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
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Indiana University | Bloomington, IN
Expected graduation May 2025
Study Abroad: University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, Scotland
Concentration in Cultural Studies
Spring semester 2024
Study abroad in a resume summary
Motivated and detail-oriented graduate with a degree in global studies and a passion for exploring diverse cultures. Successfully completed a study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain, spending six months in the country to study cross-cultural communications. Fluent in Spanish with conversational language skills in French and German.
Study abroad in a work experience section
Writing Tutor | University of Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
- Worked with students individually and in group sessions to teach English language fundamentals, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation
- Provided feedback to faculty members about students’ progress, contributing to positive outcomes for English learners
- Developed lessons and learning tools to address language concepts, adapting materials as needed to meet students’ needs
Study abroad in a skills section
- Global awareness
- Cultural sensitivity
- Mandarin language proficiency
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Resourcefulness
Ready to add your international education? Use Resume.io’s resume builder to create a resume and show off your study abroad experience!
