  AIFS Study Abroad Outcomes

(4)  (UK) Mobile students more likely to have a job – Report

(5)  How More Study Abroad Programmes Could Benefit Society  

Last Updated: 2/12/24