How to put study abroad on a resume

Studying abroad can be a great way to see the world and explore different cultures. But did you know it can also have benefits for your job search? Having this international experience on your resume can impress employers and show them you have the drive and determination to succeed. In this article, we’ll show you how to put study abroad on a resume and describe your travels.

Can you put study abroad on a resume?

Yes, you can include your study abroad experience on your resume. It’s part of your education, so it makes sense to include this information with your degree. However, you can also list your study abroad experience in other places, such as your summary, skills, or experience sections.

Listing your international studies on your resume can have many benefits. Specifically, it can help you:

• Balance limited work experience. If you’re a new college graduate who doesn’t have much work experience, you can include your international studies to boost your resume.
• Show your adaptability and independence. Studying abroad shows you can adapt to new environments and handle challenges independently, which are key skills that employers look for.
• Meet job requirements. If you want to work abroad, including your international experience can show employers you’re ready to make the move.
• Stand out from other candidates. Any details that set you apart can be an advantage, especially in a competitive industry or a tough job market.

How to list study abroad on a resume

Wondering how to add study abroad to your resume? Follow these steps:

1. Reflect on your time abroad

Before you start writing, think about your time abroad and what the experience taught you. Did you gain self-confidence? Become fluent in another language? Take a specialized course? Make a list of everything you learned during your travels. Consider what skills or experiences may grab an employer’s interest.

2. Choose where to put study abroad on your resume

You have some options about where to highlight your study abroad experience. These options include:

• The education section. Many people list a study abroad program in their education section, underneath their degree. If you put it here, include the name and location of the international school. You can also include other details, like how long you studied abroad or the courses you took.
• The resume summary. You can mention your study abroad experience in your resume summary. If you choose this option, explain why the experience makes you a great candidate for the position.
• The work experience section. If you worked abroad or completed an internship during your studies, include this experience as part of your employment history. You can also add your study abroad program as a work entry if you don’t have much other experience.
• The skills section. List the skills you gained while studying abroad. Highlight your language and cultural skills if they’re a requirement for the role.

3. Include relevant details

Think about the job you’re applying for as you decide what study abroad information to include on your resume and where to put it. Not all parts of your experience may be worth sharing with potential employers. For example, if you’re applying for a software developer job, it doesn’t make sense to discuss the film studies class you took during your year abroad.

Review the job description closely to find areas where the listed duties or requirements intersect with your international experience. For instance, if the posting asks for candidates who can adapt quickly and handle tasks independently, you can share how you navigated the challenges of living in a different country by yourself.

Study abroad resume examples

Need some more guidance on how to include study abroad on a resume? Check out these examples for inspiration:

Study abroad in an education section

Study abroad in a resume summary

Study abroad in a work experience section

Study abroad in a skills section

Ready to add your international education? Use Resume.io’s resume builder to create a resume and show off your study abroad experience!